National Interest and Selected Military Administrations in Nigeria: A Case of Inconsistency

Abstract

The concept of the national interest is used in both political analysis and political action. As an analytic tool, it is employed to describe, explain, or evaluate the sources or the adequacy of a nation’s foreign policy. As an instrument of political action, it serves as a means of justifying, denouncing, or proposing policies. Both usages, in other words, refers to what is best for national society. The both also share a tendency to confine the intended meaning to what is best for a nation in foreign affairs. However, while the concept of national interest is fundamental in politics, its inconsistency has been challenged by scholars such as Karl Von Clausewitz in the field of international politics. Such cases of inconsistency are highlighted in this article with a view to evaluating the role of selected chief executives in the Public Sector of Nigeria, in their pursuit of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Historical descriptive approach was adopted as method of data collection.