Nigeria's Fourth Republic, 1999-2021: A Militarised Democracy

The book explores the militarization of Nigeria's fourth republic, highlighting the dominance of the military in political and socio-economic affairs. It argues that despite three successful democratic changes of power, Nigeria's democracy remains largely militarized, with resources and government funds redirected towards security budgets and military interventions. The book emphasizes the need to consider the unique path of Nigeria's militarization in the context of its democratic experiments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the Nigerian fourth republic, the longest democratic period since the country's independence from Great Britain. It argues that, despite over two decades of constitutional or political democracy and three successful democratic power changes, Nigeria's democracy remains largely militarized.

Political and socio-economic affairs in Nigeria have been increasingly dominated by a pervasive military presence and ideology. This has led to a redistribution of resources and government funds away from social programs and into increased security budgets, weapons proliferation, and internal military interventions and occupations. The institutionalization of violence has transformed Nigeria into a national security state where the rule of force and violence reigns supreme rather than dialogue and compassion. While acknowledging the history of militarization during colonial and military rule, the book makes a compelling case for examining the unique path of Nigeria's militarization over the past 20 years of democratic experimentation.

This book offers fresh insights into the fourth republic's journey toward militarization, making it of interest to researchers in African politics, security, and development.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032228938