The impact of militarisation on perceptions of state legitimacy in Niger

Over the past 10 years, foreign military presence has intensified in Niger. Six countries now have a military presence while NGOs are increasingly implementing countering violent extremism (CVE) programmes. Meanwhile, the international development community seeks to coordinate its efforts to achieve SDG16, including the promotion of legitimate institutions. However, its possible that the large amounts of aid funding currently being invested in developing legitimate institutions in Niger may be failing on two counts. One, programmes are aiming for a vision of legitimate authority that may not be aligned with Nigeriens' beliefs. Two, the growing discontent about the presence of foreign militaries in Niger may mean that the investment in building legitimate institutions is negated by the effects of increasing militarisation. Using a social constructivist approach to understanding legitimacy, I will carry out research to understand a) what constitutes legitimate authority in Niger; and b) whether the increasing militarisation is affecting perceptions of state legitimacy