Foreign policy in the age of insecurity: how terrorism and transnational crime are reshaping Nigeria’s external relations

Abstract

Abstract

The paper sought to analyse foreign policy in the age of insecurity with focus on how terrorism and transnational crime are reshaping Nigeria’s external relations. The study contends that ongoing issues like violent extremism, cross-border banditry, human trafficking, arms proliferation, cybercrime, and maritime insecurity have shifted Nigeria’s external focus from mainly diplomatic efforts to a security-centric foreign policy approach. Using empirical evidence from regional security operations, multilateral agreements, and bilateral defense collaborations, the study shows how Nigeria’s diplomatic focus increasingly aligns with counterterrorism efforts, intelligence-sharing, and international security frameworks within ECOWAS, the African Union, and global institutions. The paper also examines how these security challenges have reshaped Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa, positioning it as both a security provider and consumer within complex cooperative networks. Theoretically, the article contributes to foreign policy analysis by applying securitization theory and complex interdependence to explain how non-state threats influence state behavior and diplomatic decision-making. The study recommended strengthening diplomacy, enhancing regional and global cooperation and integration of human security into external relations among others.