International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research
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Title:
NIGERIAN-SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICAL-STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN THE AFRICAN UNION: HARMONY OR DISSENT?

Authors:
Dr. Olukayode Bakare

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Dr. Olukayode Bakare
Department of Politics & International Relations, School of Social Science, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

MLA 8
Bakare, Dr. Olukayode. "NIGERIAN-SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICAL-STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN THE AFRICAN UNION: HARMONY OR DISSENT?" Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 4, no. 5, May 2019, pp. 4017-4036, ijsser.org/more2019.php?id=308. Accessed May 2019.
APA
Bakare, D. (2019, May). NIGERIAN-SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICAL-STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN THE AFRICAN UNION: HARMONY OR DISSENT? Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 4(5), 4017-4036. Retrieved from ijsser.org/more2019.php?id=308
Chicago
Bakare, Dr. Olukayode. "NIGERIAN-SOUTH AFRICAN POLITICAL-STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN THE AFRICAN UNION: HARMONY OR DISSENT?" Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 4, no. 5 (May 2019), 4017-4036. Accessed May, 2019. ijsser.org/more2019.php?id=308.

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Abstract:
The beginning of the Twenty-first century marked a strategic shift in the conduct of Nigerian and South African foreign policies. Following the creation of the African Union (AU) in 2002, it is evident that the cardinal objectives of both Nigeria's and South Africa's foreign policies have been to strengthen common African goals at the level of the African Union. But in recent times, leadership supremacy within the AU and Pretoria's lack of commitment to the core objective and mandate of the Union in respect to regional peace and security have become one of the challenges facing Nigeria and the AU. However, using selected case studies and historical method, this paper examines the role of Nigeria and South Africa and the unhealthy rivalries that underlie their political-strategic partnership within the African Union. Also, within the West Africa region and other parts of Africa, this paper notes that, Nigeria has always used its regional power to promoting democracy, peace, and security, but it is doubtful whether, in the future, South Africa's national interests of regime stability would change to suit the AU objectives on democracy and human rights or not. The paper concludes that if the Republic of South Africa continues to pursue its self-interests and an egoist agenda rooted in quiet diplomacy to achieving the corollary of regime security and economic expansionism in the Southern African region, then the AU could become a victim of an ideological clash and hegemonic rivalries, which may continue to undermine the institutional capacity of the AU and Nigeria's efforts towards strengthening and advancing democracy, peace and security in Africa.

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