THE IMPACT OF MASS MEDIA ON NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY, FROM 1999 TO 2007

Project Abstract

The impact of mass media on Nigeria's foreign policy from 1999 to 2007 has been a subject of increasing interest and importance due to the significant role media plays in shaping public opinion, influencing government decisions, and projecting the country's image internationally. This research aims to explore the various ways in which mass media influenced Nigeria's foreign policy during this period and the implications of such influence on the country's diplomatic relations. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining content analysis of media coverage related to foreign policy issues with interviews of key policymakers, journalists, and foreign affairs experts. By analyzing the content of major newspapers, television programs, and online news sources, the research seeks to identify patterns in media framing, agenda-setting, and the portrayal of international events. The findings reveal that the Nigerian mass media played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of foreign policy issues, often framing them in ways that influenced government decision-making. Through agenda-setting and framing techniques, the media highlighted certain foreign policy priorities, downplayed others, and sometimes even set the agenda for diplomatic discussions. Moreover, the research uncovers the complex interactions between media coverage and foreign policy outcomes, showing how public opinion, as shaped by the media, can impact the government's approach to international relations. The study also examines the role of digital media in amplifying the reach and influence of traditional mass media outlets, as online platforms became increasingly important sources of news and information during the period under investigation. Overall, this research contributes to a better understanding of the interplay between mass media and foreign policy in Nigeria, shedding light on how media dynamics can shape diplomatic decisions and influence the country's international standing. The findings have implications for policymakers, media professionals, and foreign affairs analysts, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of the media's role in shaping public discourse on international issues.

Project Overview

<p>1.1 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY<br><br>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<br><br>experience are likely out of data (Foreign policy project the image of a country) (Strategies of commitment and other Essay Sept 30, 2007).<br><br>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<br><br>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)<br><br>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<br><br>To examine the content and characteristic of foreign policy in Nigeria.<br>To established relationship between mass media and external dimensions of foreign policy.<br>To identify the problems of Nigeria’s mass media in influencing foreign policy formation and implementation and provide solutions to the problems.<br>1.8 THEORETICAL FRAME WORK<br><br>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. <br><br>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<br><br>Communication theory in political science can be field as the application of general approach of cybernetic to political situation.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In this way we assume that:-<br><br>1.4 ASSUMPTIONS<br><br>Information and communication may allow people to understand their government and their aspirations aspirations.<br>The stability of a nation’s policy may depend on information and communication capabilities of that country.<br>Information and communication may influence the<br>domestic policy and national interest of a nation.<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Similarly, mass media in Nigeria is a medium by which<br><br>Nigerians learn ideas, and ideals and experiences that enrich<br><br>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.<br><br>1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY<br><br>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. &nbsp; <br><br>1.6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY<br><br>This study will use secondary source of data collection.<br><br>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 &nbsp; <br><br>1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY<br><br>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).<br><br>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<br><br>international relations.<br><br>1.9 CHAPTERIZATION/OUTLINE OF CHAPTERS<br><br>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.<br><br>1.10 DEFINITION OF TERMS<br><br>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 <br></p>