Effective Hegemonic Influence in Africa: An Analysis of Nigeria’s ‘Hegemonic’ Position

Abstract

This paper examines the utility of the hegemonic stability theory in understanding regional power dynamics within Africa. The study operationalizes the concept of regional hegemony by drawing insights from a comparative foreign policy analysis of African regional powers, with emphasis on Nigeria. Using a largely qualitative methodology supplemented with primary data, the paper examines the underlying assertions of Nigeria’s perceived ‘hegemonic’ influence. Through the use of the hegemonic stability theory as a theoretical lens, this paper argues that Nigeria’s foreign policy shows few signs of a continental hegemonic disposition. In applying this theory at a regional level of analysis, the study finds very little empirical evidence that it fits the African regional context. In short, hegemonic claims in Africa are mere (un)official rhetoric and lack substance.

The Impact of the Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria: A Multi Sectoral Analy

“…This is because it raises the discourse and narrative on the ability of the state to carry out its responsibility of not only protecting the lives and properties of its citizens, but also measures her wherewithal in response to threats on both her internal, external, and territorial sovereignty (Stone, 2009). Scholars such as Brenya and Kuffuor (2015), Bappah (2016), Maiangwa (2017), Ogunnubi (2017), andHaruna (2018) assert that Nigeria's military was hitherto seen as one of the most powerful defense forces in Africa based on its antecedents and successes in the various peacekeeping engagements in wartorn countries across the continent in the 1990s and early 2000s. The emergence of this dreaded organization now puts to test that assertion.…”

“…As a consequence of this, regional and sub-regional actors on the African continent are also not insulated from the challenges associated with the presence and activities of these foreign terrorist organizations (Gibson, 2004;Tella, 2018). Nigeria, for example, is said to be grappling with the greatest existential threat to its sovereignty since the end of the Civil War (1967)(1968)(1969)(1970) with the rise and dastardly activities of the radical insurgent group often referred to as Boko Haram (Odo, 2015;Ogunnubi, 2017).…”

Explaining the Absence of a Regional Hegemon in the Central African Sub-region

“…This therefore creates a link between periods of hegemony and stability. 22 In War and Change in World Politics, Gilpin explains that systemic change leads to rise of hegemons in international systems. 23 He assumes that the state is the dominant actor in the international system characterised by anarchy.…”

Measuring the effectiveness of work–life balance strategies in the manufacturing sector

“…Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with a population of over 170 million (Ogunnubi, 2017). Located in West Africa, Nigeria has emerged as the largest economy in Africa with a gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$500 billion (Odubajo & Akinboye, 2017;Ogunnubi, 2017).…”

“…Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with a population of over 170 million (Ogunnubi, 2017). Located in West Africa, Nigeria has emerged as the largest economy in Africa with a gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$500 billion (Odubajo & Akinboye, 2017;Ogunnubi, 2017). The economic influence of Nigeria in the West Africa sub-region is traced by the presence of its commercial banks propelling commercial activities in 16 countries of the sub-region, with Lagos stock exchange as the only financial trading stock exchange (Olugbenga & Grace, 2016).…”