The world has changed a great deal since the Great Wars ended. And greater changes have taken place since the end of the Cold War. We live in a time of continuous and unpredictable change – changes that have affected the international community in ways many could not have envisaged. While some would say we live in a perilous time, others would aver we live in a very interesting age.
In a post-911 world, greater attention is being paid to terrorism with roots in the fanaticism and psychology of Al Qaeda and, lately, ISIS. In Nigeria, there are several security weak-links – including Boko Haram, drug and human trafficking, rising inequality and searing poverty. What’s the role of government and non-governmental organizations? And what role should individuals play in times like these?
The economy matters, so does the arts and culture and party politics and issues of political corruption and poor governance. With this column, however, the primary focus would be national security and foreign policy. Across the globe, and especially within the last two-and-half decades, national security has been redefined to include factors such as environmental concerns and basic human needs.
Diplomacy and foreign policy is still as relevant as ever – with nation-states anchoring their foreign policy either on realism, idealism or internationalism. Or a combination of all three. But really, what is foreign policy? What informs the thinking of decision-makers and government houses across the world — especially in Africa?
Today, much of sub-Sahara is characterized by transnational challenges like ecological difficulties, neo-colonization and the imperial tendency of western nations, stateless refugees, terrorism and state violence, famine and severe scarcity of basic human needs. Resource wars and civil wars are also of utmost concern. Beyond these are issues relating to bilateral and multi-lateral necessities.
We shall endeavor to cover the African continent, but Nigeria will be our primary geographical focus. In terms of style, this column will not be “hedging its bets,” and neither will it be stating the obvious. Furthermore, it will not shy away from controversy or controversial matters and topics. But in all we do, we shall pay singular attention to the facts and accuracy of the information we present. There shall be no room for malevolence or deliberate falsehood.
Welcome to our world – Welcome to a world of ideas and intelligent conversations and debates starting on Wednesday October 1, 2014. Thank you!
