"THE RISE OF CHINA IN CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL ORDER: IMPLICATIONS AND GLOBAL GOVERNANCE: A NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE"

ABSTRACT The 21st century has witnessed the unprecedented ascent of China as a global power, reshaping the architecture of international relations and challenging the Western-dominated liberal world order. This study critically examines the political, economic, technological, and ideological dimensions of China’s rise and its implications for global governance, with particular emphasis on Nigeria as a case study. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study draws on secondary data from academic literature, institutional reports, and policy documents to explore how China’s strategic initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), soft power diplomacy, and technological leadership are influencing global norms and institutions. The analysis reveals that while China offers alternative models of development and governance that appeal to many Global South countries, its growing influence raises concerns about debt sustainability, digital sovereignty, and the erosion of liberal international standards. For Nigeria, China’s engagement has brought substantial infrastructure development and expanded diplomatic options, but also introduces risks of economic dependency and normative divergence from democratic governance frameworks. The study concludes by advocating for a balanced and strategic foreign policy that enables Nigeria and similar nations to benefit from China’s rise while safeguarding national interests and upholding principles of transparency, autonomy, and multilateral cooperation.