Good Neighbourliness in Crisis. Identity Politics and Terrorism in Nigeria

Table of Contents

• Chapter One: Introduction
  • Background of identity politics in post-colonial Africa
  • Nigeria’s strategic position in West Africa
  • Problem of ethnic separatism and terrorism
  • Good neighbourliness as a policy framework
• Chapter Two: Conceptual and Theoretical Foundations
  • Defining identity politics, ethnic separatism, and terrorism
  • Historical roots of identity politics in colonial partition (Berlin Conference, 1884–1885)
  • Theories of separatism and nationalism (Gellner, Anderson, Smith)
  • Concept of good neighbourliness in international law and diplomacy
  • Linking security studies and identity politics
• Chapter Three: Historical Evolution of Nigerian Statehood
  • Pre-colonial empires and ethnic configurations (Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri, etc.)
  • The impact of colonial rule on ethnic fragmentation
  • Independence and the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)
  • Evolution of Nigeria’s foreign policy and the good neighbourliness principle
• Chapter Four: Nigeria’s Contemporary Security Challenges
  • Nigeria’s borders with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon
  • Franco–Anglophone rivalry and its impact on Nigeria’s diplomacy
  • Cross-border ethnic and religious ties fuelling separatism
  • Case study: Lake Chad Basin and the spread of Boko Haram
  • Security vs. economic interdependence
• Chapter Five: Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and the French Factor (1960–1999)
  • Tafawa Balewa’s cautious diplomacy
  • The Civil War and French influence on Biafra
  • The oil boom and Nigeria’s rise as a regional power
  • The creation of ECOWAS and regional integration
  • Military rule and fluctuating foreign policy orientation
• Chapter Six: Terrorism and Identity Politics in the Fourth Republic (1999–Present)
  • Democratic transition and resurgence of ethnic militias (OPC, MASSOB, MEND)
  • Boko Haram: Origins, ideology, and international linkages
  • Ethno-religious conflicts (Jos crises, Fulani herder clashes, Niger Delta militancy)
  • Political assassinations and the role of electoral violence
  • Governance failures, corruption, and poverty in fuelling terrorism
• Chapter Seven: The Boko Haram Insurgency – A Case Study
  • Timeline of Boko Haram (2002–present)
  • Leadership and structure (Mohammed Yusuf to Abubakar Shekau, ISIS ties)
  • Major attacks: UN Headquarters (2011), Chibok Girls (2014), Abuja bombings
  • Humanitarian consequences: IDPs, refugee crisis in Chad/Niger/Cameroon
  • Nigeria’s military response (Operation Lafiya Dole)
  • International coalitions (MNJTF, US, France, AU involvement)
• Chapter Eight: Identity Politics, Terrorism, and Good Neighbourliness Policy
  • How terrorism undermines Nigeria’s diplomatic relations
  • Ethnic ties across borders (Fulani, Kanuri, Hausa) as complicating factors
  • France’s enduring influence in Francophone neighbours
  • Economic consequences: trade disruptions, investment decline, displacement
  • Rethinking good neighbourliness in the face of borderless terrorism
• Chapter Nine: Comparative Perspectives
  • Separatist movements in Africa (Sudan/South Sudan, Ethiopia/Tigray, Mali/Tuareg)
  • Lessons from Europe: Spain/Catalonia, UK/Scotland, Balkan conflicts
  • Terrorism and separatism in Asia (Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Myanmar)
  • Implications for Nigeria and West Africa
• Chapter Ten: Toward a Renewed Framework for Nigeria’s Foreign and Security Policy
  • Policy gaps in Nigeria’s current security architecture
  • Strengthening border security and intelligence cooperation
  • Addressing root causes: governance, youth unemployment, education
  • Regional cooperation through ECOWAS and AU
  • Counter-narratives to extremist ideologies
  • Redefining good neighbourliness for the 21st century

Objectives & Themes

The work investigates the complex intersection of identity politics, ethnic separatism, and terrorism in Nigeria, analyzing how historical legacies and contemporary sociopolitical factors destabilize the nation. Its primary goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of the "good neighbourliness" policy framework in managing security challenges within a fragile and diverse federation, while proposing a renewed security strategy.

• Historical evolution of ethnic fragmentation and the impact of colonial legacies.
• Interconnected dynamics of separatism and terrorism in the Fourth Republic.
• Strategic analysis of Nigeria’s porous borders and regional security challenges.
• The role of "good neighbourliness" as both a diplomatic tool and a security burden.
• Governance failures, corruption, and youth marginalization as drivers of extremism.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Chapter One: Introduction: Discusses the background of identity politics in post-colonial Africa and Nigeria’s strategic role in West Africa while introducing the core security problems.

Chapter Two: Conceptual and Theoretical Foundations: Defines key terms like identity politics, ethnic separatism, and terrorism and applies theories of nationalism to the Nigerian state.

Chapter Three: Historical Evolution of Nigerian Statehood: Examines pre-colonial configurations and the enduring, fragmenting impact of colonial rule.

Chapter Four: Nigeria’s Contemporary Security Challenges: Analyzes the geo-strategic realities of borders and the rivalry between security and economic interdependence.

Chapter Five: Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and the French Factor (1960–1999): Details how the historical "French factor" and the Civil War shaped Nigeria’s assertive yet cautious diplomatic stance.

Chapter Six: Terrorism and Identity Politics in the Fourth Republic (1999–Present): Explores the rise of militant groups, political violence, and the role of governance failures in nurturing terrorism.

Chapter Seven: The Boko Haram Insurgency – A Case Study: Provides a timeline, structural analysis, and evaluation of the humanitarian impact of the Boko Haram conflict.

Chapter Eight: Identity Politics, Terrorism, and Good Neighbourliness Policy: Critiques how terrorism has undermined diplomatic relations and complicates cross-border ethnic ties.

Chapter Nine: Comparative Perspectives: Uses international examples like South Sudan, Catalonia, and Sri Lanka to illustrate broader patterns of separatism.

Chapter Ten: Toward a Renewed Framework for Nigeria’s Foreign and Security Policy: Recommends structural reforms in security architecture, border management, and governance to ensure long-term stability.

Keywords

Nigeria, Identity Politics, Ethnic Separatism, Terrorism, Boko Haram, Good Neighbourliness, ECOWAS, Foreign Policy, National Security, Colonial Legacy, Border Security, Governance, Insurgency, West Africa, Regional Stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this publication?

The book investigates the intersection of identity politics, separatism, and terrorism in Nigeria, examining how historical and regional factors create persistent security crises.

What are the primary themes analyzed in the work?

Key themes include colonial legacies, ethnic fragmentation, the role of external powers, the evolution of Nigeria’s "good neighbourliness" policy, and the impact of governance failures on national stability.

What is the main research question or objective?

The work aims to explain why ethnic separatism and terrorism persist in Nigeria and how the country can adapt its diplomatic and security frameworks to better manage these threats in the 21st century.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The author utilizes a multidisciplinary approach incorporating history, political philosophy, international relations, and security studies, supplemented by comparative international case studies.

What topics are discussed in the main body?

The main sections cover the historical evolution of Nigeria, the impact of the Franco-Anglophone rivalry, the specific insurgency of Boko Haram, and systemic policy gaps in Nigeria's security architecture.

What are the characterizing keywords of this study?

The study is characterized by terms such as identity politics, ethnic separatism, good neighbourliness, regional security, and the challenges of the Fourth Republic.

How does the author interpret the role of "good neighbourliness" in modern Nigeria?

The author argues that while traditionally defined by non-interference, the principle must now be redefined toward "cooperative sovereignty" and human security to address modern, borderless threats like terrorism.

What specific role did the "French factor" play in Nigerian history?

The French factor is presented as a persistent geopolitical rivalry, rooted in the support for Biafra during the civil war and continuing through France's influence in Francophone neighbouring states, which complicates Nigeria’s regional leadership.