| ID | 153430 |
| Title Proper | Nigeria and “illusory hegemony” in foreign and security policymaking |
| Other Title Information | pax-Nigeriana and the challenges of Boko Haram |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Warner, Jason |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Western observers of African foreign and security policy formation are often perplexed by African regimes’ reactions to insurgencies: the actions of the latter are often read to be duplicitous and self-damaging—and thus irrational—by the former. This article suggests that one cause for this perception rests in the often incomplete appreciation for certain Global South states’ self-identities as “regional hegemons,” which compels them to make foreign and security policy decisions based on maintaining the semblance of power projection capabilities to those in their intended spheres of influence. Particularly, this article suggests that when Global South states possess the realist attributes of a hegemon (military power, economic strength, and a large population) but lack the liberal attributes of a hegemon (the legitimacy for rightful rule), they often undertake a process here termed “illusory hegemony” or foreign and security policy prevarication. Yet, this pursuit of illusory hegemony frequently has the opposite unintended effect of undermining, rather than improving, the perception of rightful rule. This article combines an analysis of current events with International Relations theory and foreign policymaking analysis to present a case study on how Nigeria’s pursuit of its grand strategy of Pax-Nigeriana is being retarded by Boko Haram and the Chibok kidnappings, specifically as a result of Nigeria’s projection of “illusory hegemony.” |
| `In' analytical Note | Foreign Policy Analysis Vol. 13, No.3; Jul 2017: p.638–661 |
| Journal Source | Foreign Policy Analysis 2017-09 13, 3 |
| Key Words | Nigeria ; Illusory Hegemony ; Foreign and Security Policymaking ; Pax-Nigeriana ; Challenges of Boko Haram |