THE PLACE OF FOREIGN POLICY IN GOVERNANCE

The world has become a global village. This is sequel to the collapse of the traditional national territorial boundaries created by state sovereignty. Globalization is presently the in-thing. A hydra-headed phenomenon which is effectively driven by the Western strand of democracy, a vicious Capitalism, and the ever evolving Information Super Highways. In view therefore, developments in one country have consequential effects on other territories, despite being worlds-apart. 

In another breadth, in recent times, the sovereign power of the state has come under heavy attack with the emergence of all-powerful multinational companies (MNCs) strongly backed by their home governments, especially from the West, engaging in perceived exploitative and lopsided trade relations with their host countries.  Thus, situations abound where very powerful international firms in the Media, ICT, pharmercetical, Construction, Financial, and Oil industry somewhat determine the actions of their host countries. This is where foreign policy becomes very crucial.

Although, social science concepts are nebulous in terms of definition, given that various scholars define these concepts from their school of thought, the sum total of objectives that informs and guides the pattern of relationship between one country and another is said to be the initiating countrys' foreign policy. It has to do with the policy disposition of a country as to what it can accept from another country (or MNC) especially with a view to protect the regime, it's ego and ultimately, the citizenry. 

Foreign policy usually has a link with geopolitics, geostrategy, domestic factors, disposition of other states/MNCs towards the concerned country, as well as the ambition of those in governmental authority in a given state. Consequently, there is a nexus between foreign policy and the national interest. The national interest itself is basically determined by the national question. In this regard, there have been such foreign policy ideas as Africa as the Center Piece; Citizen Focused; as well as Good Neighborliness as some of the foreign policy disposition of various Nigerian regimes. In all however, foreign policy revolves around the security, protection and welfare of the citizens, and also determins the way and manner a country will engage in diplomatic relationship with other countries. This is what guides a nations involvement in certain international laws; being signatory to certain moratoriums; and engaging in bi-cum-multilateralism.

It should be noted that Foreign policy is usually a tool in the hands of a Government for the purposes of making strong global statements and also a bargaining platform incumbent on certain domestic determinant factors. This is usually dependent on politico-economic cum military strength which states use to either wipe smallers ones into line or bargain from a relative point of strength from the bigger international players. Whatever is the case, it is obvious that foreign policy of a Nation guides it's interation with sovereign and multilateral actors globally and determines how a government will be viewed in the comity of nations. The opposite is true, as a state without clear-cut foreign policy disposition particularly towards burning global issues is usually taken with less seriousness in global politics. This usually comes with grave implications on the country, particularly it's economy and citizenry.

It is therefore incumbent on governments of nation-states such as Nigeria, to have a hands-on understanding of the ever changing world order and the diplomatic environment with a view to formulate and shape it's foreign policy for the benefit of it's citizenry. The reason is simple. There is no idlness in the international arena and foreign policy is not shaped by morality.