Abstract
The paper explores the role and the power potential of Nigeria and South Africa with special attention to their comparatively high military, economic, political capabilities that enable them to shape and dominate regional agenda. It also analyses the internal, regional and external dynamics within Africa, particularly in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). The paper further thoroughly examines the hegemonic contest for the UN Security Council membership among the dominant African states through the lens of Ezulwini Consensus, as well as the Pan-African credentials of Nigeria and South Africa in accordance to their contribution to ensuring peace, stability and development on continental and sub-regional levels. Nigeria and South Africa are the most important actors on the African continent, but there are obvious constraints undermining their ability to play an effective regional role. Thus, the research was guided by the comparison case-study of Nigeria and South Africa in crucial for understanding power potential areas. The study concludes that although Pan-Africanism stands of Nigeria and South Africa are commendable, both powers mostly follow this strategy for advancing their national interests. Taking into account the whole set of internal and external factors, both countries need to unite their efforts and practical strategies to advance the common goal of Africa development, peace and security.
Highlights
Starting off the regional power hierarchies and the regional security complex theory (RSCT), B
If this power capability is unrivaled in its region, the state could rise to the level of a regional hegemon
In assessing the factors that determine the sources of regional power status, one can conclude that solely building a military or economic power base does not suffice for the attainment of regional power status [Neumann 1992]
Summary
Соперничество Нигерии и ЮАР за статус региональной державы: от материального потенциала до членства в Совете Безопасности ООН. В работе оцениваются возможности и амбиции крупных африканских государств на членство в Совете Безопасности ООН в контексте общей африканской позиции, известной как «Консенсус Эзулвини», а также панафриканские инициативы Нигерии и Южной Африки в соответствии с их вкладом в обеспечение мира, стабильности и развития на континентальном и субрегиональном уровнях. Исследование было проведено преимущественно на основе сравнительного анализа опыта Нигерии и Южной Африки, в частности показателей, ключевых для определения потенциала государств. В исследовании подчеркивается, что хотя панафриканские амбиции Нигерии и Южной Африки заслуживают одобрения, обе державы продвигают данную стратегию исходя из собственных национальных интересов. Ключевые слова: Африка, региональная держава, гегемон, Нигерия, Южная Африка, CINC, Совет Безопасности ООН, «Консенсус Эзулвини», ЭКОВАС, САДК, Африканский союз (АС).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
