The Interdependence of Nations and Globalisation – SS3 Government Lesson Note (First Term)

Globalisation is the process by which states become interdependent in all spheres of life. Interdependence of nations means that countries rely on one another and gain mutual benefits, mainly because of developments in transportation and communication.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define globalisation and the interdependence of nations.
2. Discuss why nations depend on one another.
3. State the purposes of Nigeria’s interaction with other nations.
4. List the advantages of interaction among nations.
5. List the disadvantages of interaction among nations.
6. State the aims and objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Instructional techniques and materials

Instructional techniques

• Identification: students pick out examples of interdependence around them.
• Explanation: the teacher explains each key term.
• Questions and answers: students answer oral questions on each section.
• Demonstration: the teacher shows links between nations with pictures and videos.
• Videos from source: short clips on trade, travel and communication.

Instructional materials

• Videos
• Loudspeaker
• Textbook
• Pictures

What is globalisation?

• Globalisation: the process by which states become interdependent in all spheres of life.
• Interdependence: a situation where countries rely on one another and share benefits.
• Comity of nations: the community of nations formed by their interaction and friendly relations.
• Foreign policy: the set of principles and actions a country uses to deal with other countries.

What is the interdependence of nations?

• Main cause: the evolution of transportation and communication has made the world mutually interdependent.
• No nation is an island: no country can supply all its own needs, so nations need one another.
• Result: the desire to come together for mutual benefit led to the interdependence of states and nations.
• Nigeria’s place: Nigeria is not excluded from this interaction.
• Peace and friendship: Nigeria keeps friendly relations with other nations through the international community and her contribution to peace.

In what areas does Nigeria interact with other nations?

Why do nations interact?

1. To meet the economic needs of the people.
2. To promote political influence.
3. To promote the necessary socio-cultural relationship among nations for better understanding.
4. To promote national interest.

What are the advantages of interaction among nations?

1. Friendly relations: it encourages friendly relations among the nations of the world.
2. World peace: it promotes world peace.
3. Socio-cultural exchange: it makes it possible to exchange ideas in areas of education, sports, religion and cultural matters.
4. Defence: it enhances the defence of the territorial integrity of a nation.
5. Foreign aid: it helps to attract foreign aid.

What are the disadvantages of interaction among nations?

1. Cultural and social problems: foreign habits and values may spread among citizens.
2. Interference: it leads to unnecessary interference in the internal affairs of a state.
3. Dumping: it leads to indiscriminate dumping of inferior or poorly produced goods.
4. Economic dependence: heavy dependence on foreign assistance does not allow a nation to have independent economic policies.
5. Loss of culture: it is injurious to a nation’s culture.

What is Nigeria’s foreign policy?

• Meaning: the guide Nigeria follows in its dealings with other countries.
• Purpose: it directs how Nigeria protects its interests while it interacts with the international community.

Aims and objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy

• National interest: to protect and promote Nigeria’s national interest.
• African unity: to promote African integration and support African unity.
• World peace: to promote international cooperation for peace and security.
• Economic order: to work for a fair world economic order.
• Human dignity: to respect the dignity of the human person and promote human rights.
• Colonialism and apartheid: to oppose colonial rule and racial discrimination, especially in Africa.

Evaluation

1. State four benefits of interaction among nations.
2. State three negative effects of interaction among nations.
3. What is foreign policy?
4. State four aims and objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

Assignment

1. Name three areas in which Nigeria interacts with other nations, and give one example of each.