Countries May Formulate Their Foreign Policies Based On What

Countries May Formulate Their Foreign Policies Based On What They Cons

Countries may formulate their foreign policies based on what they consider to be their key development priorities, their resource availability and economic positioning or “strength”. You will select any one country from either an emerging or less developed country, analyze its current development status and discuss what foreign policy approach- the use of hard or soft power or both- it is using to realize its development objectives. Has this approach been successful?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Foreign policy formulation in emerging and less developed countries is inherently tied to their development priorities, resource availability, and economic strength. These nations often navigate complex international landscapes, employing strategies that leverage either hard power (military, economic coercion) or soft power (diplomacy, cultural influence), or a combination of both, to advance their development objectives. This paper selects Nigeria, a prominent emerging economy, to analyze its current development status and evaluate its foreign policy approach—primarily soft power complemented by strategic hard power—used to achieve its developmental goals.

Development Status of Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has a diverse economy characterized by significant natural resources, especially oil and gas, which constitute a substantial portion of its revenue and exports (OPEC, 2022). Despite its resource wealth, Nigeria faces challenges including high poverty rates, infrastructure deficits, political instability, and security concerns, notably insurgencies by Boko Haram (World Bank, 2023). Its human development index remains moderate, indicating the need for economic diversification, educational improvements, and better governance (UNDP, 2022). Nigeria's strategic geographic position in West Africa provides it with regional influence but also exposes it to cross-border security issues, trade opportunities, and regional cooperation dynamics (African Development Bank, 2023).

Foreign Policy Approach

Nigeria’s foreign policy primarily balances the use of soft power—such as diplomatic engagement, cultural diplomacy, and participation in regional organizations—and selected elements of hard power, including military intervention and economic sanctions, to safeguard its interests and promote development. Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts focus on regional integration through ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and active participation in AU (African Union) initiatives aimed at peacekeeping, economic cooperation, and infrastructural projects (Ojo, 2020).

Soft Power Strategies

Nigeria’s soft power approach is evident in diplomatic initiatives to attract foreign investment, cultural exports such as Nollywood films, and educational exchanges that promote a positive image internationally (Ezeala-Harrison & Ojo, 2019). The country leverages its large diaspora community to enhance economic ties and political influence via remittances and diplomatic lobbying (Adebajo, 2021). Nigeria’s active engagement in regional organizations supports its regional leadership role and fosters cooperation on transnational challenges like climate change and security, aligning with its long-term developmental goals (Oladipo, 2022).

Hard Power and Strategic Use

While Nigeria predominantly relies on soft power, it employs hard power selectively, especially through military interventions in neighboring countries like Cameroon, Chad, and Niger to combat Boko Haram and other insurgencies that threaten regional stability and security (Ukata, 2022). Additionally, Nigeria’s participation in peacekeeping missions under the UN banner enhances its international standing, thereby indirectly supporting its development objectives by stabilizing the region (UN Peacekeeping, 2021). However, questions remain about the sustainability and effectiveness of these hard power strategies, given persistent security challenges and limited success in some instances.

Success of the Approach

Nigeria’s integrated approach of blending soft and hard power has yielded mixed results. Diplomatic efforts and regional collaborations have facilitated infrastructure projects and fostered trade, with Nigeria being a significant player in ECOWAS (Akinyemi, 2020). However, persistent security threats, weak governance, and economic vulnerabilities hinder broader developmental progress. The soft power approach has improved Nigeria’s international image, attracting foreign direct investment and enhancing regional influence, but domestic challenges often undermine these gains (World Bank, 2023).

Conclusion

Nigeria’s foreign policy approach—primarily leveraging soft power supplemented by strategic hard power—has managed to advance select development objectives, notably regional stability, foreign relations, and economic integration. Nonetheless, the country faces ongoing challenges that limit the full realization of its developmental aspirations. For Nigeria to become a fully developed economy, it must continue balancing its diplomatic initiatives with effective security policies and domestic reforms. The success of its foreign policy approach hinges on its ability to translate regional influence into tangible development gains while addressing internal vulnerabilities.

References

• Adebajo, A. (2021). Nigeria’s Foreign Policy: Competing Priorities and Challenges. African Affairs, 120(478), 248-266.
• Akinyemi, R. (2020). Regional Integration and Nigeria’s Development. Journal of African Peace and Security Studies, 8(2), 123-139.
• African Development Bank. (2023). Nigeria Economic Outlook. Retrieved from https://www.afdb.org
• Ojo, M. (2020). Nigeria’s Diplomacy and Regional Leadership. African Journal of International Affairs, 23(1), 45-63.
• Oladipo, S. (2022). Nigeria and Regional Security Challenges. African Security Review, 31(4), 25-39.
• OPEC. (2022). Nigeria Oil Market Report. Retrieved from https://www.opec.org
• UNDP. (2022). Nigeria Human Development Report. United Nations Development Programme.
• Ukata, M. (2022). Nigeria’s Military Interventions in West Africa. Security Studies Journal, 47(1), 15-33.
• United Nations Peacekeeping. (2021). Nigeria Peacekeeping Contributions. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/peacekeeping
• World Bank. (2023). Nigeria Economic Update. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org