Foreign Policy Explained — Definition, Purpose & Factors Affecting It (JAMB/WAEC Government)

Foreign policy is the set of strategies and principles a country uses to guide its relations and interactions with other nations and international bodies. 

This topic- covering definition, purpose, the factors that shape it, and Nigeria’s relationship with other developing countries, is a regular feature in JAMB and WAEC Government, usually tested through definitions and “state the factors” style questions. This lesson breaks it down clearly with relevant examples.

Quick takeaways

• Foreign policy is the set of principles and strategies a country uses to guide how it relates to other nations.
• Its main purposes include protecting national interests, promoting security, and building beneficial international relationships.
• Foreign policy is shaped by several factors, including geography, economic strength, historical ties, and domestic political considerations.
• Nigeria’s foreign policy places strong emphasis on African unity and support for other developing nations, especially through its role in the African Union.
• Exam questions frequently ask for the factors influencing foreign policy — learn each with a one-line explanation, not just the term.

Timestamp

• 0:00 Introduction
• 0:38 Meaning of Foreign Policy
• 1:47 Purposes of Foreign Policy
• 3:37 Factors Determining Foreign Policy
• 5:48 Relations with Developing Countries (1960–66)
• 6:58 Declaration of Independence
• 7:24 Gowon Era (1966–75)
• 8:38 Murtala Mohammed/Obasanjo Era (1975–79)
• 9:38 Shagari Era (1979–83)
• 11:01 Babangida Era (1985–93)
• 12:24 Shonekan/Abacha Era (1993–98)
• 13:08 Abubakar Era (1998–99)
• 13:46 Meaning of Non-Alignment
• 14:51 Why Nigeria Adopted Non-Alignment

What is foreign policy?

Foreign policy refers to the set of strategies, principles, and goals a government adopts to guide how it interacts with other countries and international organizations. 

It covers areas such as diplomacy, trade, defense, and international cooperation, and it reflects a country’s broader national interests on the world stage.

What is the purpose of foreign policy?

Foreign policy generally serves several core purposes:

1. Protecting national interests – safeguarding a country’s political, economic, and territorial interests
2. Promoting national security – building alliances and relationships that reduce threats to the country
3. Fostering economic cooperation – encouraging trade and investment relationships with other nations
4. Building international reputation and influence – positioning the country favorably in global affairs

What factors influence a country’s foreign policy?

Several factors shape how a country’s foreign policy is formed and carried out:

1. Geography – a country’s location, neighbors, and access to resources can shape its priorities and alliances
2. Economic strength – wealthier nations often have more influence and different priorities than developing ones
3. Historical ties – past colonial or diplomatic relationships often continue to influence current foreign relations
4. Domestic politics and public opinion – internal political pressures can shape a government’s international decisions
5. Ideology – a country’s political and economic ideology (e.g., non-alignment, pan-Africanism) can guide its international stance
6. Leadership – the personal beliefs and priorities of a country’s leadership can influence specific foreign policy decisions

What is Nigeria’s relationship with other developing countries?

Nigeria’s foreign policy has consistently placed strong emphasis on African unity and cooperation with other developing nations, a stance often referred to as “Africa as the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.” Key aspects of this relationship include:

• Active membership and leadership roles within the African Union (AU)
• Support for decolonization and anti-apartheid movements historically across Africa
• Involvement in peacekeeping missions in other African countries through organizations like ECOWAS
• Advocacy for South-South cooperation, strengthening ties among developing nations more broadly, not just within Africa

Common mistakes students make with this topic

• Confusing “purpose” of foreign policy with “factors” affecting it – purpose is about goals, factors are about influences shaping those goals
• Giving generic factors (like “economy”) without explaining how they specifically influence foreign policy decisions
• Overlooking Nigeria’s specific historical role in supporting other African nations, when the question asks for country-specific examples
• Treating foreign policy as fixed, when in reality it can shift based on changes in leadership or global circumstances

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the main purpose of foreign policy? 

The main purpose of foreign policy is to protect a country’s national interests, promote its security, foster economic cooperation, and build beneficial international relationships.

Q: What factors influence a country’s foreign policy? 

Key factors include geography, economic strength, historical ties, domestic politics, ideology, and leadership, all of which shape how a country relates to others internationally.

Q: What is Nigeria’s stance toward other African countries in its foreign policy? 

Nigeria’s foreign policy has historically placed Africa at its centre, emphasizing unity, support for decolonization, and active participation in peacekeeping and cooperation efforts across the continent.

Q: Why does economic strength affect a country’s foreign policy? 

A country’s economic strength affects the resources and leverage it has in international relations, often shaping whether it can act independently or must rely more heavily on alliances and support from stronger economies.

This is one topic from our full JAMB & WAEC Government course — see everything covered →