Analyzing the Influence of Nigeria’s Domestic Politics on Muhammadu Buhari’s Foreign Policy Directions (2019 – 2023)

This study examines the impact of domestic political factors on President Muhammadu Buhari's foreign policy decisions during his 2015-2023 tenure in Nigeria. Utilising Putnam's Two-Level Game Theory and Allison's Bureaucratic Politics Model, the research analyses how economic pressures, security concerns, and political rivalries influenced Buhari's international engagements. The findings reveal that economic challenges drove a focus on economic diplomacy and foreign investment, while security issues, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency, shaped military cooperation and regional security initiatives. Domestic political rivalries influenced anti-corruption efforts and approaches to regional conflicts. The study also highlights the reciprocal effect of certain foreign policy decisions on domestic politics, such as the closure of land borders. This research contributes to the literature on Nigerian foreign policy by providing a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between domestic and international factors during a critical period. It offers valuable insights for policymakers and scholars on the multifaceted elements shaping Nigeria's engagement with the international community, despite established principles of Afrocentrism and non-alignment.