Assessing Nigeria's Position in Global Affairs: A Study of its Non-Aligned Foreign Policy Posture During the Cold War

This study examines Nigeria's foreign policy within the context of its non-aligned posture during the Cold War. The study aims to analyze the principles and motivations behind Nigeria's non-alignment policy, examine the challenges and contradictions faced by Nigeria in maintaining this policy, and assess the impact of Nigeria's non-alignment on its international standing and domestic development. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks of realism, liberalism, and constructivism, the study analyzes Nigeria's foreign policy decisions during the Cold War, focusing on its interactions with major powers, its role in regional and global affairs, and the impact of these choices on its national development. The findings reveal that while Nigeria aspired to an independent foreign policy, its actions were often influenced by pragmatic considerations, particularly its economic dependence on Western powers. This reliance on Western aid and trade limited Nigeria's ability to maintain equidistance from both blocs, leading to closer ties with the West in many instances. Furthermore, the study highlights the challenges inherent in implementing non-alignment in practice, including internal inconsistencies in its application and the lack of a clear and consistent framework for understanding and implementing the doctrine within the Nigerian context The study concludes that Nigeria's non-alignment policy during the Cold War was a complex endeavor characterized by both adherence to the doctrine and significant deviations. While it allowed Nigeria to project an image of independence and play a role in the Non-Aligned Movement, the limitations of this approach, particularly in terms of economic development and the country's ability to effectively address internal challenges, became increasingly apparent. This analysis provides valuable insights into the complexities of navigating the international system for developing nations, particularly within the context of superpower rivalry.