NIGERIA’S STRATEGIC INTERESTS AND ROLF IN THE DECOLONISATION PROCESS IN ANGOLA » Download Project Topics

Abstract:

This thesis entitled “Nigeria’s Strategic Interests and Role in the Decolonisation Process in Angola” examines the security implications of the south African invasion of Angola to Nigeria. The study examined the extent to which Nigeria’s strategic interests were at stake in Angola. The analysis of Nigeria’s role in Angola revealed what the strategic interests were and how these were protected. We established that basic strategic interests actually motivated Nigeria’s involvement in Angola. These on a broad level involved Nigeria’s socio – political , economic and military concerns that define her security interests in the South Atlantic region within which Angola is located. In Angola itself, these security interests were apparent in the threat posed by the South African military aggression. Also examined is Nigeria’s capacity vis-a-vis South Africa, Zaire and Cuba that also played crucial roles in Angola: South Africa as the main antagonist of the MPLA and escalator of the war; Zaire as a haven for and supporter of FNLA a major liberation movement; and Cuba as the ally of the MPLA that provided the military capability to repulse South Africa’s aggression. Furthermore, a c r i t i c a l assessment of Nigeria’s strategy in Angola is also made through the examination of the instruments of foreign policy employed. That is Diplomacy, economic measures and propaganda. Analysis of the use of these instruments by Nigeria in Angola revealed the situational nature of power depending as it does on such factors as historical circumstances, i he moral force that moulds the national psyche and the disposition of domestic public support. The clear conclusion we found here was i hat power, especially the military aspect of i t , is not absolute. We came to the conclusion that the south African invasion of Angola threatened Nigeria’s security interests . The employment of all the foreign policy instruments by Nigeria without military force discredits the hypothesis that achievement of security Interests is related to the efficacy of military power. This is more so when the study proves that South Africa, the militarily stronger side in angola lost the war. Furthermore, the study affirms the inter-relatedness of all the instruments of foreign policy. It also proves that Nigeria’s interest justified her role there and the strategy employed was effective in achieving her goals in Angola.

NIGERIA’S STRATEGIC INTERESTS AND ROLF IN THE DECOLONISATION PROCESS IN ANGOLA