Related Articles for "The Privatization of Violence and Security"
March 2013
-
22 Mar 2013
Private Military and Security Companies Agree to Increased International Oversight
Private military and security contractors recently added a new oversight mechanism to their international code of conduct. While the addition is a relatively small one, James Cockayne believes that it represents a genuine first step towards the international regulation of PMSCs. More on «Private Military and Security Companies Agree to Increased International Oversight»
December 2012
-
5 Dec 2012
Are Private Military Companies (PMCs) Exempted from Geneva Conventions?
Many Western states are increasingly depending on private contractors to perform tasks once done by regular armed forces. Does this trend then exempt contractors from the international laws that regulate armed conflict and protect civilians, asks Richard Rousseau? More on «Are Private Military Companies (PMCs) Exempted from Geneva Conventions?»
November 2012
-
15 Nov 2012
Peter W Singer Part 1
In today's "Theory Talks", Peter W Singer explains how his non-state-centric approach to international relations represents a departure from traditional discourse. He also discusses how advances in robotics are set to change the nature of warfare forever. More on «Peter W Singer Part 1» -
15 Nov 2012
Peter W Singer Part 2
More on «Peter W Singer Part 2»
August 2012
-
30 Aug 2012
An Act of Faith: Building the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers
As private military contractors grow in importance, critics want the industry to develop a code of ethics that upholds corporate responsibility and accountability. The Diplomatic Courier’s Whitney Grespin analyzes one such effort – the International Code for Private Security Service Providers. More on «An Act of Faith: Building the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers » -
29 Aug 2012
Cost Before Hearts and Minds – Private Security in Afghanistan
One argument for relying on contractors in military operations is that they are more cost-effective than regular armed forces. Yet, as Anna Leander demonstrates, a number of ‘cost effective’ private security companies hardly endeared themselves to those they served in Afghanistan. More on «Cost Before Hearts and Minds – Private Security in Afghanistan» -
28 Aug 2012
Iraq: A Turning Point for Private Security
The extensive deployment of Private Military and Security Contractors (PMSCs) in Iraq has not been without its fair share of controversy. In today’s multimedia feature we look at the problems associated with using PMSCs there and elsewhere. More on «Iraq: A Turning Point for Private Security » -
27 Aug 2012
Negative Views of Civilian and Private Security Contractors
Concerns over their cost effectiveness and strategic value make the deployment of PMSCs a risky proposition. More worryingly, argues David Isenberg, is that they may permit governments to circumnavigate democratic debates over the necessity of sending armed forces into battle. More on «Negative Views of Civilian and Private Security Contractors» -
24 Aug 2012
In Defense of Civilian and Private Security Contractors
In an era of smaller defense budgets, more civilian and private contractors are doing the work once done by regular armed forces. Regardless if this is good or bad, Maxim Worcester argues, the fact that governments are increasingly regulating PSC activities tells us they are here to stay. More on «In Defense of Civilian and Private Security Contractors»
December 2011
-
01 December 2011
Contractors to the Congo
While security and defense contracting in Africa is nothing new, the awarding of another multi-million dollar contract by the US State Department to a controversial private security operation is perhaps indicative of just how thinly stretched the US military is becoming. This does not bode well for either oversight or accountability. More on «Contractors to the Congo»
