Main determinants of Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s

What do you consider the main determinants of Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s?

ANSWER VERSION ONE

Since Nigeria gained independence in the 1960s, its foreign policy has been shaped by a variety of internal and external factors. Some of the main determinants of Nigeria’s foreign policy during this period include:

  1. Economic considerations: Nigeria’s foreign policy has been heavily influenced by its economic interests, particularly its desire to increase trade and investment with other countries. This has led to the establishment of economic partnerships and agreements with other countries and regions, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).
  2. Regional leadership aspirations: Nigeria has sought to establish itself as a regional leader in Africa, particularly in West Africa. This has led to Nigeria’s involvement in various regional organizations and initiatives, such as ECOWAS and the African Union, and its promotion of regional peace and security.
  3. Ideological considerations: Nigeria’s foreign policy has been influenced by its ideological orientation, particularly during the Cold War era when it aligned itself with the non-aligned movement. Nigeria has also been an advocate for African unity and independence, and has played a leading role in various pan-African initiatives and organizations.
  4. Domestic politics: Nigeria’s foreign policy has been shaped by its domestic political dynamics, including ethnic and regional tensions, and military coups. For example, the country’s foreign policy underwent significant changes during the military regimes of the 1980s and 1990s, which were characterized by a more inward-looking approach and a focus on regional security.
  5. International pressures: Nigeria’s foreign policy has been influenced by external pressures, including pressures from other countries, international organizations, and global events. For example, Nigeria’s decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth in 1995 was influenced by international pressure over its human rights record.

Overall, Nigeria’s foreign policy has been shaped by a complex interplay of internal and external factors, including economic interests, regional leadership aspirations, ideological considerations, domestic politics, and international pressures.

Main determinants of Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s

ANSWER VERSION TWO

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, gained its independence in 1960 and since then, its foreign policy has been shaped by a variety of internal and external factors. Nigeria’s foreign policy has been driven by a complex set of determinants, including economic considerations, regional leadership aspirations, ideological considerations, domestic politics, and international pressures. This essay will explore each of these factors in detail, with reference to relevant literature and sources.

Economic considerations have been a primary driver of Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s. Nigeria is one of the largest economies in Africa and has sought to increase its economic ties with other countries. This has led to the establishment of economic partnerships and agreements with other countries and regions, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). Nigeria has also been active in promoting regional economic integration through initiatives such as the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) and the proposed African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Nigeria’s foreign policy has been driven by a desire to enhance its economic development and secure its energy resources.

Regional leadership aspirations have also been a significant factor in Nigeria’s foreign policy. Nigeria has sought to establish itself as a regional leader in Africa, particularly in West Africa. Nigeria has played a leading role in various pan-African initiatives and organizations, such as the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the African Union (AU). Nigeria has also been an active participant in the regional security architecture, including the Multinational Joint Task Force against Boko Haram. Nigeria has been driven by its desire to promote regional peace and security and to assert its leadership position in the region.

Ideological considerations have also played a role in Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s. Nigeria has been an advocate for African unity and independence, and has promoted the non-aligned movement. During the Cold War era, Nigeria aligned itself with the non-aligned movement and supported the liberation movements in southern Africa. Nigeria’s foreign policy has also been influenced by its commitment to human rights and democratic principles, particularly in its engagement with the Commonwealth of Nations.

Domestic politics have also shaped Nigeria’s foreign policy. Ethnic and regional tensions have influenced the country’s foreign policy decisions. For example, the 1967-1970 civil war in Nigeria, which was fought along ethnic lines, led to Nigeria’s decision to adopt a non-interventionist foreign policy. Nigeria’s foreign policy underwent significant changes during the military regimes of the 1980s and 1990s, which were characterized by a more inward-looking approach and a focus on regional security. Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 marked a shift towards a more active foreign policy, which sought to enhance Nigeria’s global status.

Finally, international pressures have also influenced Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s. For example, Nigeria’s decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth in 1995 was influenced by international pressure over its human rights record. Nigeria has also been subject to international pressure over its handling of the Boko Haram insurgency and its response to the crisis in the Niger Delta. Nigeria’s foreign policy has been shaped by its engagement with international organizations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the African Union.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s foreign policy since the 1960s has been shaped by a complex interplay of internal and external factors, including economic interests, regional leadership aspirations, ideological considerations, domestic politics, and international pressures. These factors have driven Nigeria’s engagement with the international community, its regional leadership role, and its commitment to global issues. Nigeria’s foreign policy has evolved over time, responding to changes in the domestic and international landscape. The country’s foreign policy will continue to be shaped by these determinants

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