Fareed Zakaria makes a compelling argument in America and the Rise of the Rest that we are witnessing a shift into a world of more, prosperous economies with a powerful America at the centre. What's most striking is not the book's central thesis, which, with America's relative decline becomes more obvious by the day -- but what Zakaria has to say about India. His argument that India -- despite its potential as the world's most populous democracy -- will always be constrained by its regional divisions from being a big hitter in the foreign policy game struck me as applying quite sharply to Nigeria as well.

In contrast to India, countries like Brazil and Turkey have begun to throw their considerable regional weight into the international issues of the day; Brazil notably intervening to broker a possible détente between Iran and the West and Turkey doing the same, as well as asserting a more strident line in its relations with Israel and its fellow Muslim nations in the wake of the Arab Spring. Like these nations and similar to India, Nigeria is also a big player in its backyard, and has from its birth been hailed as the Giant of Africa; but it's likely in terms of global power, leadership and foreign policy, this giant will never wake from its slumber. Dominated by three ethno-national groups, yet not truly run by any of them, the very existence of Nigeria continues to be a compromise. The energy (and money) needed to maintain that deal seems to leave little room for a truly robust global role.

The direction the various ethno-national groups wish to take in their development will continue to constrain its global role. Does the north wish to become an Islamic state -- along the lines of Iran? Does the southwest wish to become an example of a west African Sweden or the more likely English liberal and commercial model? Does the South-South wish to become just like America. Dynamic, driven and innovative? Or do the various regions see themselves as Singapore -- industrious, little nations beavering away at success? It's not clear -- at present, Nigeria muddles along. As long as the oil lasts there'll be some cushion of security for its elites. It's size will guarantee it a place at the table, but whether the country will be able to achieve anything better than mediocrity remains to be seen. The energy and exuberance of Nigerians is oft lauded, but just as evident in the country is a great enervation -- as if it just doesn't have a passion for itself.

Nigerians like to think of themselves as the 'USA' of Africa, big, strong, and crucially, listened to -- but what has always been missing is the clear ideological leadership and assertiveness that country has demonstrated, for better or worse, across the globe. Increasingly, the boast of being the 'Giant of Africa' is being eclipsed by the brazen success of South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and a host of other countries on the continent, some punching well above their weight. Still, Nigeria is noted for being Africa's largest market, but if the country's size is the only thing it has going for it, we really should be worried; in the street, it's called being big for nothing. Nigeria, the giant of Africa, needs to grow up a bit.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dele-meiji-fatunla/nigeria_b_1403951.html?ref=world

One of our major problems is that we boast a lot without having nothing to show for it. Big for nothing indeed.

Silly Nigerians making comparisons based on the scholarship of CNN's major propagandist in Asia.. This generation of Nigerians need their heads examined.

There is no problem with the country called Nigeria - Nigerians and our mentality are the problem. We need a new orientation, and a new consciousness to make this country great - and everything starts with you and I.

Keep playing the blame game and not effect a change, slowpoke.

Unfortunately, Nigeria is already grown-up, there is little you can teach an old dog,(xcept put it out of its misery) he is set in his ways and will not change. Sad but true.
The minute glimpse of brilliance from a "finger-ful" of Nigerians (out of a possible 160 million Nigerians) is often seen by chronic-optimists (not realists) as a good-enough measure of our Greatness. from the most insignificant to the truly legendary, we would like to be perceived as The ICON of Greatness in Africa.

we have had a lot of potential since the British handed out independence; we have barely exploited this potential as our Founding Fathers sowed seeds of Greed, Selfishness, Corruption and Religious Intolerance. all nurtured, harvested and fed to our youths and leaders of tomorrow. The circle cannot be broken - it must be wiped clean for a new start. It is like pouring clean water into a glass of piss hoping it will be good enough to drink

afam4eva: One of our major problems is that we boast a lot without having nothing to show for it. Big for nothing indeed.

by boasting alot what do u exactly mean? Nigeria was, and is still trying to maintain her position as the Giant of Africa! Big for Nothing? Yet She almost single handedly helped other Africa Nations get their independence, fed many Neighbouring Countries even till tomorrow! Nigeria is the Reason Africa has gotten this Far, Nigeria ain't boasting, she's pride Herself as a true Giant by being there for fellow countries when they're in Need, that's what Giants (not self centered Nations) do- helping others! If u read the post well, u'll see why we're tagged sleeping Giant- tribalism, ethnicism, Religion and Regionalism: just like what goes on here every blisful day! Peace....

Another crap of an article written by a failed Nigerian journalist who now makes a living by bad mouthing his country while in diasporan exile. He is too dumb to understand that aliens from out of space will not come down and help build our nation. His article does nothing to help him or his country, olodo slave journalist. SMH

He raises a lot of good points.

bittyend: Silly Nigerians making comparisons based on the scholarship of CNN's major propagandist in Asia.. This generation of Nigerians need their heads examined.

There is no problem with the country called Nigeria - Nigerians and our mentality are the problem. We need a new orientation, and a new consciousness to make this country great - and everything starts with you and I.

Keep playing the blame game and not effect a change, slowpoke.

Should you be a latent fool forever? Unity is the key factor among developing countries. The main ingredient that sustains unity is lacking in Nigeria. Nigeria’s diversity is the bane of its socio-politico-economic growth.

Dede1:
Unity is the key factor among developing countries. The main ingredient that sustains unity is lacking in Nigeria. Nigeria’s diversity is the bane of its socio-politico-economic growth.

QFT.

And not just developing countries. Countries period. Organizations period. From a sports team all the way up to a nation.

As long as any foreign article doesn't shower praise on Nigeria and its citizens then it must be propaganda and its author must be a "slave journalist". Heaven forbid that any such article raise issues that should lead us as a nation to moments of introspection. We must not let these foreigners corrupt us with blunt description of present realities;they are after our oil, besides, our delusions of our self importance and misplaced priorities is enough for us. After all there is nothing wrong with our great country let us continue on our present path and shun any opportunity to reform ourselves in areas that really matter.

People need to change their attitudes in this country, this us-against-the-world outlook is played out and stale.