- If you were a member of a particular ethnic group in
- How have the frequent shifts from civilian to military rule and back again exacerbated the country’s many social and economic problems?
- Are political parties the best option for divided societies such as
Friday, November 13, 2015
Blog Discussion Group Nine
Blog post due at 11:55pm on November 17 and comment due at 11:55pm on November 20.
Nigeria
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How have the frequent shifts from civilian to military rule and back again exacerbated the country’s many social and economic problems?
ReplyDelete---
The country of Nigeria has seen much political unrest, particularly in the past century. Power struggles an civil war has crippled the country in a few ways, socially and economically. Socially, the 3 main ethnic groups are Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. But there are hundreds of other ethnic groups with presences in Nigeria. Intrastate violence has caused distrust and hate amongst different ethnic groups in Nigeria.
This widespread distrust has translated heavily into the Nigerian government--which, as a result, has been plagued by corruption and prebendalism. The different groups or parties within the government tend not to work together. They tend to compete with another. And, in order to be competitive in this setting, they have to rig elections, and distribute wealth in proportionately to their specific constituency. This, in turn, has negative effects on the country's economy. Not only does the competition among parties lead to biased wealth redistribution, but it is more difficult for the government to make unified decisions that will improve the state's economy because their is so much mistrust and division among the political parties
If you were a member of a particular ethnic group in Nigeria, what would be your attitude towards democracy?
ReplyDeleteDemocracy is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. My attitude as a Christian is to move towards democracy in Nigeria. African countries have experience change from authoritarian rule. Years of authoritarian, single party and military rule in Africa left a depressing record of political repression, human rights abuse, deteriorating government and failed economies. Nigeria is an example of a harsh reality of authoritarian and unreliable government. Nigerians have went through six military regimes, illegal seizure of power from government and a bloody civil war that killed over 1 million people. Nigerian also experienced an economy that was successful and turn into chaos. Nigeria’s challenges reflect the frustration of people wanting a better life and a stable government and a democratic political order. Democracy is the key for Nigerians to stop the abuse of power and make the government more accountable.
If you were a member of a particular ethnic group in Nigeria, what would be your attitudes towards democracy?
ReplyDeleteI believe that if I were a member of a particular ethnic group in Nigeria my attitude toward democracy would be negative. Within Nigeria the country is basically broken down by ethnic groups. You really have three major ethnic groups, but it is estimated that there are about 350+ different ethnic groups. The majority of the groups do not get along and there has been much civil unrest within Nigeria because of the differences between the groups.
One of the positive things that democracy would allow is for the voices of different groups to be heard within certain forums. But I think that I would feel very worried that an ethnic group would come into power that does not get along with my ethnic group. Because there are several groups that have a large head count, they would be able to rally more votes behind them, thus leaving smaller minority groups to be left out of decision making.
I would be afraid that they would put into place laws and constitutions that would boost their group’s beliefs and possibly putting an end to any other beliefs other than theirs. They may also decide to pass laws that throw people off land that they wanted. I feel that this country is still too at odds with itself to be able to make fair decisions and agreements that benefited the people as a whole.
If you were a member of a particular ethnic group in Nigeria, what would be your attitudes towards democracy?
ReplyDeleteIf I was a member of any particular Nigerian ethnic group, I imagine I would be quite distrustful of democracy for several reasons. First and foremost, democracy aims to incorporate all of the ethnic groups within the state into the government. The bitter history of ethnic and religious conflict and tension would be hard to overlook in this case. Would I truly want another hated rival of an ethnic group participating in the governance of my own ethnic group? Given the history of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria, I highly doubt it.
The discussion of political culture provided by Elkins and Simeon provides another reason I may feel less than favorable about democracy. As they explain, "Political culture, then, is a short-hand expression for a "mind set" which has the effect of limiting attentions to less than the full range of alternative behaviors, problems, and solutions which are logically possible... by corollary, another range of alternatives receives little or no attention within a particular culture. Most people in any culture, therefore, will take for granted a particular course of action or consider only a few alternatives" (p. 128). This means that without my foundation in the American political culture (or some similar democratic culture), I might not view democracy as an institution to be cherished.
And finally, I would be apprehensive of democracy because of its risk for corruption, particularly given the corruption I had witnessed in Nigeria. While this risk is exacerbated by Nigeria's wealth of oil and the history of ethnic conflict, and is not necessarily inherent in democracy, I would not make this distinction and would be highly skeptical of it.
How have the frequent shifts from civilian to military rule and back again exacerbated the country’s many social and economic problems?
ReplyDeleteAfter Nigeria found independence from British colonialism they have been in constant disarray. Like most of Africa these problems stem from there being so many different ethnic groups all of which have major ideological differences. Nigeria is also one of the most large and populous countries in Africa which makes the whole problem even more difficult. After civil wars and change of power between western and eastern Nigeria the joining of OPEC and a major oil boom brought on new issues. Because the military power the oil revenue could not generate any other areas of the economy to grow along with it, which meant the end of federalism and the beginning of constant turmoil for decades to come. Fraudulent elections led to multiple coups. This back and forth cycle has set a scene that makes the Nigerian economy extremely unstable and difficult to repair. However the election in 1999 and now 2015 have been thought of as mainly fair and may show signs of hope for modern day Nigeria.
I agree that the frequent changes from civilian to military regimes and back again have created untold turmoil over decades for Nigeria. This turmoil manifests many ways, perhaps most notably economically. And ironically, the wealth of natural resources Nigeria has has actually made these problems worse. Most people associate oil with untold riches and tend to overlook the problems, power struggles, and corruption that may come with such a resource. But these things have been on full display in Nigeria. The oil wealth created a surging industry, while other areas of the economy continued to stagnate. When paired with the back-and-forth power struggles and coups, and corruption, this had created one of the most volatile, unpredictable and unstable major economies in the world.
DeleteHow have the frequent shifts from civilian to military rule and back again exacerbated the country’s many social and economic problems?
ReplyDeleteFrequent shifts between civilian and military rule makes for a weak country. This can easily lead to corruption because of the shifts in who is in charge of the economy. The country of Nigeria has had constant issues with those being in power using their influences for selfish reasons, leaving the rest of the country to suffer. In order for Nigeria to survive as a country, reconstruction is a must. Privatization has had some positive influences on Nigeria's economy. A constitution is helping Nigeria to try to establish a democracy in order to revitalize and reorganize the government, economy, and overall well-being of the country.
I agree with you but also think it is important to emphasize that a more stable government will drastically improve other aspects of the country such as social and economic issues. With a trustworthy government, the Nigerian people can develop a national identity and be proud of their government. Also, if the government is unified and working in the best interests of the people, the government can shape the economy to sere the people more.
DeleteIf you were a member of a particular ethnic group in Nigeria, what would be your attitudes towards democracy?
ReplyDeleteIf I were to put myself in the position of looking at democracy through the perspective of any of the given ethnicities in Nigeria, I would tend to think that the root of the problem is that the institution of democracy in a country that was historically organized through ethnic hierarchies will eventually lead to inequalities that would cause conflict within Nigeria. The historical ethnic conflict within Nigeria was wholly unsupportive of a democratic political ideology. In a historical context, the sectionalization of the opposing ethnic groups will stem from the British colonial era which resulted in the exploitation and unnatural division of ethnicities for the purpose of benefitting the British economy as the detriment of Nigerian society. The stakes were raised for control of Nigeria’s resources in the post-colonial era especially in light of the major oil-producing Niger Delta; the ethnic violence that occurred as a result of the competition of control for this natural resource is a clear indicator of Nigeria’s lack of infrastructure to support a capitalist democracy. This brings us back to the discussion of democratization in non-western countries. Clearly, Nigeria’s struggle to industrialize and urbanize would tend to suggest that the country as a whole is not prepared to operate under a functional democracy. As the Modernization Theory suggests, Nigeria needs to modernize first and democratize second.
Great post Nick. Do you think that modernization would resolve the political conflicts that hinder the possibility of Nigeria becoming a democracy?
DeleteIf you were a member of a particular ethnic group in Nigeria, what would be your attitudes towards democracy?
ReplyDeleteI imagine I would be very eager to see democracy develop, as it would offer a much needed economic stability. The corruption that takes place within the government has such a negative impact on the welfare of Nigeria's society. Establishing democracy would create a middle class for the people that is currently non existent. Democracy would also benefit the safety of Nigeria's population in that the military would respond to radical groups attempting to take over the nation, putting a stop to current threat brought by extremest groups like the Boko Haram.
I agree with you views on being very eager on seeing democracy develop for economic reasons. It is unreal to see the amount of corruption and the amount of wealth this country has and it's citizen still as poor as they are. At least a middle class would be created but based on the amount of patrimonialism that is going on that would not get me that far because the state offices are being used for the benefit of the office holder and their support group. But you did not mention that in a democracy the justice system would help clear up some of the corruption with the justices passing laws and interpreting decisions based on the constitution. I would
Deletebe eager to see democracy develop because there would not be a "Big Man" distributing wealth to the states as he pleases because of a system of checks and balances would be in place. In a democracy the loyalty pyramid would have a tough time justifying its practices. I agree with your statement on the safety of Nigeria because of democracy, a person likes to feel safe and secure in their nation. But this is not going to stop this altogether.
Jessica,
DeleteI completely agree with your post. According to our textbook, prior to colonialism many Nigerian societies had democratic traits that might have led to more open and participatory politics had they not been interrupted by colonialism. The textbook also states that a recent survey reported that 70% of Nigerians strongly favor democracy over any other type of governance. Those statements lead me to believe that if I were a member of an ethic group in Nigeria, I would also be eager to see democracy develop. I would welcome the checks and balances of democracy as this would curtail the corruption that has led to severe social and economic inequalities, a weak economy, and a weak military. With democracy, I would look forward to a future with much less corruption where those billions of dollars (annually) would be fed back to the public leading to a future with Nigerian people and economy growing stronger and healthier.
How have the frequent shifts from civilian to military rule and back again exacerbated the country’s many social and economic problems?
ReplyDeleteSince colonial rule, Nigeria has been in constant political turmoil. After colonial rule, different regimes governed Nigeria culminating in democratic rule most recently. These changes have caused the population to be distrustful of the government. The current government lacks legitimacy and accountability (p. 526). It also lacks transparency and is very corrupt. The civilian rule resembles democratic rule and the military rule is authoritarian. Even though the current civilian ruling forces appear to be democratic, they adhere to clientelism. This pyramid rule causes the social and economic problems to be increased. Also, there is a strong difference in salary between the salaries average worker and a high-ranking government official. There is a lack of education and a lack of unity in the general population. The weak government is unable to unite the different ethnic groups. Democracy is ineffective if there are high levels of corruption and a weak infrastructure.
Stephen, you made several interesting points regarding the aftereffects of the frequent shifts from civilian and military rule in Nigeria. Its particularly significant that the country's military structure operates under clientelism but I would argue that the disruption or even the etiology of these frequent shifts are simply the result of Nigeria's inability to maintain national solidarity as a developing country in the post-colonial era. This is exacerbated by the governments corruption, who undoubtedly collude with foreign nations for the distribution and control of Nigeria's natural resources (specifically oil). As Avner Grief stated in his 1994 article, Cultural Beliefs and the Organization of Society, "At base, government ownership is more often a response to the administrative weakness of the state in developing countries rather than a reaction to the private sector's inability to provide the skills and capital necessary for bulky investments." (p. 247) This is clearly supportive of your argument about the corruption in Nigeria leading to the extensive social and economic issues the country has faced in the recent past. I agree that their democracy will continue to be ineffective until they can shut down the deeply ingrained corruption that's permeated their society.
DeleteHow have the frequent shifts from civilian to military rule and back again exacerbated the country’s many social and economic problems?
ReplyDeleteThere has always been many issues in Nigeria dealing with the shifts between civilian and military rule. For one the economy has suffered, when there is corrupt military control over the resources and oil industry which lead to a large gap between the lower class and upper class, the country’s overall economy suffers. Not to mention the civil wars and issues between the tribes during civilian rule. Nigeria has pushed multiple times to become more democratic, which has been proven will not work. I agree with Andrus Kangur, in the fact that there will continue to be economic and social turmoil for years to come. Which is due to the instability of the country as a whole, and the need for major restructuring all around!
You're absolutely right in that the country needs major restructuring all around. The constant change from one rule to the other has never allowed the dust to settle, so to speak. Until the people of the country can learn to work together to achieve one common goal, you are right, there will be turmoil for years to come.
DeleteHow have the frequent shifts from civilian to military rule and back again exacerbated socially and economically.
ReplyDeleteFrom Nigeria constantly shifting between military and civilian rule has effected the people socially by hindering them from coming together for the good of the nation. They are so group together ethnically that they do not care out the government. Instead things such as patrimonialism has taken place which is the idea that the state offices are used for personal benefit of the office holder and their support groups. If you are not in their support group then basically you are on the low end of the receiving end. The loyalty pyramid is affecting the people socially because the person at the top distributes some of the wealth to his subordinates and they give to their specific ethnic group or tribe. These types of activities causes the people to become dependent on the federal government.
The shifting of the nation going back and forth has exacerbated the country economically as well. The corruption of the country has caused millions of dollars to be put in the high level official's pocket. Senator's are making 1.7 million dollars a year and none of it is going to help the poor. Instead the rich keep getting richer and the poor even poorer. The centralization of government has cause the state and local government to engage in competition for national patronage. The centralization of oil revenue has made some state totally dependent on revenue from the federal government. Another way the federal government is controlling the economy is by having parastatals which are state owned businesses and industries. They are meant to accelerate economic development but instead the government is using this as another way to promote corruption.
I agree the inconsistency in government control has affected the Nigeria socially and economically. Nigeria is riddled with inconsistent leadership and thus the economy is poor and society is almost non existent. The people people in power are selfish and only concerned about themselves. No one including the people in the most harsh living conditions, consider other options, alternatives, or view to make Nigeria a better country overall. No one thinks of long term economic growth, education or the nation as one people trying to improve and better themselves. THe constant and repetitive cous and overtaking and overthrowing of governments through violence is the only thing they seem to get right. Let strong are leadership into submission so we can in turn do the same thing to the country. They government nor the civilians are interested in stifling the same behavior that has kept them limited and in a constant state of chaos for all the rich and poor alike. Due to the short sighted and constant exchange of power the country is in a terrible state that only a truce and a meeting of the minds can save the country.
DeleteAre political parties the best option for divided societies such as Nigeria, or are there more efficient channels through which citizens can express themselves and be governed.
ReplyDeleteNo I do not believe that with the current issues involving Nigeria that optical parties as the way to go.
Nigeria has had a long history of corruption and civil war and internal struggles with I. Parties.
Political parties will just offers another opportunity to wage war Nigerian against Nigerian. It will create another avenue to case strife and dissension among the already decisive Nigerians and move them further away from working to together for more then selfish reasons. The parties will not propel them forward or elevate there thought process to inspire them remove the current mind set and look beyond they're own selfish views and desires. I'm not suggesting that political parties cause this but they definitely don't create a platform for unity. Which Nigeria desperately needs. Until this country can consider or recognize the the resources, live education and health the people to name a few are strengths of its people, Nigeria will never be a significant power mostly because they skit can not agree
They will continued to be exploitive and poor possesing all the natural riches in the world.
I think political parties are the best option for divided societies such as Nigeria. One of the main problems in Nigeria is their government. Everything is channeled through the government and it is corrupt. They need a balance of powers between the national and local government.
DeleteThe purpose of political parties are for people who joined together with similar points on views about the government together. Theses group are involved to help influence the government by having its members elected for a government position. A party leader is the most powerful official in a political party. They are responsible for managing the party’s relationship with the people of the country. Nigeria needs a strong leader who cares more about their people well-being such as education, health, safety, happiness, and living conditions. Leadership is the ability to lead. Establishing a clear vision and sharing that vison with people, so they will follow. Providing information, knowledge and methods. Strong leadership is the key for the divided societies in Nigeria.
How have the frequent shifts from civilian to military rule and back again exacerbated the country’s many social and economic problems?
ReplyDeleteA lot of Nigeria’s conflicts are woven together by common historical and developmental factors. These factors include economics, poverty and inequality. Other factors are linked to poor governance, social responses to violence and political manipulation and marginalization across all regions. The political environment is becoming increasingly tense with conflicts concerning the leadership of the country. Due to this there has been an increase in security or military grow. The cost associated with building and equipping the military which has brought in questions the president’s ability to lead. Exacerbating tensions, Nigeria’s ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) recently split into two factions, with the new splinter party having a distinct northern leadership presence. There are concerns that Nigeria is moving closer to a fracture on the north-south region lines.