Natural Resource as an Instrument in Foreign Policy of Africa

Abstract

The discussion of foreign policy is essential to both the theory and application of international relations. Furthermore, the topic has taken on new importance in the current global system, where a thorough engagement is shaping the nature of diplomacy. A state's approach to negotiations with the outside world with the goal of advancing its national interests as defined by its political system is known as its foreign policy. A nation's foreign policy is influenced by a number of concrete and abstract elements that ultimately shape the direction of the policy. Furthermore, the achievement of a nation's national objectives depends on a few key foreign policy variables. They thereafter turn into important tools of foreign negotiation for those nations as a result of shifts in either the external or domestic contexts, or both. For example, natural resources serve similar purposes for nations that are heavily involved in their production. Oil is one of many natural resources, but it is particularly important from a strategic standpoint because it can reveal the extent and nature of economic complementarity between the parties involved in its exchange. The process of "globalization of oil," which is currently taking place and involves diversifying the supply and demand zones as well as nationalizing the exploration, production, and transportation processes, has made it possible for newly emerging oil-rich African nations to use their oil resources as a diplomatic tool to further their foreign policy goals. This article sets a conceptual parameter by analysing the present resource paradigm as compared to the classical geopolitics. Then, it devotes to conceptualise the world diplomatic system. The conceptualisation of diplomatic system is followed by conception of the current world oil regime within the wider energy discourse.