ABSTRACT

This thesis examines the influence of globalization on Cameroon’s foreign policy since the year 2000, highlighting its role and impact on the nation’s engagement in global affairs. The study confirms that globalization is a recognized and integral force within Cameroon’s foreign policy framework. However, the extent of its influence varies among stakeholders, reflecting a spectrum of views on its benefits and drawbacks.

The research utilized both quantitative and qualitative data, collected through open-ended and closed questionnaires. Descriptive analysis and inferential regression methods were employed to analyze the numeric data, while content analysis was used for the qualitative data. The consensus among stakeholders suggests that while globalization can facilitate peace and conflict resolution, there is caution regarding its effectiveness and the potential for unintended outcomes. Regression analysis indicates that globalization alone is not a definitive predictor of foreign policy direction, suggesting the presence of other influential factors.

In shaping future foreign policy, it is imperative to consider the diverse perspectives of Cameroon’s populace. Adopting inclusive strategies that resonate with the collective aspirations of the nation is crucial. The findings underscore the importance of crafting a foreign policy that leverages the strengths of globalization, mitigates its risks, and reflects the unique context of Cameroon’s position in the global landscape.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

With the advent of globalization especially since the year 2000 , the world has become a much smaller place .In other words, the world has developed virtually into a single village with people increasingly becoming connected on a daily basis . Interactions between different countries  has brought about the condition in which a particular country’s economy development as well as her domestic and foreign policies are not in the hands of the ruling government only but also influenced highly by external force in the international system .Tonny (1999).

Prior to the advancement of globalization, between 1947 and 1991, the world witnessed a struggle between two fundamentally opposed values and social systems: communism and liberal democracy. The two protagonists in this struggle were the soviet union and the united states (U.S). However, after the fall of the soviet union, the international system witnessed an increasing growth in the development of nation states. Thus, the outcome of this development is the intensification of interaction among these nation states.

Cameroon, as a country and, to a large extent, the entire Africa continent is faced with a variety of outer contest to ruling arising from the joint impact presented by outcomes of the post-cold war era and the force of globalization as seen by the spread of ‘’The third wave’’ of democratization on the region of Africa from the 1990s. ‘’The third wave of democratization was a global democratic revolution  which occurred between 1974 and 1990 in more than thirty countries in southern Europe, Latin America, East Asia, Eastern Europe and Saharan Africa’’. It was a period in which most countries in the world moved away from the practice of autocratic governance to the practice of democratic governance. Zelikow (1999).

These stages have not only changed the interaction of local politics, such as the restoration of multi-party democracy of independent Africa states but significantly, has changed the building of the very form   and composition of foreign policy in Africa of which Cameroon is part . With no country being an island, states continue and may forever continue to be dependent on one another and at the core of that continuous interaction among states is the national interest.

Every country desire to enter into relations that will inure to the general good of its citizenry and this basically has concerns and aspirations in the areas of security, trade welfare, independence, culture, among others. The level of interactions among countries in the international system is greatly determined by a county’s foreign policy. Leaders of states are therefore obliged to pursue such policies that will help in realizing the fundamental aim of improving the quality of life of its citizens.

The concept of foreign policy, however, highlighted by globalization, indicates that the focus and the object is changing from the concentration of interstate relations to the inclusion of a number of other actors such as Multinational Corporations, International Government Organizations and Non-Government Organizations. This, therefore, means that globalization is influencing the foreign policy conduct of nations and the effect of it has therefore placed tremendous challenge on the traditional view of foreign policy, who perceived the concept to be purely a state centered affair. Asante (1997).

Moreover, foreign policy has occupied a central position in public administration more than ever before due to the gradual borderless society induced by globalization, resulting in new means of interdependence emerging from the internet to satellite communication technology and to global financial networks. ‘’Globalization itself is neither inherently good nor bad ‘’. Therefore, governments may not be able to avoid its influence on their citizens. And this can occurred without depriving of its benefits. However, there can mold it to suit their national interest. Thus, the opportunities and benefit of globalization can be used to shape the decision making and implementation process of foreign polies, especially in case of Cameroon .a state can, therefor, define its level of engagement with the rest of the world through its foreign policy. Consequently, one can argue that the concept of globalization and foreign policy are no in isolation, but closely connected or interrelated. It is for this reason that the study seeks to examine the influence that globalization has on the foreign policy of Cameroon

1.2 Statement of the Problem       

The concept of globalization and foreign policy play significant roles in the field public administration. These concepts are, therefore, relevant in the field of public admiration and as such require a deep understanding of their nature and component .the force of globalization have not only become new source of challenges, but have in the process become forces the inform foreign policies of African states. That is to say, there are contemporal issues that shape the foreign policies of states and these issues arise as a result of state-to-state interactions in the international system. Cashman (2000).

 Globalization serves as a ground of change in the behavior of states and through this phenomenal, states toke decisions with regard to their foreign policy that will serve the interest of the people which is ultimately geared towards a change and improvement in the lives of people thus foreign policy decisions taken by the government of Cameroon has impact on the citizenry as well as the state entity. Hence, the influence or effect of globalization on the foreign policy of a country may be social economic and partisan (political) or may take other forms.

In addition to the available information of globalization and foreign policy in the literature, this study aims to identify and examine some of the factors of globalization that shaped the foreign policy process of state it is on the basic of the above that this research seeks to explore globalization within the scope of public administration. Thus this study seeks to examine how globalization influences Cameroons foreign policy. Cashman(2000).

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Question

What is the impact of globalization on Cameroon foreign policy?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

To what extend is globalization applied in Cameroon’s foreign policy?

How has globalization influenced the foreign policy of Cameroon?         

What role does globalization play in shaping Cameroon’s future foreign policy?                                                                                          

1.4 Objective of The Study

1.4.1 Main Objective.

To examine the influence of globalization on Cameroon’s foreign policy.

1.4.2 Specific Research Objective

To examine the extent to which globalization is applied in Cameroon’s foreign policy.

To assess how globalization has influenced the foreign policy of Cameroon.       

To evaluate the role globalization plays in shaping Cameroon’s future foreign policy.