Field
Humanities
The LSEUPR Annual Essay Competition is an excellent opportunity for high-school students interested in political theory, international relations, and global affairs.
As the competition emphasises clarity, analytical depth, and strong academic argumentation, the process can feel demanding, but understanding their expectations makes it far easier to prepare a competitive submission. This guide breaks everything down simply.
What Kind of Work Can You Submit?
Students must submit an original academic essay responding to one of the official prompts for that year. The 2025 prompts were:
Antonio Gramsci famously articulated that the presence of cultural hegemony produces a group he called “the subaltern,” i.e., those without access to political power or representation. In today’s world, where the media often reinforces dominant ideologies, to what extent can the subaltern break free from the hegemonic power in everyday life?
To Machiavelli, the end justifies the means. Is political morality distinct from private morality?
Do voters primarily act rationally, or are they guided more by identity and/or emotion?
Is the United Nations still fit for purpose in the 21st century?
Can non-democratic states provide global leadership in the 21st century?
Is economic sovereignty possible in an age of global markets and supply chains?
Essays should take a clear stance, apply relevant theory, and connect arguments to real-world political dynamics.
Eligibility
The competition is open to students in Years 12 or 13, or international equivalents such as A-levels or the IB. Students from any country may participate. Entries must be submitted individually (no co-authorship), and only one submission per student is permitted. All essays must be original, unpublished, and not under review elsewhere.
Prizes
1st Place: £100 Amazon voucher + certificate signed by the Head of the LSE Department of Government + essay published on the LSEUPR Blog + invitation to present at the LSEUPR Annual Conference
2nd Place: £50 Amazon voucher + certificate + essay published on the LSEUPR Blog
3rd Place: £25 Amazon voucher + certificate + essay published on the LSEUPR Blog
Publication Fee
There is no publication fee for participation in the competition. All shortlisted and prize-winning essays that appear on the LSEUPR Blog are published free of charge.
Submission Process
All essays must be submitted through the online form for that year. Students must provide their full name, school, country, contact email, selected question, uploaded essay (.docx or .pdf), and a statement confirming originality. A confirmation email is sent upon successful submission. Late submissions or plagiarised work will be disqualified.
Review Timeline
Submissions for the 2025 edition closed on November 10. All essays are reviewed by the LSEUPR Editorial Board, and results are announced in January.
RISE Tips for Getting Accepted
Based on strong entries reviewed by RISE, competitive LSEUPR essays typically demonstrate:
A clear argumentative stance that directly engages with the chosen question
Strong use of political theorists and accurate application of their ideas
Balanced integration of theory and empirical examples
Critical evaluation and positioning within existing debates
Logical flow between theoretical framing, evidence, and original analysis
Intellectual nuance and awareness of limitations
A cohesive, persuasive narrative rather than disconnected points
Sample Papers
Students can explore previous winning essays here to understand expected tone, structure, and argumentation style. These samples also illustrate the use of theory, evidence, and academic referencing in successful submissions. Read the 2024 1st place essay here,
RISE Research Program
If you’re a high school student aiming for competitive journals, RISE Research gives you the chance to work one-on-one with mentors from leading universities worldwide. With individualised guidance and support in building independent research projects, students often produce high-quality work suitable for top publications, while also developing a strong academic profile. The program is flexible, accessible globally, and open for applications throughout the year. To explore eligibility, pricing, and how to begin, visit the RISE Research website and take the next step in your academic journey!
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