Assessment of Globalization on Boko Haram Terrorism in Nigeria and Cameroon.

Abstract

The study examines how, inadvertently, globalization processes have assisted Boko Haram’s terrorist activities in exploiting institutional vulnerabilities and porous national borders in Nigeria and Cameroon. The study is founded on Globalization Theory, particularly the Network Society approach to Globalization Theory. The study uses a qualitative study method, which is based on secondary data and literature. The study argues that the interdependence of states in the contemporary world has inadvertently provided Boko Haram with modern and sophisticated tools to transcend local terrorist boundaries. The spread of digital technologies such as the internet and social media has enabled Boko Haram to successfully radicalize its members across national boundaries, to orchestrate highly sophisticated terrorist attacks, and to disseminate propaganda materials effectively. The relaxation of restrictions on the movement of people and goods in the West African sub-region has resulted in porous national borders that have enabled the free transnational movement of terrorists from Northeastern Nigeria into the Far North Region of Cameroon for purposes of acquiring small arms and other terrorist gear. The study argues that the asymmetry between a transnationally connected terrorist group and state actors has resulted in a high level of risk to local and regional actors. The study concludes by arguing that for Boko Haram’s terrorist threat to be successfully contained, a holistic and multilateral approach to addressing the global processes driving the terrorist group’s violent ideology is necessary.