Nigeria, United States, African, Political Science 

“Shepard handles nicely the gap between U.S. political perceptions and concerns, and the reality in Nigeria. He does so in a non-judgemental manner which allows readers to draw their own conclusions. A most useful contribution”.-John N. Paden

Nigeria, black Africa wealthiest and most populous state, has been variousely characterized as a “regional power” “an emerging middle power,” “the key to Africa” and “africa’s major power”. Yet, because of its volatile economic and the even more precarious state of its domestic politics, Nigeria has been reluctant to play a consistently prominent role in africa and global affairs.

This book examines American foreign policy toward Nigeria from 1960, the year of its independenc, Robert b. shepard argues that American policy toward Nigeria has never had to do with what was going on in Nigeria or in Africa as a whole. Instead, American policy makers have seen in Nigeria what they have wanted to see and proceeded accordingly.

Shepard analyses the political and economic ties between the two nations and chart the changing face of a relationship which in its period of American involvement and neglect and ist tensions and benefits for both parties, is in many ways typical of US. Policy towards Africa. His book is a case study that will be of general interest to students of african studies, comparative foreign policy, public policy, and african political development.

 

Shepard argues that U.S. policy toward Nigeria has never had much to do with what was going on there or in Africa as a whole. Instead, U.S. policy makers have seen what they wanted to see and proceeded accordingly. He charts the changing face of a relationship which is in many ways typical of U.S. policy toward the nations of Africa."... the lesser known Nigerian side of the relationship is presented in illuminating detail." —Foreign Affairs "... lucid and straightforward. It is well documented from sources both in the USA and Nigeria... highly recommended... " —The Round Table - from Amzon 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction .....................................................................P. 1

2. Kennedy And America’s Africa Model ....................................P. 9

3. Johson, Nixion And The Nigerian Civil War ............................P. 34

4. Nixon And Nigeria, 1970-1973 ............................................P. 50

5. From Ambivalence To Confrontation, 1974-1976....................p. 72

6. Carter And Africa’s Regional Power ......................................P. 98

7. Reagan AND AFRICA’S “Bewildered Nation” ..........................P. 123

8. Conclusion .......................................................................P. 158