AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY ON GLOBALIZATION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON NIGERIA FOREIGN POLICY FROM 2010 – 2023

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The worldwide scene has seen a dramatic transformation as a result of globalization, a complex phenomenon defined by the growing interconnection and interdependence of the economies, cultures, and inhabitants of the world. This process has made it easier for people, capital, information, and things to move across international borders. It is fueled by developments in communication, transportation, and technology. Globalization has created many chances for economic development and progress, but it has also presented difficulties, especially for developing nations like Nigeria. Globalization has a significant impact on national affairs, including foreign policy (Oforle & Maduekwe, 2018), which calls for in-depth investigation.

In the twenty-first century, globalization has taken center stage in determining foreign policy and international relations. The growing interdependence of the economies, civilizations, and cultures around the globe has presented new chances as well as difficulties for states (Ghasemi). Nigeria, a significant force in African politics and the continent's economy, has not been exempt from the effects of globalization. Nigeria, the most populated nation and economic power in Africa, has an international policy that reflects its goals, regional interests, and involvement in the world. Nigeria sought to make a statement about its impact in both regional and global issues after obtaining independence in 1960. Numerous variables, like domestic politics, colonial legacies, economic imperatives, and security concerns, have influenced its foreign policy. Nigeria's foreign policy has changed over time to suit shifting global and internal circumstances (Chivvis, etal, 2023).

Nigeria has experienced major regional and international issues since 2010, which have affected its foreign policy. The nation has had to negotiate the challenges posed by globalization, such as the emergence of new powers, the growing significance of non-state players, and the expanding sway of international organizations. Nigeria has long prioritized advancing African integration, keeping cordial ties with the West, and reaffirming its leadership position in regional institutions as its key foreign policy goals. But the nation's foreign policy has come under fire for being haphazard, erratic, and visionless. Globalization has had a major impact on Nigeria's politics, society, and economy (Chivvis, etal, 2023). Nigeria's economy has adapted to the global marketplace, with it importing a wide range of goods and services and exporting gas and oil. While economic integration has boosted the economy, it has also made people more susceptible to changes in the world market. Globalization has impacted Nigeria's governance and human rights practices politically by exposing it to foreign norms and pressures. In terms of society, globalization has promoted cross-cultural interactions but has also given rise to worries about identity and cultural eroding (Saratu, 2023)

Significant regional and worldwide events occurred during this time (2010-2023), such as the Arab Spring, the emergence of new superpowers, an upsurge in terrorism and insurgencies in the Sahel, and changes in the balance of global economic power. During this time, Nigeria's foreign policy was characterized by initiatives to tackle these issues while optimizing chances for economic expansion and advancement. Nigeria's foreign policy featured strategic alliances with powerful nations, strong engagement in international institutions, and regional leadership in West Africa (Saratu, 2023). Significant changes in Nigeria's foreign policy have occurred between 2010 and 2023, including the increase of terrorism, the emergence of new global powers, and the growing significance of economic diplomacy. Through an examination of the opportunities and constraints that have molded Nigeria's international relations, this study seeks to understand how globalization has affected the country's foreign policy throughout this time.

1.2 Statement of the Problem 

Globalization, which is defined as a rise in the interconnection and interdependence of states, has had a profound effect on international relations strategies. The most populous and economically significant nation in Africa, Nigeria, has not been exempt from these changes in the world. Globalization has impacted Nigeria's foreign policy from 2010 to 2023, forming its diplomatic relations, cultural outreach, and economic plans. Globalization has brought Nigeria chances to strengthen its standing internationally and its economic resiliency, but it has also brought difficulties that need to be carefully navigated. Sustainable and successful foreign policy for Nigeria would depend on striking a balance between the advantages of globalization and the necessity to address its drawbacks as the country keeps up its interactions with the outside world.

The international system has undergone a fundamental transformation as a result of globalization, posing both opportunities and problems for all countries. Globalization has had a huge influence on Nigeria's foreign policy, a nation with substantial economic potential and regional sway. Nigeria has had a difficult time navigating the challenges of a globalized society, despite its aspirations and vital location (Campbell, 2020). Nigeria has a significant political and economic influence in Africa, but its foreign policy has come under fire for being erratic, reactive, and lacking a clear direction in the face of globalization. Declining regional influence, security issues, ineffective international involvement, and ineffective international engagement are the results of the nation's incapacity to properly respond to growing global trends and powers.

The degree to which globalization has impacted Nigeria's foreign policy choices and results is, nevertheless, not well understood. In particular, it's unclear how Nigeria has reconciled demands and expectations from abroad with its own domestic interests. Furthermore, not enough has been known about how well Nigeria's foreign policy approaches adapt to threats from around the world and seize opportunities. An exploratory study that critically analyzes the factors influencing Nigeria's foreign policy in the context of globalization, assesses the influence of globalization on policy choices and actions, and pinpoints the advantages and disadvantages of these policies is necessary to address this issue. In doing so, the study hopes to offer practical insights and suggestions for bolstering Nigeria's foreign policy in a world that is quickly globalizing (Campbell, 2020)

Objectives of the Study

This study's main goal is to investigate and assess how globalization has affected Nigeria's foreign policy between 2010 and 2023. In order to accomplish this main objective, the research is directed by the following:

To assess how much, across the research period, globalization has impacted Nigeria's foreign policy choices and actions. 

List and assess the national and worldwide influences that have influenced Nigeria's foreign policy choices over the given time frame. 

To assess how globalization has affected Nigeria's ties to other countries, international organizations, and regional blocs. 

Assess the achievements and drawbacks of Nigeria's foreign policy endeavors 

1.4 Research Questions

Throughout the research period, how much has globalization impacted Nigeria's foreign policy choices and actions? 

During the designated period, what internal and external forces influenced Nigeria's foreign policy decisions? 

How has globalization affected Nigeria's ties to other countries, international bodies, and regional blocs? 

How successful and ineffective has Nigeria's foreign policy endeavor been? 

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study takes a critical look at how globalization has affected Nigeria's foreign policy; it offers insightful information that can help build more resilient and flexible foreign policy plans. The study gives empirical value be a careful assessment of how globalization has been able to impact and shape foreign policy choices of Nigeria and actions. It goes further to give an assessment both national and worldwide influences on the Nigeria’s choices of foreign policies. This study presents enlightenment on how globalization has affected ties between Nigeria and other countries, international organizations and regional blocks. This study gives an assessment of achievements and setbacks Nigeria has encountered vis-à-vis her foreign policy endeavors.

This study will add significantly to multidisciplinary research since it will incorporate ideas from sociology, political science, economics, and international relations. This research will add to the corpus of knowledge already available on foreign policy and globalization by offering fresh perspectives on Nigeria's unique situation.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The time frame covered by the study is 2010–2023. The chosen timeline is intended to encompass a period in the history of Nigerian foreign policy, characterized by global and regional events that have influenced Nigeria's strategic orientation and changed the international scene. The study will take into account both the international environment and the larger West African regional context, even though Nigeria will be the main emphasis. Examining Nigeria's ties to major world powers, its neighbors, and its place in international institutions are all part of this. The study concentrates mainly on Nigeria. However, given the theme of globalization, Nigerian cannot be discussed in isolation. The study covers the relationship existing between globalization and foreign in Nigerian perspective. 

1.7 Limitations of the Study 

The quantity and caliber of information on Nigeria's foreign policy choices and activities during the study period were a limitation to this investigation. Certain pertinent information and official records could not be easily available because of government operations' secrecy or lack of openness. Additionally, biases in reporting, particularly in politically sensitive areas, may have undermined the integrity and dependability of the data that is currently accessible. This involves disparities in reports from various sources including government figures.

The study's dependence on content analysis and a qualitative research methodology may have limited how broadly the results may be applied. Furthermore, the study's narrow focus on the years 2010–2023 does not fully account for all of the ways that globalization has impacted Nigeria’s foreign policy.

1.8 Research Methodology

A mixed-methods research strategy is used for the study, integrating qualitative and historical techniques. A comprehensive examination of the intricate relationships between globalization and Nigeria's foreign policy would be made easier by this approach. 

Secondary sourness of evidence was relied up in the course of the research. Article, publications, printed books and other secondary source martials were used.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Globalization: The process of globalization has various aspects, one of which is the growing interdependence and connectivity of global markets and enterprises.

Foreign policy:  The approach and choices a government makes about its relations with other countries and international organizations are referred to as its foreign policy.