Meaning and determinants of foreign policy

My dear students, welcome to our Government class! Today, we are going to learn about something very important called Nigerian Foreign Policy.

Just like you make decisions about who you play with, or what you eat, countries also make decisions about how they relate with other countries.

Foreign policy simply means the set of plans and actions a country uses to guide its relationships and dealings with other countries and international organizations.

It's like a country's rulebook for how it behaves on the global stage. What Nigeria says or does when interacting with Ghana, USA, or the United Nations is part of its foreign policy.

Every country, including Nigeria, has its own foreign policy.

Now, let's talk about what makes Nigeria decide its foreign policy. These are called determinants of foreign policy.

Think of 'determinants' as factors or things that influence or shape a country's decisions regarding its foreign policy.

Why does Nigeria act a certain way towards other nations? These factors give us the answer.

Geographical Location: This is about where a country is located on the map. Nigeria is in West Africa, surrounded by countries like Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

Our location means we must be friendly with our neighbours and focus on regional stability. We can't ignore what happens in ECOWAS countries.

Economic Strength/Development: How strong is a country's economy? A rich country can do more internationally than a poor one.

Nigeria's economic potential, especially with oil, gives us some influence, but our level of industrialization also affects our bargaining power.

Historical Background: Past experiences, like colonialism, really shape a country's foreign policy.

Because Nigeria was colonised by Britain, we joined the Commonwealth. Our anti-apartheid stance in South Africa was also influenced by our own struggle for independence.

Political Ideology: This refers to the core beliefs and values that guide a country's government.

Nigeria adopted a non-aligned posture during the Cold War, meaning we didn't side with the USA or the Soviet Union. Our belief in democracy also shapes our relationships.

Public Opinion: What do the citizens of a country think or want? Sometimes, the feelings of the people can influence government decisions.

If Nigerians are strongly against an issue, the government might consider that in its foreign policy, although this is more common in democratic states.

Military Capability: How strong is a country's army, navy, and air force? A strong military can make a country more influential.

Nigeria's military strength has allowed us to play a key role in peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone through ECOMOG.

The Role of the Head of State: The President or Head of State often has a big influence on foreign policy decisions.

For example, General Murtala Muhammed was known for his strong stand against apartheid and his 'Africa is the centerpiece of Nigeria's foreign policy' statement. This shows a leader's personal impact.

So, you see, many things come together to decide how Nigeria relates with the world.

Understanding these helps us appreciate why Nigeria makes certain choices on the international stage. Keep studying!