How can China help Nigeria become a more stable society in order to attract more FDI, and at the same time keep Chinese interests safe?
Author
Strindlund, Charlotte Elisabeth
Term
4. term
Publication year
2015
Submitted on
2015-05-18
Pages
58
Abstract
Som et lavindkomst-, udviklingsland er Nigeria stærkt afhængigt af udenlandske direkte investeringer (FDI – når udenlandske virksomheder investerer i og driver forretning i landet) for at skabe vækst og udvikling. Nigeria har et tæt økonomisk forhold til Kina, fordi de to økonomier supplerer hinanden: Kina har brug for råolie, og Nigeria har brug for FDI. Siden 2011 har politisk og voldelig ustabilitet – primært forbundet med den ekstremistiske gruppe Boko Haram – svækket sikkerheden. Det har også bragt kinesiske borgere og projekter i fare, med episoder, der har omfattet drab og kidnapninger for løsepenge. Med udgangspunkt i sekundære kilder undersøger afhandlingen, hvordan Kina kan bidrage til større stabilitet i Nigeria, så landet kan tiltrække flere investeringer, samtidig med at kinesiske interesser beskyttes. Fordi Kina allerede er markant til stede i Nigeria, kan landet få en vigtig rolle i fred og sikkerhed ved at samarbejde med Nigeria og Den Afrikanske Union (AU) om politikker, der fremmer stabilitet og sikkerhed for både mennesker og investeringer. Kinas princip om ikke‑indblanding kan begrænse sådan en rolle. For at vurdere, hvad Kina sandsynligvis vil gøre, anvender afhandlingen to teorier fra international politik – realisme og liberalisme – som giver modsatrettede forståelser af staters adfærd. Analysen finder, at Kinas tilgang rummer begge elementer, men hælder mere mod liberale virkemidler som diplomati og samarbejde. Derfor argumenterer afhandlingen for, at Kina med stor sandsynlighed vil engagere sig mere i Nigerias stabilitetsindsats – ikke nødvendigvis militært, men gennem diplomatiske og andre ikke‑militære tiltag.
As a lower‑income, developing country, Nigeria relies heavily on foreign direct investment (FDI—when overseas companies invest and operate locally) to drive growth and development. Nigeria has a close economic relationship with China because their economies complement each other: China seeks crude oil, and Nigeria seeks FDI. Since 2011, political and violent instability—linked mainly to the extremist group Boko Haram—has undermined security. This has also put Chinese citizens and projects at risk, with incidents that have included killings and kidnappings for ransom. Drawing on secondary sources, the thesis examines how China could help make Nigerian society more stable so the country can attract more investment, while also protecting Chinese people and assets. Given China’s significant presence in Nigeria, it could play a meaningful role in peace and security by working with Nigeria and the African Union (AU) to advance policies that support stability and the safety of both people and investments. China’s stated policy of non‑interference may constrain such engagement. To assess what China is likely to do, the thesis applies two international relations theories—Realism and Liberalism—which offer contrasting views of state behavior. While elements of both are present, the analysis suggests China leans toward liberal tools such as diplomacy and cooperation. The thesis therefore argues there is a strong possibility China will eventually engage more in Nigeria’s stability efforts—not necessarily through military means, but through diplomatic and other non‑military actions.
[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]
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