Question

Difficulty: MediumDeterminants and Objectives of Nigeria's Foreign Policy

In evaluating the major factors shaping external diplomatic action, domestic structural features play a decisive role. Which of the following highlights a key internal determinant governing Nigeria's diplomatic policy decisions?

  1. The economic resources and domestic military capability of the nationAnswer
  2. B
    The doctrine of complete isolationism from continental and sub-regional security affairs
  3. C
    The collective decision-making power of non-permanent members holding veto rights in global assemblies
  4. D
    The constitutional delegation of local administrative authority within a unitary state structure

Answer

The economic resources and domestic military capability of the nation represent a primary internal determinant of foreign policy.
Economic resources and military capabilities are core internal determinants. They define the material capacity of a sovereign state to execute its foreign policy objectives and sustain international commitments.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distinguish internal factors (domestic capabilities and national attributes) from external factors (international systemic environment) and policy objectives.
Internal factors comprise tangible national attributes such as economic capacity, military power, population, geography, and political stability.
These internal factors dictate the resources available to formulate and sustain external diplomatic strategies.
2
Evaluate the choices to identify which option describes a domestic capability factor of the state.
Economic resources and military strength are generated within Nigeria's borders and directly limit or expand its international actions.
A nation's capacity to finance diplomatic initiatives, assist neighboring states, or contribute to international peacekeeping rests on these internal assets.

Key Concept

Internal Determinants of Nigeria's Foreign Policy
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