Exploring the Role of Diplomacy in Transitioning from Anti-government Protests to Reforms in Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed to fill the knowledge gap by examining the role of diplomacy in facilitating the transition from anti-government protests to reforms in Nigeria, with key objectives of identifying the major issues for diplomatic engagement in the peaceful transition from anti-government protests to reforms in Nigeria, exploring the views of Nigerians and international major stakeholders on the role of diplomacy in promoting positive reforms, and analyzing the role of diplomatic activities in facilitating this transition. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, using a survey as the quantitative component and an in-depth interview as the qualitative component, both conducted online using Microsoft Forms and an interview guide. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured approach with 12 government officials and international diplomats. The survey population was adults in southeast Nigeria, with an estimated population of 23,488,500. Using the Yamane Taro sample size calculator, the study arrived at a sample size of 400. Based on the findings of the study, it can be said that the diplomacy in Nigeria activities, especially with relation to protest transition to positive reforms, is very low as many unfulfilled political, social, economic, and security promises and reforms are still the order of the day, irrespective of the human and national resources being destroyed oftentimes during these protests.

Keywords: diplomacy, anti-government protest, peaceful transition, reform