Category: Politics

David Hume celebrated the wisdom of “unlettered men”. In a democracy, do the votes of unlettered men tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of the lettered or do the votes of the lettered tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of unlettered men?

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Paarshva (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Paarshva wrote this essay for entry into the annual John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize. Paarshva explores the debate between the political wisdom of the 'lettered'—those with formal education and theoretical knowledge—and the 'unlettered'—those with experiential, practical knowledge. It examines whether the collective judgment of the unlettered … Continue reading David Hume celebrated the wisdom of “unlettered men”. In a democracy, do the votes of unlettered men tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of the lettered or do the votes of the lettered tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of unlettered men?

‘Millions in Africa are poorer today because of aid; misery and poverty have not ended but increased’ (DAMBISA MOYO). What do you think?

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Hannah (Year 12) Editor's note: Hannah wrote this essay during her time in Year 12 at GSAL. It was entered into the annual Minds Underground Essay Competition. Hannah is now studying Geography at the University of Durham. CPD Dambisa Moyo argues in her book ‘Dead Aid’ (Moyo, 2010), that foreign aid has failed to promote … Continue reading ‘Millions in Africa are poorer today because of aid; misery and poverty have not ended but increased’ (DAMBISA MOYO). What do you think?

What are the drivers of the global moves away from free trade and how should the UK respond?

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Tehan (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Tehan, now in Year 13, wrote this essay for submission to the FCDO Next Generation Economics 2025 competition. They chose to answer the question: While free trade has been the dominant view in the last decades, protectionist policies are on the rise. What are the drivers of … Continue reading What are the drivers of the global moves away from free trade and how should the UK respond?

Does free trade actually benefit economies of developing nations?

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Rahul (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Rahul, now in Year 13, wrote this essay on free trade - little did he know how relevant it would be at the time of publication in May 2025, with Trump's tariffs and global trade arguably at a crossroads! CPD The impact of free trade on developing … Continue reading Does free trade actually benefit economies of developing nations?

What were the most significant influences from the Romans or the Roman Empire on modern political systems?

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Angela (Year 9 Student) Editor's note: This carefully researched and well-written essay was submitted to the annual Perse Aristotelian Award Essay Competition. CPD "In the end, the Roman Empire was not just a land of marble columns and emperors, but a living testament to the virtues of law, citizenship, and governance that would shape nations … Continue reading What were the most significant influences from the Romans or the Roman Empire on modern political systems?

Is a world without borders possible, and should it be pursued?

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Francis (Year 7) Editor's note: This essay was recently entered into the Minds Underground: Young Minds Essay Competition. CPD In my personal view, it is highly unlikely that world-leaders would co-operate to such a high standard that such a utopia is achievable, I can explain this belief in two issues that lie in contemporary politics. … Continue reading Is a world without borders possible, and should it be pursued?

The History of Men’s Opposition to Women’s Emancipation: An Essay

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“The history of men's opposition to women's emancipation is more interesting perhaps than the story of that emancipation itself”.  Analyse the role and responsibility of men in combatting gender inequality in a specific place and historical period. Emily B - Year 12 Editor's Note: Year 12 Student, Emily B, discusses the role of the male population, … Continue reading The History of Men’s Opposition to Women’s Emancipation: An Essay

‘Does the public expect too much of UK politicians?’

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Imogen - Year 12 Student Editor's note: This insightful essay written by talented student Imogen, now in Year 13, was shortlisted for the Political Studies Association Student Blog Competition 2020. Students from across the UK were invited to write 500-600 words on 'Does the public expect too much of UK Politicians?' Students were required to demonstrate … Continue reading ‘Does the public expect too much of UK politicians?’