Abstract:
The end of the Cold War has brought about a new dimension in international
politics, whereby the thinking of state actors and non-state is no longer
guided by East-West considerations. Multi-polarity has emerged with a new
set of global concerns which are influencing the domestic set up of many
nation- states. Most of these concerns have tended to have ethno-religious
undertones, consequently inspiring internal reaction. The "domestication" of
sensitive international issues very often impacts on the foreign policy
decision-making process, especially in a pluralistic society with conflicting
interest groups. This has been a common feature in Nigeria'S foreign policy
since independence. This study examines the influence of ethnicity and
religion in shaping Nigeria's foreign policy in the post-Cold War era. The
research has revealed that Nigeria's multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-ethnic
characteristic is to a very large extent, influential in her foreign policy process.
The numerous crises in Nigeria are predominantly triggered by ethno-religious
factors which have equally impacted on Nigeria's relations with state and nonstate
actors in the international community. Some contemporary global
issues, particularly the war against terrorism have engendered resentment
within certain segments of the Nigeria nation. Recommendations are made to
reverse the destabilizing role of ethnicity and religion in Nigeria's foreign
policy process and improve the existing climate of suspicion and acrimony.
