The Privatization of War: Mercenaries, Private Military and Security Companies (PMSC) | Global Research

The Privatization of War: Mercenaries, Private Military and Security Companies (PMSC) | Global Research

Private military and security companies (PMSC) are the modern
reincarnation of a long lineage of private providers of physical force:
corsairs, privateers and mercenaries. Mercenaries, which had practically
disappeared during the XIXth and XXth centuries, reappeared in the
1960’s during the decolonization period operating mainly in Africa and
Asia. Under the United Nations a convention was adopted which outlaws
and criminalizes their activities. Additional Protocol I of the Geneva
Conventions also contains a definition of mercenary.

These non-state entities of the XXIst century operate in extremely
blurred situations where the frontiers are difficult to separate. The
new security industry of private companies moves large quantities of
weapons and military equipment. It provides services for military
operations recruiting former militaries as civilians to carry out
passive or defensive security.