Diplomatic and Military Co-operations in Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

Abstract

The principle of non-intervention is part of customary international law; its foundation is based upon the concept of respect for the territorial sovereignty of states. It is a principle Nigeria cherished and pursued from the moment she gained her independence in 1960.  But surprisingly, over time, the illegality of intervening in sovereign states has changed, as measured by changes in international law. In recent years, international law has adopted an increasingly permissive posture toward this form of coercive diplomacy. How did Nigeria respond to these changes? Why should sub-regional concerns lend to Nigeria’s apparent willingness to violate its longstanding principle of non-interference? It is in the attempt to examine Nigeria’s application of diplomatic and military power- two instruments of its foreign policy - that necessitated this study. It is a study that reveals the cluttered deployment of Nigeria’s coercive forces.

Keywords: Diplomacy, Warfare, Foreign Policy, Intervention, Peacekeeping, Terrorism