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• Politics Personal Statement Examples

The following 3 personal statement examples for politics are for inspiration and guidance for students who are applying to politics at UK universities. These examples will give you a sense of the structure of personal statements for politics. Also, the tone is appropriate to use for university applications. 

Hopefully, political personal statement examples will help you write a compelling statement that will help you stand out as an applicant for a political course.

Personal Statement Examples for Politics

We are all affected by politics, and to ignore it is to be in the dark about how the world works. People have acquiesced to unjust institutions and unfair political practices because of ignorance of politics. I am interested in studying Politics so that I can gain the knowledge and analytical skills to understand the workings of the world and therefore inform the public about pervasive injustice as a foreign correspondent or political reporter.

As evidenced by my A-Level English Literature results, I have a gift for language and understanding texts. Due to my talent, I initially decided to study Literature and American Studies. Although I began these studies, I found Literature to be too detached from reality and unable to help me understand politics or fulfil my ambitions. After much reflection, I made the difficult decision to withdraw and pursue my primary interests closer to home.

My reading for American Studies, however, was very helpful in helping me gain an understanding of American politics, a subject I am looking forward to studying at university. Because of America’s unrivalled power, no one is untouched by its politics, which makes it the most important to understand all national politics. Moreover, the pace of political change and the polarisation of the parties make for fascinating reading, especially through the lens of the Huffington Post, my favourite American news outlet. Barely 2 years following Obama’s victory, Republicans are back on the offensive, winning control of Congress with the support of the ‘Tea Party movement. I’d like to learn more about how such religious grass-roots groups can coexist with established political parties in the setting of one of the world’s most secular constitutions.

In its foreign policy announcements, America sometimes uses the word democracy loosely. As well, I am interested in studying Democratic Theory to better understand how democracy has triumphed in the West and its pros and cons. I am a member of the Electoral Reform Society, which seeks to find a more representative electoral system that better reflects the wishes of voters in the UK. In reading Plato’s Republic for Philosophy A-Level, I have become aware that democracy may have deeper, intrinsic weaknesses. The anti-democracy argument of Plato has some problems, since it seems to only apply to direct democracies and assumes that philosopher-kings are apt to rule. However, his benevolent tyranny model still has appeal, which may explain why democracy has not yet reached every country, much to the chagrin of Washington.

By studying philosophy at A-Level, I have improved my argumentative skills and learned how to present clear and logical arguments. My political essays or seminars at university will benefit from this knowledge when I argue my case. On the other hand, my History A-Level has prepared me for understanding the genesis of contemporary political events through historical research skills.

Aside from school, I am preparing myself for university life and my future career by pursuing an internship at BBC Look East and volunteering for the Green Party. I plan to become very politically active at university. I’d want to join the student union and advocate for Green Party ideas. To better prepare myself for the media world, I would also like to write for and help edit a student newspaper.

I am committed to using my education and extracurricular experiences at university to not only gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of journalism, but also to cultivate compassion within myself. This increased sense of empathy will drive me to actively seek out and bring to light instances of injustice, with the ultimate goal of creating a more equitable and fair society.

Recommended for reading:

• How to Write a Personal Statement for a Masters Degree
• How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
• UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
• Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
• How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out

As someone who has been surrounded by political discussion and debate from a young age, it is no surprise that politics is a subject that I am deeply passionate about. My parents’ involvement in local council affairs sparked my interest in the subject, and I have been fortunate enough to gain valuable work experience as an intern at the Home Office in London.

During my time at the Home Office, I had the opportunity to work closely with senior officials and meet with ambassadors from various countries, including Germany, India, and the United States. These experiences only served to further fuel my ambition to pursue a degree in politics. I am particularly interested in studying the sociological context of politics and understanding how human social behaviour shapes and is shaped by a country’s political structure. I am also intrigued by the various social issues that have political significance, such as race, gender, national identity, the environment, and the impact of new technologies.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have also been active in extracurricular activities that have helped to develop my leadership and management skills. I have held several positions of responsibility, including head of the boarding house at my junior school, captain of the school netball team, and managing director of a Young Enterprise group. These experiences have taught me how to take charge and work effectively with others.

I am a hard-working and determined student with a clear set of goals and a strong commitment to achieving them. I am confident and have a strong personality, but I am also humble and aware of how much I have left to learn. My curiosity drives me to seek out new ideas and perspectives, and I am always eager to broaden my understanding of the world around me. I believe that I have the necessary qualities and drive to succeed as an undergraduate in the field of politics.

As a young person, I was deeply affected by the events of 9/11 and the London bombings, which I watched unfold on television. These events sparked my curiosity about the world and drove me to learn more about different political viewpoints. I wanted to understand why certain events happened and how they were shaped by different perspectives.

Through my A-level study of history, I have seen how minor political changes make huge impacts on the world. The story of political evolution over the past 200 years fascinates me, as it explains how and why we ended up where we are today. I have come to understand the deep-rooted connection between politics and everyday life. This is particularly evident in countries which have gained independence from Britain, as governments attempt to find their feet. The histories of relatively new nations such as Zimbabwe and Pakistan are important to look back on, to help us understand how and why they operate as they do today. In the UK, I find the story of devolution in Wales an interesting one, especially as so much of the population remains ambivalent about it.

I have always had a passion for language and have studied Welsh, French, and English at the AS level. In English, I analysed the speeches of politicians such as Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher and considered why they were effective. While studying French, we compared the political systems of France and the UK. However, the political system that interests me the most is that of the USA. The system of checks and balances is a unique and interesting model, and the role of the American president as “Leader of the Free World” is constantly evolving and impacting global society. I also find the British political system to be very intriguing and hope to gain a thorough understanding of its complexity.

I have held several leadership positions at my school, including being a form representative and perfect, and serving as a Student Ambassador. These roles have required me to communicate with my peers and present their requests to staff, which has taught me the importance of sometimes making sacrifices to achieve a goal. I have also participated in the Young Interviewer competition and represented my school at a national debating tournament at Durham University. This experience introduced me to the world of political debate and required me to work in an effective team under time pressure. This year, I made it to the national final of the Welsh Schools’ Debating Championship. Through debate, I have learned to consider different viewpoints on various political, social, and moral issues and to present my arguments. These skills have also been helpful in my written work.

I have been actively involved in politics, including participating in the local election campaign for a Conservative candidate and being a member of the Young Conservatives. I also attended a rally with David Cameron in Bristol, which gave me an understanding of the important role played by grassroots politics and the work that goes into campaigning. I am deeply interested in current affairs, both in the UK and internationally, and am particularly interested in the current coalition government and its successes and challenges. I read the Guardian and have read several political memoirs, with a particular interest in the accounts of Tony Blair and Alastair Campbell, whose experiences have had a significant impact on my understanding of politics.

I hope to fully engage with the various political societies and activities offered at the university and deepen my understanding of global politics through my studies. After completing my degree, I hope to be involved in politics in some capacity, whether through a government career or potentially as a parliamentarian.

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• Personal statement advice: politics

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Politics: less can be more

Demonstrating your understanding of and interest in studying politics is a key way of impressing tutors:

‘The most persuasive statements are those that are clearly written and which get straight to the point. Less is often more. I simply want it made clear to me that an applicant is academically interested in studying the subject at university, that they’ve done their homework, and have a sense of what the academic study of politics is actually about… that it’s not just current affairs.

The University of Bristol helpfully outlines what tutors are looking for in politics applicants on its website – you need to show evidence of:

• your engagement with the subject beyond the A level (or equivalent) syllabus
• what it is that specifically and explicitly enthuses you about the debates you engage with, the books you read, and the ideas you discuss

They would also be very interested in your reflections on any relevant volunteering or campaigning you might have done, but it’s you as an individual and your intellectual engagement with ideas that they most want to get a feel for. There's no model answer – it just needs to be unique to you. Or one other way you might stand out, in Dr Allen's view, is by speaking to an admissions tutor at an open day and following it up with an email exchange.

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Personal statement

The quality of an applicant's personal statement is very important at LSE. The School does not interview for places so this is an applicant’s only opportunity to demonstrate they are a good fit for the course. Applicants should consult the advice here, as well as advice from UCAS when preparing to complete this section of their application. 

Please note that writing a personal statement following the guidelines below does not guarantee an offer of admission. Personal statements are looked at on a comparative basis and there is a great deal of competition for places at LSE. 

LSE does not accept additional or supplementary personal statements. We can only consider the personal statement submitted via UCAS.

Writing your personal statement

We expect that your submitted Personal Statement is structured and coherent and that you fully utilise the space available on your UCAS application form. We expect that you have checked spelling, punctuation, and grammar and that your Personal Statement flows in a logical order. We expect that your Personal Statement is entirely your own original work. We reserve the right to reject your application where it has been found that a statement has significant similarities to a previous submission or has been created with the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Before you start writing, do your research

Before you start writing your personal statement, you should visit our course guides . These guides give information on the course content of each of our undergraduate programmes. 

When assessing your personal statement our Admissions Selectors will look at how well your academic interests align with the LSE course. So, for example, the Anthropology Admissions Selector is likely to prefer a statement which focuses mainly on social anthropology - which is taught at LSE - over one which suggests the applicant is very interested in biological anthropology, or a combined degree with archaeology, as these courses are not offered at the School. 

Similarly, a personal statement which shows an interest mostly in modern international history (the focus of LSE’s International History course) is likely to be more competitive than one which shows a significant interest in ancient history, as LSE does not offer any ancient history units.   

If you are applying for a range of slightly different courses, we recommend that you focus your personal statement on the areas of overlap between them, so that your statement appeals to all of your UCAS choices. It is important to note that LSE does not accept replacement or supplementary personal statements. 

What to include in your personal statement

Your personal statement should discuss for the most part your academic interest in the subject you wish to study. One way to think about the personal statement is to reflect on what we expect from LSE undergraduates: we ask them to learn about topics relevant to their course, through reading or other experiences, and then discuss the ideas they have encountered in academic essays. This is the skill we look for in the personal statement and we recommend at least 80% of your statement should be dedicated to this type of academic discussion. 

How you show your wider engagement with your subject is entirely up to you. Our Selectors look for students who can best reflect on the experiences and academic ideas they have encountered through the opportunities available to them, not those who have had the best opportunities. If you are not sure where to start, you could try listening to podcasts of LSE public events or look in the prospectus for examples of suggested reading. Remember we are interested not just in a list of what you have read/encountered, but evidence you have reflected on the academic ideas. 

To help you begin, there are several questions you could think about:

• Why have you chosen the course? What attracted you to the subject? Which aspects of the subject have interested you sufficiently to want to study it at degree level? Is there a specific area of the subject you wish to focus on? What are the big issues in the subject, and what do you find most interesting about them? What are your thoughts on these topics?
• Have you developed your subject interest outside of your school studies? For example, have you undertaken any additional reading to broaden your knowledge of the subject? Have you attended lectures or explored online material relating to the subject? What did you find interesting in your reading/in the lectures you attended and what are your thoughts on the topics covered?
• Have you gained any skills from your other school subjects that complement your application to study your chosen subject? Have you had the opportunity to undertake work experience relevant to your application? If you did, how did this experience give you a wider understanding of the topics you will study at university?
• Have you attended any schemes or activities at LSE or other universities, such as Summer Schools, Saturday Schools, LSE Choice, etc? What you have learned from these? Have they furthered your knowledge of or interest in your chosen subject?

If you are applying for deferred entry, as well as thinking about the questions listed above, you may also wish to indicate (briefly) why you are taking a gap year and what you plan to do during the year. 

If you are applying as a post-qualified student (ie, you have already received your final results), you may wish to mention briefly what you have been doing since your exams. 

Please note : You are not expected to simply answer all of the questions above; these questions are merely intended to give you some guidance as to what to think about when writing your statement. 

Extra-curricular activities

At LSE you are admitted to study a particular degree course so the majority of your personal statement − at least 80% − should focus on your academic interest in that subject. Many students like to include some details of their extra-curricular activities such as involvement in sports, the arts, volunteering or student government. As our Selectors are most interested in your academic interests, we recommend that no more than 20% of your statement is spent discussing extra-curricular activities. 

Applying to combined degree programmes

LSE offers a number of combined degree programmes. If you are applying to one of these programmes, you are advised to give equal weighting to each subject in your statement. For instance, if you are applying to our Politics and Economics degree, you must show evidence of interest in both subjects; a statement weighted towards only one aspect of the degree will be significantly less competitive.

Example of a poor personal statement

"I have always dreamed of coming to LSE since I was young. It has been a dream of mine to study at this institution, which is well renowned for its social science courses.  

I am currently studying History, English and Business and Management at Higher level and Italian, Maths and Chemistry at Standard level in the International Baccalaureate, and feel that these subjects are providing me with a solid background for university study.  

I want to study History because I want to be a world class Historian, and feel that this degree will help me. I am especially interested in Ancient History, particularly the history concerning the Roman Empire. I am fascinated by the way in which the empire was run, and the events that led to its downfall.  

"I was the captain of the school football team, and this has taught me the importance of working together as a team, and allowed me to prioritise my time between my studies and football practice. I feel that this has provided me with the experience to successfully balance my academic and social life, and I plan to continue this balance whilst at university.  

It is my dream to become an alumnus of the School, and I am sure that as I am the top student of my class, you will offer me a place."  

This brief example of a personal statement is poor. The applicant has mentioned an interest in history but they have not discussed this in depth or shown any evidence of wider engagement with the subject. Where the applicant does talk about history, the discussion is superficial and focussed on ancient history, which LSE does not offer as part of our history course. 

The applicant has specifically mentioned LSE, which is likely to be unattractive to their other choices, and has wasted space listing their International Baccalaureate subjects, which would be shown in the qualifications section. The applicant has described how a history degree will help them get the job they later want, rather than what they are looking forward to studying during the degree. 

The applicant has reflected on the transferable skills they have developed leading the football team. This is good, but it would be nice to see the same level of reflection applied to academic topics - this student has spent more time talking about football than about history. 

UCAS reference Your teacher's reference: what we're looking for

Watch this presentation LSE Admissions Specialist Paul talks about personal statements

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• Personal Statements
• Politics Personal Statement

Politics Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

Politics and its influence on world events is all too clear from following news and current affairs on TV, websites and newspapers. Even as a small child I was avidly interested in news, preferring adult news programmes such as Newsnight. The complexity of relationships between groups of people is fascinating and the way in which national governments devise and implement laws and regulations and how governments respond to international events never fails to intrigue me.

My interest in current affairs has been deepened by studying political events in history, both at GCSE and A level. I have combined history with Politics and Economics at A level and applying for a university place to study politics and economics at undergraduate level is an obvious next step for me. I look forward to being involved in debates and in learning more about the international response to the terrorist threat. The need to balance the needs of economics, cultural beliefs and international relationships is something that I would be keen to explore further.

Discussing political ideas with others who have deeper knowledge of particular events or ideologies has strengthened my knowledge and my motivation to study politics at a higher level. For the last two years I have been a member of a political debating club, which is allied to my local university and this has brought me into contact with students, postgrads and researchers and tutors. At first I listened intently and followed the debates but as my confidence has grown and as I have read more widely I now participate more, having been a speaker at two debates in the last year.

Last summer I obtained a placement to shadow some of the campaign managers for a councillor in a local election. I experienced at first hand the background work involved, from designing and printing fliers to canvassing door-to-door and attending councillor surgeries. A major feature of this was researching an application by a large company to build a wind farm development in the area. This brought into focus the need to balance the good of the community and the country as a whole (greener power generation) and the objections of the local people who were living within sight of the massive wind turbines.

My interested in economics has also developed through my part-time job as a sales assistant in a local clothes store chain. The full impact of the current recession was really brought home to me by talking to the manager of the store. Although we seemed very busy, a Saturday is much different to a quiet weekday and I saw the efforts made by the staff to promote and sell their goods to meet monthly sales targets with great difficulty.

Outside work and study, I love to play chess and have reached the finals of several national championships. I also swim regularly and have worked as a lifeguard at a swimming pool during the holidays.

I have chosen your university because it allows me to do a combined honours degree that focuses on politics and economics equally. It has also been important to choose a course that offers a wide range of modules within each subject to enable me to pursue by special interests in the role of terrorism in our modern world and its economic and social impacts. 

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10 Books Every Politics Student Should Read

20 Jan, 2024 Blog Articles , Politics Articles

Every year, dozens of Politics books flood onto the market, but only a select few stand the test of time. This list of the ten books every Politics student should read span from 375 BC to 2012 AD, covering everything from political treatises and ethical reflections to economic analyses of individual states.

Get a head start on these politics books now if you’re planning to study the subject at university! You’ll need to be able to demonstrate your interest in Politics in order to put together a successful application, so being able to chat about these titles in your personal statement could really help you to stand out! Plus, they’ll likely be required reading for any Politics-related undergraduate course. These essential reads also form part of the comprehensive curriculum at our Oxford Summer Schools , enriching your understanding before you even step into a university lecture hall.

Table of Contents

1. Plato, The Republic (c. 375 BC)

Plato was an Athenian philosopher, and one of the first Western thinkers to marry philosophy and politics. The Republic discusses the meaning and nature of justice, arguing that a ‘just’ society depends on having a good relationship between three different groups: ‘producers’ (craftsmen, farmers), ‘auxiliaries’ (soldiers) and ‘guardians’ (rulers, politicians). He addresses ethical and political concerns by trying to answer the question: ‘why do men behave justly?’ He believed that, in order to be ‘just’, men must also be ‘good’.

2. Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince (1532)

Machiavelli was an Italian politician living in Florence. The Prince marks an important break from previous trends in Western political thought, as it is based on real past experiences, rather than abstract ethical and political principles. Machiavelli aimed to reveal human nature and power structures for what they really are, by looking at the real results of men’s past actions. He controversially argues that murder and betrayal are acceptable if they lead to the attainment and retention of power. Highly unpopular with the Catholic Church, the book was dedicated to Lorenzo de Medici, the Florentine ruler, with the aim of helping him hold onto power.

3. Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan (1651)

Hobbes was an English philosopher and royalist. His Leviathan was written against a backdrop of English civil war, with parliament aiming to dethrone Charles I and establish a republic. Hobbes argues that the natural state in which humans live is anarchy, where the weakest are dominated by the strongest. He suggests that a ‘social contract’ between the people and their sovereign would remove the risk of total domination. Arguing against the divine right of kings, a long established belief that monarchs are selected by God, Hobbes instead proposes that royals hold power only because their subjects allow them to. He does not dispute the king’s absolute power, but rather suggests it is approved by the people.

4. John Locke, Second Treatise of Government (1689)

Locke wrote his Second Treatise of Government as a direct response to the political situation in England at the time. He defines political power morally; arguing that the state can and must make and enforce laws for the good of the public. Locke argues that although all people are equal in what he calls a ‘state of nature’, they must surrender some ‘natural’ freedoms upon entering society in order to be protected by common laws. Although very different to Hobbes, Locke also argues that the state only has power over the people so far as they are willing to accept it. Going further, he writes that sovereignty is firmly in the hands of the people, and they can choose to depose a state executive if it no longer works in their best interests.

5. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract (1762)

Rousseau was a French philosopher writing in the decades leading up to the French Revolution. In The Social Contract , he argues that laws are binding only when they are supported by the general will of the people, and that the people should only support those which ensure their freedom. He is critical of his contemporary states, writing that they repressed the physical and civil freedoms of the ‘common men’. Rousseau believed that legitimate political authority could only exist if it was born out of a social contract that all citizens had agreed to. His work was ground-breaking as it spoke of the ‘common man’ instead of elites. You might have already heard of this one, as the quote ‘Man is born free, but he is everywhere in chains’ is taken from The Social Contract .

6. Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America (1835)

Tocqueville was a French sociologist and political theorist. He wrote Democracy in America after his trip to the United States, where he investigated the American prison system. The book is divided into two volumes, focusing on the structures of the American government and the institutions that helped maintain freedom in the country. Tocqueville believed that equality was the greatest political and social idea of his time, and saw America as the ideal realisation of an equal country. He applauds American individualism, but is wary of the dangers its extremity, known as atomism, could bring. He argues that some kind of social hierarchy is necessary for a productive relationship with the state.

These topics are also a key part of the political science curriculum in our Oxford Summer Course , offering students deep insights into democratic principles and governance.

7. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, The Communist Manifesto (1848)

Marx and Engels were German socialist philosophers, and their Communist Manifesto would became the political treatise for socialist and communist parties in Europe, but not until the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. In this short work, they present a brief survey of history from feudalism to capitalism. They argue that capitalism must be overthrown by the workers, in an international ‘revolution of the proletariat’. Marx and Engels wanted workers to be elevated to the position of the ruling classes, and also advocated the abolition of private property.

8. John Stuart Mill, On Liberty (1859)

Mill, a British philosopher and economist, wrote On Liberty to justify the positive effects of freedom on individuals and on society as a whole. Mill believed that liberty enables social progress and avoids stagnation. On Liberty is also a defence of nonconformity; he believed that society encourages conformity, and that individual autonomy is opposite and preferable to this. He argues that society has a responsibility to develop individuals into rational, moral beings. Mill also points out that the success of individuals is directly linked to the success of the state.

9. Hannah Arendt, The Origins of Totalitarianism (1951)

Arendt was a German-Jewish intellectual who fled during the rise of the Nazis in 1933, first to France and then on to the United States. In this work, she aims to understand the origins, rather than the causes, of totalitarianism. Her analysis claims that societies after World War I were filled with resentment, and so prone to be manipulated by demagogues. Arendt believed that party politics and parliamentary government were going through a crisis of legitimacy, and the appeal of totalitarianism lay in its manipulation of the truth. Her account of the origins of totalitarianism concludes with a description of concentration and death camps in Europe, which she believed representative of totalitarian rule.

10. Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson, Why Nations Fail (2012)

M.I.T economist Acemoglu and Harvard political scientist Robinson teamed up to write Why Nations Fail . In this recent book, the two authors outline the key differences between ‘successful’ and ‘unsuccessful’ nations. They argue that nations succeed when they have ‘inclusive’ political and economic institutions that do not concentrate power and opportunity into the hands of a minority. Acemoglu and Robinson point out the links between economic and political success. To them, democracy is necessary for a successful economy, but this limits their political vision as it is difficult to export to states with different systems of government.

Next Steps for Aspiring Politics Students

• Wondering about the best career paths for politics students? Read about jobs with a degree in politics .
• Fancy taking your politics study to the next level? Check out our Politics summer courses in Oxford.
• Interested in becoming a Politician? Read our blog on How to become a Politician !

Seriously considering a career in Politics?

Take your political understanding to the next level and receive regular, expert advice from our Politics mentor on Oxbright. Plus, share experiences with like-minded students, get the edge for your university applications and build your political network!

Politics personal statement example (4) (Masters)

• Reading time: 4 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 1st July 2019
• Word count: 968 words
• File format: Text

Changes in the world make it an exciting time to study global affairs, and the London School of Economics offers an unparalleled opportunity to examine shifting social and economic arrangements across the world. The discipline of international relations provides a profound outlook on how we attempt to understand the social world. As a student of international relations, I have benefited from the study of the political forces shaping contemporary times from a global perspective.

Additionally, as a political science student, I have studied the general security concerns of the nation-state and how the domestic context of each state relates to its international relations. This has supplied me with the tools needed to evaluate the workings of world politics and how it shapes foreign policy. Possessing such critical thinking skills is highly valuable, affording a flexible method for perceiving the changing global environment and the challenges it presents to governments, businesses, and communities.

Pursuing a master’s degree is an endeavour I am undertaking to enhance my analytical skills and expand my knowledge in the field of international affairs. Through undergraduate courses and research, I have developed an interest in studying contemporary global conflicts. In particular, their formation from a historical perspective and the conditions which perpetuate them and prevent peaceful resolution. For example, the political obstacles preventing nations from engaging in constructive efforts to address climate change.

What prevents the creation of an effective transnational regulatory framework? Solving this topical issue is necessary for defining and promoting a practical strategy for mitigating global climate change. Based on the growing interdependence between states, the traditionally competitive foreign policy strategies which characterize state relations may be overcome to achieve shared goals. It is essential, therefore, to understand the conditions required to facilitate cooperative action on the part of nations.

The LSE’s specialized approach to focusing on the international system independently of domestic politics is one reason I would be well suited for this program. By comparing the domestic and international levels of policy-making, it is possible to view the differences between them. For instance, long-term policy objectives regarding ecological sustainability are generally treated as an unimportant issue in domestic politics.

However, the problem of climate change is a priority in many international forums such as the United Nations Environment Programme and the European Climate Change Programme. The research done by LSE’s Department of International Relations is designed to consider the unique dynamics of domestic and international actors and institutions.

Thinking theoretically about international politics allows for the identification of factors which drive conflicts in contemporary times. Through my undergraduate research projects, I have studied trends which are shaping social and economic structures globally. Considering the most pressing concerns in the world right now, I asked the following question. How are the greatest threats to the long-term stability of the current world order being managed and adapted to? This inquiry led me to research how governments are acting to meet the challenges of the future.

The European Union is an ideal subject to study, as it represents an innovative attempt by governments to meet changing global conditions. Specifically, I researched the policy-direction of the EU regarding its position on the international climate change agenda. I identified the EU as a focal point in my research, as it evidenced one potential direction governments may take to formulate action plans in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to catastrophic climate change. Investigating a broad issue, such as power politics , through the study of a narrower policy-area, such as the international climate change regime, is something I hope to do through graduate level research.

Academic works which initiated my interest in studying climate change included Anthony Giddens’s book ‘ The Politics of Climate Change .’ Specifically, his sociological perspective on the development of climate change as the result of choices made by nations revealed a new avenue of discourse over climate policy that I had not previously considered. By looking at the role of society and culture in shaping the domestic sphere in which policy is debated, I came to appreciate the role international organizations play in bringing the issue of global climate change to citizens.

By looking at how the international, national and local levels interact around an issue is essential for identifying the factors which prevent a comprehensive approach to tackling climate change.

At the LSE, I hope to develop my research interests while benefiting from the insights of other disciplines. The diversity of research specialties in the Department of International Relations makes it clear that LSE is the best university for me to continue my post-graduate studies.

Combining insights from other fields is something I have benefited from immensely. As a global security risk analyst for a multinational software company, I learned about the ways data technologies are being used to inform business strategies. Using metrics to show trends makes it possible to identify changes in the world and to see them as part of a larger pattern. Learning about how various actors operating in a global environment use technology to think strategically in an increasingly complicated environment has been valuable training for my future academic research and career.

The LSE stands out as a truly international institution. The intellectual diversity of faculty within the international affairs department makes it an ideal place for me to study the evolving world. Also, the overall prestige of the university gives it ties to the nonacademic world, drawing policy-makers and activists from around the world to share their insights with the student body. Engaging with the outside world during my studies is something that I aspire to do. By doing so, I hope my academics and research will prepare me to form new and innovative ideas on current policy-debates and overall, help me to better understand and respond to the dynamic global environment.

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Books for Politics Personal Statement

I want to study politics and sociology at uni but I only did a-level sociology and I am not sure what books to read that are about politics. Can someone suggest something?

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/read-bidens-full-letter-announcing-the-end-of-his-2024-reelection-bid

Read Biden’s full letter announcing the end of his 2024 reelection bid

President Joe Biden announced he’s dropping out of the 2024 presidential race , following mounting calls from Democrats in recent weeks.

READ MORE: What political leaders have said about Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid

The president faced pressure to exit the race amid concerns about his age and ability to win in November after his disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump in Atlanta last month.

Read the full letter here.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden said in a letter released on Sunday. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Delegates are set to vote for their nominee in a virtual roll call on Aug. 7, weeks before the Democratic National Convention begins on Aug. 19 in Chicago. In a social media post following his initial letter, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement at the top of the Democratic ticket.

Find more coverage

• What to know as Biden drops out of the 2024 presidential race and endorses Harris
• Judy Woodruff reflects on the historical context of Biden ending his campaign
• A look ahead at election laws as the Democratic Party picks a new nominee
• Biden ends his 2024 reelection bid and endorses Harris as his replacement to lead the ticket
• Here’s what could happen next as Biden drops out and endorses Harris in the 2024 race
• Harris could become first woman, second Black American to be president
• What political leaders have said about Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid

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Politics personal statement example 8.

Since I began my A/S politics course, I have become aware of the power and the influence government and politics has throughout the democratic world. As a subject it has kept me gripped for the year I have been doing it and has already grabbed my attention this year. I have already seen that across the world there are little or no places that are not heavily influenced by politics. When we see world events such as acts of terrorism, it is impossible to overlook something as important as politics.

The subject area I am particularly interested in within Politics is International Relations with the topic of Europe being one that I find fascinating. What I find most intriguing about Europe and the European Union is the effect it has had upon the United Kingdom government without actually having massive political influence (with the exception of the E.U law introduced to the U.K constitution upon joining the union) because of Britain's reluctance to join the “Euro-zone”. I also believe that understanding International Relations is vital to every person as it forms the basis of the world we live in today and the subject constantly moves in accordance to changing political climate.

I have also enjoyed studying the UK and US political systems whilst studying A level government and politics. It has helped understand two of the most complex and influential political institutions in the world. Learning about democracy was something that particularly gripped me. I am a strong believer in forms of proportional election and believe that they are a key to maintaining democracy.

A strong belief of mine is that everybody should keep up to date with recent events in politics and to an extent take into account peoples different political ideologies. I keep up to date with recent political events and take in different political points of view by regularly buying a daily newspaper and purchasing a copy of a political commentary magazine such as the spectator on a regular basis. This enables me to see what is happening within the world of politics and to see what different people's opinions are on political and world issues. I have recently finished reading two political books that offered me an insight in to the lives of modern politicians. One was “Have I got views for you” by Conservative MP Boris Johnson, although the book has a rather tongue in cheek approach to politics; it still gives the reader a look “inside” the conservative party and the mind of a politician. Furthermore I have recently finished reading “The Blair Years: Extracts from the Alistair Campbell Diaries” by Alistair Campbell. This gave me an in-depth look at the running of the Labour Party during a time of change in not only the party itself but British Politics as well. The book particularly focuses heavily upon “Spin” in UK politics which is another of my favourite subject areas within Politics.

I have visited parliament on three occasions in the last year and have seen talks by Liberal Democrat MP, Lembit Opik, Respect MP, George Galloway and have also sat in the viewing gallery in the House of Commons for Prime Minister's question time at the beginning of Gordon Brown's term as prime minister. However, it has not been these talks that I have enjoyed most but a student-mp debate held between students from 3 different schools (mine included) and Jo Swinson MP, who is the youngest MP in UK parliament and had a lot of strong views on youth issues. Furthermore, the local MP for the constituency I live in (Charles Hendry MP), has visited the college I attend on two occasions in the last year. During these visits the A/S and A2 politics classes were given an hour talk with him about what ever issues we chose. I found this to be informative and gave me a good account of the Conservative Parties ideologies and policy. During my A/S course I also visited a Politics conference in London where seminars and lectures were held by MP's, Political commentators and members of highly influential pressure groups. This was a good experience for me to have as it gave me a chance to hear other young people's views on UK and European politics and hear people's different political thoughts on many pressing and key issues.

During my study of A/S politics I participated in two, Model United Nations General Assemblies (MUNGA), were I “represented” Ethiopia and Palestine. These days gave me a feel of what it is like in the United Nations and also boosted my political knowledge with facts on different countries political circumstances. I had to conduct research on the situations in both Ethiopia and Palestine and then as a group we had to “address” the assembly with our allocated countries political views and speak about the troubles both countries were having, Civil War in Ethiopia and War with Israel in Palestine. These days enabled me to talk to many different government and politics students within the south east. I found this to be helpful as it made me understand what other young people believe about the current system in the UK and the rest of the world and also gave me increased faith that young people in the country have strong political beliefs. I believe the skills I have gained from the MUNGA's have given me practice in expressing political opinion both confidently and effectively and I look forward to using these communication skills at University. Furthermore, during my GCSE year I obtained a C grade at A/S level Critical Thinking which has helped me put across arguments coherently and intellectually.

Outside of College in enjoy an active social life and would definitely contribute to university life. Furthermore I currently work 11 hours a week in a supermarket as well as attending college full-time to study for my A levels. This has given me a sense of financial independence and helps me manage more independently as I approach an age were independence is key.

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Inside the Weekend When Biden Decided to Withdraw

President Biden did not tell most of his staff until a minute before making his announcement to the world on social media on Sunday. Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Mr. Biden went on to endorse, also learned of his decision on Sunday.

• Share full article

By Katie Rogers ,  Michael D. Shear ,  Peter Baker and Zolan Kanno-Youngs

Katie Rogers, Michael D. Shear and Peter Baker reported from Washington. Zolan Kanno-Youngs reported from Rehoboth, Del.

• July 21, 2024

“I need you and Mike at the house,” President Biden said late Saturday afternoon.

Mr. Biden was on the phone from his vacation home in Rehoboth, Del., with Steve Ricchetti, a counselor to the president and one of his closest advisers. He was referring to Mike Donilon, his chief strategist and longtime speechwriter. Soon, both men were in Rehoboth, socially distanced from the president, who was recovering from Covid.

From that afternoon and far into the night, the three worked on one of the most important and historic letters of Mr. Biden’s presidency — the announcement of his decision to withdraw from his re-election campaign after top Democrats, donors, close allies and friends had pressured him relentlessly to get out.

He would not tell most of his staff until a minute before making the historic announcement to the world on social media on Sunday. Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Mr. Biden went on to endorse, spoke to him earlier on Sunday morning, as did Jeff Zients, his chief of staff, and Jen O’Malley Dillon, his campaign chair. A handful of senior advisers at the White House heard directly from the president on a Zoom call. Others in the West Wing learned when they saw it pop on social media.

“I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down,” he wrote, “and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

The concession was stunning, and discordant with the steady drumbeat of furious denials in the past few days from Mr. Biden’s campaign. It underscored how the president has kept information tightly controlled among a tiny circle of friends, longtime advisers and family members — something that has been true throughout his presidency, but especially during the crisis that has engulfed him since last month’s debate.

From the time the president arrived in Delaware with Covid late Wednesday night, telling reporters “I am doing well,” there have been two political realities: One was a sprawling campaign infrastructure on autopilot, determined to march ahead by continuing to champion Mr. Biden. The other was playing out inside the 6,850-square-foot home with a sign over the front door paying tribute to the president’s son who died in 2015: “Beau’s gift.”

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Politics and I/R Personal Statement

Coming from a developing country to an advanced world at fifteen made a big impact on how I see the world. My attention was drawn to dissimilarities of welfare, social peace and economic growth. I read once how Mexico is happier even though it has a lower GDP than the UK, and this contrast has made me want to understand more about the correlation of soft measures like satisfaction with hard measures like wealth. I find it fascinating how such factors can diverge, producing unpredictable and, indeed, volatile outcomes. This has encouraged me to look for solutions to the many economic problems we currently face.

My A-Level choices have proved to be very rewarding, especially Economics as it has not only taught me how economies function but also how the world is governed. I find it fascinating how it is applicable and relatable to everything from prehistoric societies to our own. Spanish has taken my learning to another dimension as part of the course relates to key topics in my other subjects such as immigration, as most financial disputes these days are related to it. It has also developed a range and sophistication in my arguments and ideas.

Taking Business Studies for A-Level was a natural decision for me. Watching the American version of ‘The Apprentice’ every week at the age of 9 provoked my interest. Something about Donald Trump’s ambition to create an empire to my young eyes gave a first insight as to how some industries might succeed and how others might fail depending on not only strategy but passion and determination.

But having the opportunity to travel to Asia, Europe and America was what gave me an insight into the reality of countries and not merely how the media portrays them. The contrasts I perceived between Europe and Latin America compelled me to explore the different factors that drive both economies. This broadened my perspective on culture, and in particular the way economies evolve and the role business and politics play in that change. This was reflected while I was at school debates such as TECMUN (Tec Model United Nations) as we analysed differences between conditions in developing countries and long established economies.

After I moved to England, I realised how corrupt societies could be as I was able to comprehend the practices in business and politics that comply legally but fall short of moral ideals. I began to read ‘The Economist’ but it was ‘Nudge’ by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein that revealed the barrage of corporate influence steering consumer choice – how we are all unconsciously ‘Nudged’. The link to politics was now clear: the Private Sector and the Government incentivise us indirectly and directly by using small factors. Societies are different, and it makes me interested in finding a way of helping people, communities and societies to become stable and sustainable.

During the summer I gained valuable experience by working in a business-coaching firm as a marketing assistant. This involved many tasks such as generating leads and attracting consumers and key knowledge I had gained in business studies I now saw work successfully.

In my spare time I compete in triathlons, which I not only enjoy, but give me strength and confidence in my daily life. These competitions have also given me greater self-motivation and discipline. I also enjoy reading books such as ‘The Undercover Economist’, ‘Velocity’ and ‘The Goal’. These introduced me to a new perception of daily life and reasoning. But what left me perplexed was ‘Start With Why’ by Simon Sinek as it triggered my passion as it gave answers to my questions but also showed me how to ask the right ones. This threw me into a spiral of why’s and how’s and I look forward to finding an answer in my further study at university.

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Politics latest: Tory leadership hopeful 'has already blown up' campaign

A former Conservative Party candidate has said Suella Braverman has "blown up" her campaign for the Tory leadership "before it's even started". Meanwhile, the chancellor has said she will make the sums "add up" on public pay rises.

Sunday 21 July 2024 16:01, UK

• General Election 2024

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• Chancellor says she will make sums 'add up' on public pay rises
• Suella Braverman 'has already blown up' Tory leadership campaign
• Rob Powell: Keeping schtum on spending no longer an option for Labour
• Hunt defends accusations he mismanaged economy
• Immigration crackdown on car washes and nail bars promised
• New MP discusses being groomed and giving birth at 15

We're ending our live coverage in the Politics Hub for today.

Be sure to join us again tomorrow for the latest updates in politics as they happen.

By Adam Boulton , Sky News commentator

The so-called "special relationship" between the UK and the US is acted out in the level of cooperation between the two governments and personified in the relationship between the presidents and prime ministers of the day.

Voters have thrown together some odd couples since 1946, when then ex-prime minister Sir Winston Churchill coined the phrase into diplomatic usage in a celebrated speech delivered in Fulton, Missouri.

At first glance no special relationship could be stranger than that made up of the newly elected Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Donald J Trump, who looks on course to be re-elected to the White House in November.

Left of centre Labour and populist right-wing Americans make strange bedfellows.

Undaunted, the British side is already flirting with intent. Perhaps the two leaderships may fit together more closely than expected.

In spite of his jibe or joke about the UK becoming the first Islamist state with a nuclear weapon, JD Vance, the newly nominated vice-presidential candidate, may help consummate the relationship rather than hinder it.

Inevitably, and ironically, renewed US-UK intimacy will complicate the other special relationship which the new British government is trying to rekindle with the European Union. That is a matter for discussion elsewhere.

Read Adam's full essay below:

This year's Olympics are set to kick off on Friday in Paris.

Ahead of this, the prime minister has sent his well-wishes to Team GB.

In a letter posted to social media, Sir Keir Starmer wrote: "You have worked so hard to prepare for this moment. 

"I know you have put in thousands of hours in training and braced many a cold dark morning over long winters, when the bright lights of the stadium and the eyes of the world will have felt very far away.

"So I want to thank you as well as your families, coaches and support teams for all the efforts you have made. And I want you to know that the whole country is already so proud of you."

He called the athletes "inspirational" and said they would be "uniting people of different backgrounds, different experiences, and different generations".

A few days ago, the UK's official COVID inquiry published its first report on the government's response to the pandemic.

It found the government had "failed" the public because of "significant flaws" in preparing for a pandemic.

Jeremy Hunt, who was health secretary between 2012 and 2018, spoke to the BBC this morning.

He conceded that he was "part of a groupthink where we over-prepared for pandemic flu, we didn't think about other types of pandemic".

He told the BBC: "I apologise unreservedly to the families. 

"That was the most terrible tragedy, what happened to this country during COVID."

You can read more about the inquiry's response below:

By Tomos Evans , Wales reporter

Vaughan Gething's former leadership rival Jeremy Miles has said he will not be standing in the race to succeed Wales's outgoing first minister.

Mr Miles lost out to Mr Gething in March and had been widely expected to stand again.

But he has instead given his backing to Welsh health secretary Eluned Morgan.

Mr Miles was economy secretary in Mr Gething's cabinet until he, along with three other ministers, resigned from the government last Tuesday, calling for him to go.

Later that day, Mr Gething announced he would step down as first minister.

Labour's Welsh executive committee met on Saturday to discuss the leadership election.

Senedd members will have until midday on Wednesday to nominate candidates.

Read the full story here:

Voters want a party that "isn't going to fight like cats in a sack", a prominent Tory has said as he warned against "blue-on-blue" attacks in the upcoming leadership contest and urged "civility".

Tees Valley mayor Lord Houchen also told the Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme a pact with Nigel Farage's Reform party would be "madness".

He made the call after former home secretary Suella Braverman, who is believed to be preparing a leadership bid to replace Rishi Sunak, said the Conservatives risked becoming "centrist cranks".

She has suggested the Tories should find an "accommodation" with Reform and welcome Mr Farage into the party following the disastrous election result that saw Labour win a landslide.

Mrs Braverman has proved a divisive figure within Conservative ranks, angering many with her intervention ahead of polling day where she declared the contest "over".

Lord Houchen said the party had "lost its way" in recent years and stressed the need to reconnect with the public.

Read the full story below:

A Treasury minister has said there is a cost to not striking a deal on public sector pay in the face of reported proposals for inflation-busting wage hikes costing billions of pounds.

Speaking on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, James Murray insisted the Labour government's fiscal rules were "non-negotiable" as he refused to be drawn on whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves would meet the floated increase of 5.5% recommended by independent pay review bodies.

The proposed above-inflation increase for teachers and around 1.3 million NHS staff, reported by The Times, is well above the figure the government is thought to have been preparing for, costing in the region of £3bn.

Sir Keir Starmer's government could need up to £10bn to cover such a pay increase if all public sector workers were given the 5.5% rise, according to economists.

At present, the government is believed to have budgeted for an increase of somewhere between 1% and 3%, with inflation currently at 2%.

An increased pay rise could pose a significant challenge for the chancellor's first budget, which is likely to come in the autumn.

Labour had promised to control borrowing and ruled out a string of tax rises during the election campaign.

Schools and hospitals are unlikely to be able to meet the 5.5% pay rise from their existing budgets without making cuts elsewhere.

Labour's Emily Thornberry, who was snubbed for a cabinet role by Sir Keir Starmer, is running to be chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, she has told Sky's Electoral Dysfunction podcast.

Ms Thornberry, who served as shadow attorney general when Labour was in opposition, told political editor Beth Rigby she was "very sad" and "disappointed" not to get a government role because she wanted to part of the "great project" of a Labour government.

But she said she would instead run as a chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, a prestigious role in parliament.

She told Rigby: "I think if I was elected by the whole House to do that, that would be a fantastic job to do."

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Reflecting on her previous experience in opposition, where she has served in the roles of shadow foreign secretary, shadow defence secretary and shadow international trade secretary, she said: "I hope I've got kind of quite a lot of experience of that relevant stuff.

"And I've never been a chair, I've never been a chair of a select committee, and I haven't been on a select committee obviously for a long time because I've been on the [front]bench for more than a decade. But it'll be something new."

When he appointed his cabinet shortly after his election landslide, Sir Keir chose Richard Hermer KC, a former barrister at Matrix Chambers, as attorney general.

Ben Zaranko, an economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, has explained in a bit of detail how the government could afford the estimated £10bn it may need to give a pay rise to the public sector.

This is based on reporting that the raise suggested by independent bodies will be about 5.5%.

Mr Zaranko says the current spending plans take into account a rise of only around 2%.

The money to fund the discrepancy could be found from higher taxes, higher borrowing or cuts to something else - "but it's going to be difficult".

The economist reckons we'll see Chancellor Rachel Reeves employ a "blame game" to lay the state of the economy at the feet of the Conservatives.

Mr Zaranko says: "I think eventually the scale of the challenge facing public services and the funding gap means eventually they might have to look at broader revenue-raising measures, or else maybe cutting back on some of the other things that the state does that they view it no longer needs to do."

He says Labour could borrow more money, but he says it's hard to do so with the current fiscal rules created by the last government.

It is possible these rules could be changed in order to borrow money to spend on infrastructure and create growth, but "I think that they are nervous about maybe the markets, how they would react", Mr Zaranko adds.

There is some "wiggle room" to find a "few extra billion here and there" in playing around with the numbers in the Treasury, but "ultimately they have boxed themselves in" by ruling out a series of tax rises in the campaign.

We'll find out more later this week, when Ms Reeves gives a speech in parliament on the state of the finances.

The story of the Starmer government will be shaped by the tension between the change it promised in opposition and the lack of cash available to achieve it.

We can now see the first couple of chapters in this tale – public sector pay and benefits.

The indications this weekend are that the chancellor will acquiesce to a reported above-inflation pay rise for many public sector workers.

To not do so would risk a fresh wave of strikes - a bad look for the first few months of a Labour administration.

But that means an immediate multi-billion-pound bill for Rachel Reeves to foot.

Her "iron-clad" fiscal rules mean that can't come from borrowing and the mooted revenues from future economic growth won't arrive in time for this pay round.

This leaves her with two levers to pull – one marked spending cuts and one marked tax rises.

We may get an indication of the approach in the coming 10 days when the chancellor comes to the Commons to lay out the broader state of public finances and how pay deals fit into that.

On benefits - and specifically the two-child cap - the government has reason to feel it's on a steadier footing.

Sir Keir Starmer is insulated from much political damage by his huge majority and may feel less inclined to change course given polling suggesting the policy is more popular with the public than it is with parliamentarians.

But these tussles are just a taste of what's to come.

This autumn will bring a spending review that will fully expose the grisly gulf between what departments need and what is available.

The flashpoints this will throw up are daunting: defence, health, social care, councils, pensions - the list goes on.

Throughout the election campaign, both parties were accused of simply not being straight about how little money was washing around Whitehall to fund public services.

Economists called it a conspiracy of silence.

Now in power, keeping schtum is simply not an option for Labour.

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