Private Military Corporations

Lukáš Visingr

The New Warriorsfor the New World Order

Introduction: Why the PMCs?

• the trends of privatization and outsourcing

• end of the Cold War and the bipolar system

• dismissed soldiers and discarded weapons

• regional conflicts with many subjects involved

• globalization and information revolution

Contents

1. The PMCs vs. the mercenaries

2. Three levels of the PMCs

3. Examples of the PMCs’ operations

4. Pros and cons of the PMCs

5. Topics of current research

1. The PMCs vs. the mercenaries

Mercenaries PMCsPrivate subjects providing military services for payment

Skilled professionals, generally former soldiers

Ad hoc informal groups Permanent organizations

Essentially illegal Legally set and run

Independence Economic ties

Profit for the individuals Profit for the company

Usually combat only Wide range of services

2. Three levels of the PMCs

I. Military Provider CorporationsDirect combat and intelligence services

E.g. Executive Outcomes, Sandline, Blackwater…

II. Military Consultant CorporationsTraining, exercising and consultations

E.g. MPRI, DynCorp, Vinnell, ATSI, ATAC…

III. Military Support CorporationsTransport, supplies and other logistics

E.g. Halliburton, KBR, SAIC, Volga-Dnepr…

3. Examples of PMCs’ operations

• Executive Outcomes and Sandline International have defeated the rebels in Angola and Sierra Leone.

• Blackwater USA is an essential ally of the US and Iraqi forces in the maintenance of security in Iraq.

• MPRI has trained the Croatian army, which has finally defeated the once-superior Serbians.

• ATSI and ATAC provide „Aggressor“ combat training to the fighter pilots of the US Navy.

• Halliburton is the largest supplier of logistic support for the US armed forces.

• Volga-Dnepr flies heavy cargo aircraft, which transport both military and civil freights.

4. Pros and cons of the PMCsThe main advantages:

• military and financial effectiveness• politically insensitiveness (no „body-bag effect“)

The main disadvantages:• absence of any legal or factual regulation• difficultness of control or supervision• state dependence on the provided services• weakening of the power of the state

An advantage, or a disadvantage?• availability for non-state clients (e.g. TNCs)

5. Topics of current research• How to resolve the relations of the PMCs to the states

and to some non-state subjects? Should we be afraid of the PMCs hired by the „rogue states“?

• What is the best way to control the PMCs? Should they regulate themselves, or should they be licensed by the states, or should it be the task of the UN?

• Should the UN, NATO or EU contract the PMCs for the peacekeeping missions? If so, what level of the PMCs should it be? Support, training or even combat?

Summary

1. Comparison of the PMCs and the mercenaries

2. Dividing of the PMCs into three levels

3. Six examples of operations of the PMCs

4. Advantages and disadvantages of the PMCs

5. Questions for current theoretical research

Thank youfor your attention