Interest, competition and cooperation in Nigeria-South Africa relations: an analysis of the diplomacy of transitional States

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Periodical article

Title:	Interest, competition and cooperation in Nigeria-South Africa relations: an analysis of the diplomacy of transitional States
Authors:	Ibeanu, Okechukwu Umezurike, Chuku Nwosu, Ben
Year:	2007
Periodical:	Nigerian Journal of International Affairs (ISSN 0331-3646)
Volume:	33
Issue:	1
Pages:	9-43
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Nigeria South Africa
Subject:	international relations
Abstract:	In exploring the rhythms of Nigeria-South Africa relations, three important aspects stand out. The first is the link between the global system, national interest and the dominant socioeconomic groups in Nigeria and South Africa. The second is the impact of the interests of the ruling groups in the two States on their diplomacy. Third are the contexts in which the two States engage in competition and cooperation in their contemporary relations. This study posits that the character of Nigeria-South Africa relations at any conjuncture - competition or cooperation - depends on the pragmatic pursuit of the objective interests of the ruling groups of the two countries in line with dominant interests in the global system. This is usually based on specific issues at stake, rather than any idealistic commitment to brotherly relations, African unity and development or world peace, as is often portrayed in the literature and policy circles. Ref., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]