Nigeria’s diplomacy: The challenges of regional power and leadership in a globalizing world

Abstract

Nigeria has played a dominant leadership role in the West African subregion as well as in the African continent for much of its independent history, but there are specific challenges to its position stemming from both domestic socioeconomic and diplomatic limitations. This chapter outlines the various diplomatic initiatives pursued by Nigeria and the factors that impact Nigeria’s diplomacy. It argues, however, that Nigeria can enhance its role in the region and the world by developing its soft power potential. It can do this by, among other things, strengthening its democracy, reducing societal inequalities, and modernizing its diplomatic infrastructure and approaches in order to meet the challenges of a changing global environment.