Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The impact of mass media on Nigeria's foreign policy from 1999 to 2007 has been a subject of increasing importance and interest in academic and policy circles. This research project aims to investigate the intricate relationship between mass media and Nigeria's foreign policy during the democratic transition period from 1999 to 2007. The study will adopt a qualitative research approach, utilizing content analysis of media coverage, interviews with key stakeholders, and examination of policy documents. The period under consideration, from the return of democracy in 1999 to the end of President Olusegun Obasanjo's tenure in 2007, witnessed significant changes in Nigeria's foreign policy orientation. The role of mass media in shaping public opinion and influencing government decisions on foreign policy issues cannot be overstated. This research will explore how Nigerian media outlets, including newspapers, television, and online platforms, covered and influenced the country's foreign policy agenda during this period. By analyzing media content, this study seeks to identify key themes, trends, and biases in the coverage of Nigeria's foreign policy. It will also examine the extent to which media discourse influenced public perceptions of Nigeria's role in regional and global affairs. Furthermore, the research will investigate the responsiveness of government officials to media narratives and the impact of media pressure on foreign policy decision-making. Through interviews with journalists, policymakers, and academics, this research project will provide insights into the dynamics of media-government interactions in the formulation and implementation of Nigeria's foreign policy. The study will also explore the challenges and opportunities faced by the media in reporting on foreign policy issues, including censorship, access to information, and professional ethics. The findings of this research will contribute to a better understanding of the role of mass media in shaping Nigeria's foreign policy decisions and outcomes. By highlighting the influence of media narratives on public opinion and government actions, this study aims to inform policymakers, media practitioners, and the general public about the complexities of media diplomacy in the context of Nigerian foreign policy. Ultimately, this research seeks to enhance transparency, accountability, and public engagement in Nigeria's foreign policy processes.

Thesis Overview

1.1 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Thomas Shelling, defined foreign policy as complicated and disorderly, difficult or predict, full of surprises, demanding parts choice that must be base on judgment rather than analysis taking place in a world that changes rapidly. That memory and

experience are likely out of data (Foreign policy project the image of a country) (Strategies of commitment and other Essay Sept 30, 2007).

The foreign policy of the State usually refers to general principles by which a state governed it reaction through the international environment. Therefore, foreign policy constitutes a

series of demands which a country make and on to its counterparts in international system. Foreign policies are formulated and implemented to serve what the nations political leaders considered to be national interest of that state. (Aluko, Oladijide (1986 P.264)

There is no doubt that foreign policy is a continuation of domestic polices of any country in a different operational arena external to it. Infact, foreign policy has a domestic structure which has to be understood and taken into consideration in order to properly appreciate the opportunities challenges and

To examine the content and characteristic of foreign policy in Nigeria.
To established relationship between mass media and external dimensions of foreign policy.
To identify the problems of Nigeria’s mass media in influencing foreign policy formation and implementation and provide solutions to the problems.
1.8 THEORETICAL FRAME WORK

Evaluating the impact of mass media in Nigeria’s foreign policy from 1999-2007 can be generalize from logical reasoning. This is because Nigeria’s foreign policy has been revolving around the person at center of affairs which is the president. However, the relevant terms of the subject matter of this work relate more to issues influencing and making decision to be haste by information flow. Therefore, communication theory of international relation will be use to provide a perspective, or lens, through which to examine our topic.

The idea of communication theory was stood forward by Wiener in 1940s. it is indispensable and important ingredient of political process which are largely ignored in theoretical literature of political science. P.a Dutch, in his book titled “Nerve

Communication theory in political science can be field as the application of general approach of cybernetic to political situation.

      In this way we assume that:-

1.4 ASSUMPTIONS

Information and communication may allow people to understand their government and their aspirations aspirations.
The stability of a nation’s policy may depend on information and communication capabilities of that country.
Information and communication may influence the
domestic policy and national interest of a nation.

      Similarly, mass media in Nigeria is a medium by which

Nigerians learn ideas, and ideals and experiences that enrich

their lives and help them live in difficult, dynamic, yet humane society. They influence social values, strengthen cultural, economic, political and technological fabric of the country which are in no doubt, the basic factors of power in international relations and element of foreign policy.

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

There is no doubt that the developments since independence especially the influence of mass media on governmental policy formation and execution, has appreciated with time. The consequences on the domestic terrain as well as the image it portrayed of the country, considering the overall in fact on foreign policy formulation and implementation, that this research work direct its search light to evaluate the interrelations of mass media and foreign policy in Nigeria, using Obasanjo regime of 1999 to 2007 as a basis to evaluation and generalization.  

1.6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study will use secondary source of data collection.

Literary works such as books, journal, magazines, seminars, position papers are the materials that would be use. It will also involves examining the activities of mass media and it impact of Nigerian foreign policy formulation and execution. Simple analysis and quantification will be sue as means of interpretation this involves a close look at the trends to which activities of mass media influence foreign policy formation and executions  

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study will concentrate on the effect and influence of mass media on decision making process and establish and the impact of media on foreign policy of Nigeria (1999 - 2007).

However, the work will also highlight on the challenges to international community as a result of negative media coverage. The research will therefore be significance as a source of material for academic research and reference in future studies in

international relations.

1.9 CHAPTERIZATION/OUTLINE OF CHAPTERS

The research is going to be divided in four (4) chapters, chapter one (1) is going to be the introduction. Chapter two (2) is going to be the literature review. And chapter three (3) is the development and growth of mass media in Nigeria and the evolution of Nigerian foreign policy chapter four (4) is going to cover conclusion and recommendation.

1.10 DEFINITION OF TERMS

FOREIGN/POLICY: Policy means a continuous process of decisions and their implementation taking place within the organizational structure of a state. policies are not simply any decision, they consist of only those structure detailed actions and