Enhancing National Security through Internet Broadcasting: benefits and limitations

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the evaluation of the potential of Internet Broadcasting for the strengthening the national security system of the state. The importance of this problem is caused by the security priorities, which the stability of the political system of the state, life, health and welfare of the nation depend on. The author makes his theoretical conclusions on the basis of an empirical research conducted in three regions of Nigeria. This African country has many national security issues: religious conflicts, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, separatism, including the Biafra Sovereign Movement in the Southeast, “Boko Haram” activity in the north and Niger Delta fighters, as well as starvation, impoverishment, communal strife, conflict between pastoralists and farmers, the weakness of the federal government, lack of medical services, unemployment and so forth. The hypothesis is that Internet broadcasting significantly contributes to the solving of these problems. Scientific tasks that are accomplished in the research are: a) determining of the extent to which Internet broadcasting can enhance national security in Nigeria; b) ascertain the benefits and c) investigate the limitations of using the Internet broadcasting for solving national security problems. A sample of 384 was drawn from three states of Enugu, Abia and Anambra through a multi-stage sampling technique. In the analysis of data for the study, SPSS version 22 was used while simple percentages, mean and standard deviation were used as statistical tools. The result of this study showed that 52% of the respondents reported that Internet broadcasting can promote national security to a large extent. The respondents mentioned better speed, accessibility, a wider reach than TV, usability as benefits of Internet broadcasting. On the other hand, the limitations of the Internet broadcasting are: Internet broadcasting cannot be accessed by people without Internet skills; expensive gadgets needed for access; relatively short term of gadget’s power etc. Analyzing conclusions of the research, the author reflects on the Technological Determinism theory, Safe Nigeria model and Nigeria’s national security objectives. Practical recommendations about the improvement of the national security system of Nigeria through the creation of conducive environment for Internet broadcasting are given.