Providing a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria since its independence in 1960, this book presents a wide range of social, political, and economic factors to explain the context within which successive military and civilian governments have operated. Two key themes provide structure and insight into events, namely Nigerias dual struggles for domestic stability and international status. The difficulties in achieving these objectives on a long-term basis are explained and placed in the current context of re-civilianization and the changing political economy. }For almost three decades, oil has provided Nigeria with earnings surpassing most other African countries. Such good fortune, in combination with other resources, including a population of nearly 100 million, has contributed to a national sense of importance and destiny. Nevertheless, these aspirations of grandeur have been consistently and perhaps cruelly undermined by a myriad of domestic and external factors. In this book, Steven Wright explores a wide range of issues that have arisen since Nigerian independence in 1960, and also seeks to explain the policies and pitfalls of successive military and civilian governments.
Two key themes underpin and bring focus to the text, namely Nigerias dual struggles for stability and status. Taking into consideration that military governments have held power in Nigeria for all but four years since 1966, the book offers a critical examination of the permutations of government since 1960 and the social, political, and economic factors influencing events. In addition, Wright provides an assessment of current efforts to re-civilianize and (re)democratize the country.The struggle for status is a more subtle issue, centering on Nigerias pursuit of recognition as the leader of Africa. An analysis of the countrys foreign policy and position within the international system illuminates the difficulties in achieving this aspiration. The author explores these and other critical themes, providing a clear understanding of Nigerian political economy since 1960 and the challenges Nigeria faces in the closing years of this century. }
- ISBN10 0813321409
- ISBN13 9780813321400
- Publish Date 2 July 1998 (first published 14 December 1997)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 25 May 2000
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
- Imprint Westview Press Inc
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 208
- Language English