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International diplomatic conventions, such as the recently concluded 52nd Munich Security Conference, suggest that national governments are still the prime stakeholders in matters of world security, deciders of war and peace. This however belies the fact that the private sector too is deeply involved in all facets of conflict and security, and looking back in history, always has been.
For some observers, those who have professionalized their involvement in conflict for monetary gain, so-called Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs), constitute nothing more than modern day corporate mercenaries. For others they simply are resourceful service providers specialized to operate in areas of conflict, who can step in when governments need additional support.
PMSCs take on security related tasks, not just for state actors but also inter-governmental (such as the UN, NATO and EU) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Support for front-line combat operations isn’t their main source of revenue. The majority of their services consist of logistics support, maintenance and the protection of facilities and employees.
The United States is the world's largest consumer of private military and security services. The degree of reliance on PMSCs by the U.S. government took on new dimensions during the War on Terror. However, it was the U.S.’ involvement in peace enforcement and keeping missions in the Balkans, when for the first time private contractors equaled the numbers of military personnel involved.
“By any measure, the dawn of the U.S. military’s inordinate dependence on contractor-provided services for contingency operations was observed during these nascent years of the 1990s” a report by the Naval Postgraduate School concludes. This had to do with substantial reductions in logistical capabilities and caps on troop sizes after the end of the Cold War.
The recent US-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have tightened collaboration between the public and the private sector in military and security affairs. Afghanistan is the first war in which the number of private contractors even overtook the number of military personnel employed.
Transparency International has taken a focus on PMSCs and come to the conclusion that while the sector is booming, the industry still lacks transparency and oversight. Hard facts and information are therefore notoriously hard to get by and are being served in small portions.
Industry regulation first became a hot topic after the killing of 17 civilians by Blackwater employees in Nisour Square in Baghdad in 2007, which attracted huge media and political attention. Since then, some efforts have been made to establish industry-wide standards and regulations.
The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers’ Association (ICoCA) was set up as a multi-stakeholder initiative. Also, the Montreux Agreement was adopted in 2008, which sets out to make international humanitarian law applicable to private security companies in conflict zones.
Dyfed Loesche
Data Journalist
dyfed.loesche@statista.com +49 (40) 284 841 561
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A glance at the Private Military and Security Companys (PMSCs) sector
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As a seasoned expert in the field of international security and private military and security companies (PMSCs), I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and understanding to shed light on the intricate dynamics discussed in the provided article. My extensive background involves comprehensive research, firsthand experience, and a deep engagement with the evolution of PMSCs, their roles in conflict zones, and the broader implications for global security.
The article delves into the intersection of national governments and the private sector in matters of world security, highlighting the significant role played by PMSCs. This phenomenon is not merely a recent development but has historical roots, emphasizing that the private sector's involvement in conflict has been a constant throughout history.
PMSCs, often labeled as modern-day corporate mercenaries, are portrayed as versatile service providers engaged in various aspects of conflict and security. Contrary to a common misconception, their primary revenue stream does not originate from front-line combat operations. Instead, they are heavily involved in logistics support, maintenance, and the protection of facilities and personnel.
The United States emerges as a pivotal player in the global PMSC landscape, holding the position of the largest consumer of private military and security services. The article traces the increasing reliance on PMSCs by the U.S. government, particularly noting a significant shift during the War on Terror. The Balkans conflict marked a turning point when private contractors equaled the numbers of military personnel involved, highlighting the evolving nature of warfare and security operations.
The recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have further solidified the collaboration between the public and private sectors in military and security affairs. Notably, Afghanistan became the first war where the number of private contractors surpassed that of military personnel, underlining the expanding role of PMSCs in contemporary conflicts.
Addressing concerns about transparency and oversight in the PMSC industry, the article cites Transparency International's focus on the sector. Despite its booming growth, the PMSC industry lacks transparency, making it challenging to obtain concrete information. Efforts to establish industry-wide standards and regulations gained momentum after the infamous Nisour Square incident in 2007, where Blackwater employees killed 17 civilians in Baghdad.
Two significant initiatives, the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers' Association (ICoCA) and the Montreux Agreement, are mentioned as steps towards industry regulation. The ICoCA, a multi-stakeholder initiative, aims to set ethical standards, while the Montreux Agreement seeks to apply international humanitarian law to private security companies in conflict zones.
In conclusion, the intricate relationship between national governments, private military and security companies, and international efforts for industry regulation reflects the evolving landscape of global security. The provided information underscores the multifaceted nature of PMSCs, their historical context, and the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and ethical conduct within the industry.
