POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION AND INTERNATIONAL POLICY IN NIGERIA: DYNAMICS, CHALLENGES, AND PATHWAYS TO ENHANCED GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

Political socialization, which is the process by which individuals get political values, beliefs, and behavior, is a critical determinant of international policy framework. Historical legacies of colonialism, ethnic diversity, education system, media landscape, and family structures in Nigeria have all been used to influence this process and in a way interact to create the foundation of decisions in foreign policies. This paper discusses the extent of political socialization in Nigeria and its complex associations with international policy, with reference to both past and present. The problem statement revolves around the agnomic relationship between the aspirational leading role of Nigeria in Africa and its fractured political socialization filled with varied political results in foreign policy that is compounded by poor civic turnout and ethno-religious sectarianism. There is a significant literature gap in the integration of the recent digital media influences with the traditional agents of socialization in explaining the changes in global posture in Nigeria, especially after the democratic transition of Nigeria in 1999. Using the theory of civic culture by Almond and Verba, the article postulates that Nigeria has a hybrid of subject and participant cultures whereby the elite socialization restrains the mass involvement in foreign policies. The study is conducted methodologically based on the collection of documentary and secondary data, where the analysis is using archival records, various publications, and statistical reports of such sources as the National Bureau of Statistics and Afrobarometer surveys. Empirical evidence shows that education and media can increase political awareness, which is hindered by inequality and misinformation, and recommends reform of the curriculum and digital literacy programs as a way to create a more unified foreign policy. The results are a reminder as to the necessity of integrative socialization in order to strengthen the Nigerian presence in multilateral arenas such as the African Union and the United Nations. Finally, enhanced political socialization may be used to bring domestic agreement to foreign policy objectives, enhancing sustainable development and social stability within a region.