PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU EMBODIES STATECRAFT AS A TOOL FOR DIPLOMACY

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // President Tinubu’s diplomatic prowess was on full display with the activation of the phone conversation between him and President Biden of the United States, exemplifying the effective application of statecraft theories in international relations.

Statecraft theory emphasizes the importance of navigating complex power dynamics, governments, and diplomacy to achieve national interests.

In this context, President Tinubu’s behind the scenes efforts and subsequent call with US President Biden demonstrate a mastery of strategic diplomacy.

We see Diplomacy in Action. By working collaboratively with the US, President Tinubu showcased Nigeria’s capacity for effective statecraft, leveraging diplomatic relationships with President Biden expressing the commitment of the United States to support Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

This strategic move highlights the significance of building resilient relationships and navigating interconnectedness of geopolitical dynamics.

The telephone conversation between the two world leaders also opened conversations around the recent devastating flooding in Nigeria. Biden spoke to other areas of collaboration.

As reported, the two leaders also spoke about the value of the US-Nigeria partnership in addressing global challenges and advancing security and prosperity across multiple sectors.

President Biden expressed appreciation for cooperation on law enforcement, including through the recently announced Bilateral Liaison Group on Illicit Finance and Cryptocurrencies, for collaboration on new and innovative technologies, and shared interests in reforming international organizations to reflect African voices.

The collaborative efforts between Nigeria and the US illustrate liberal statecraft, showcasing the benefits of diplomatic engagement and mutual interest.

In a demonstration of US respect for our country, President Biden specially thanked the Nigerian leader for releasing, on humanitarian ground, the Binance Executiv, Tigran Gambaryan who was facing criminal prosecution in Nigeria.

Throughout history, leaders have harnessed statecraft to drive significant societal change. Examples include Lee Kuan Yew’s transformation of Singapore through strategic economic diplomacy and institutional reform.

By applying statecraft theories, leaders like President Tinubu can navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, fostering cooperation and advancing national interests. Effective statecraft enables nations to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.