The Relationship between Leadership Dynamics and Implementation of Foreign Policy in Africa: A Case of Kenya
Keywords:
foreign policy, personality traits, dynamics, orientationAbstract
Leadership dynamism is critical in foreign policy enactment in any country in the world, including Africa. Most countries have tried to implement their foreign policy differently, but without emphasis on personal traits of the national leader. The study examined the relationship between leadership dynamism and implementation of foreign policy in African countries. The study was anchored on advocacy coalition framework theory and punctuated equilibrium theory. It adopted descriptive research design and involved a target population of 195 individuals comprising of embassies, political parties, ministry of foreign affairs and civil society. Sampling was carried out using stratified sampling technique where 100 respondents were selected. Collection of primary data was carried out using a structured questionnaire where collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential methods. Analyzed data was presented using frequency distribution tables, figures and narratives. The findings revealed that leadership dynamics significantly influenced policy making processes and implementation. Countries with stronger leadership in Africa tended to have vibrant foreign policy debates without fear of losing favor in the international community. However, challenges such as mega corruption and neocolonialism in most African states continue to affect foreign policy direction. Leaders with certain characteristics, such as dictatorial tendencies, corruption mentality, emotional instability, and human rights abuse records tend to oversee or favor subjective foreign policy orientations. Leaders with condensing attitude, limited emotional intelligence, questionable integrity, and tough-headedness tend to pursue narrow and self-serving foreign policy directions at the expense of their citizens. Inferential statistics also indicated that personal leadership traits influenced foreign policy implementation in African countries. The study recommended robust policy debates and implementation. Despite varied leadership traits in all leaders, foreign policy implementation should involve objective processes devoid of personal influences.
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