Abstract

In international politics, bilateral and multilateral relations are conducted based on national and regional interest. This is because development can only thrive in a peaceful environment, different societies or nations enter into treaties or alliance to protect their national or regional territories. This study focuses on the Gibeonites treaties with the Israelites as an exercise to protect their national interest and its binding effect on the Israelites not minding how it came about. It also analyses the green tree agreement and its socio-cultural imperatives in the interest of regional peace. The study examines the genesis of the Bakassi conflict between Nigeria and Cameroon and its socio-cultural implication on the inhabitants. The place of oath taking as a vital ingredient in peace building in Africa is highlighted. The research adopts the inter-disciplinary approach; which implies a combination of more than one approaches namely; historical, philosophical and phenomenological in the discussion. The paper observes that the green tree agreement is a political and not a historiocultural solution to the Bakassi conflict.  It concludes that any individual, group or society seeking to have peace, must be willing to sacrifice a portion of his possession or pride in the overall interest of all.

Key words: International Politics, Treaties, Cultural, Society.