Combatants or Non-Combatants?: Where Private Military Companies Fit in Modern, Classical and Legal Definitions

Authors

Robert J. Bunker, Claremont Graduate UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Department

Politics and Economics (CGU)

Publication Date

2006

Disciplines

Military and Veterans Studies | Political Science | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Many perspectives exist for why private military companies have emerged over the last decade or so: cost-effectiveness, fact reaction cycles, lack of will or inability of governments to send their own troops into peace operations. This short essay will not attempt to debate these traditional reasons given for PMC growth and operational fielding. Rather, it will make some basic observations concerning the changing nature of warfare, attempt to place PMC ascendancy within the historical context, and make some policy suggestions concerning the relationship of PMCs to international law and the state.

Comments

Brief excerpt from content used in lieu of an abstract.

Rights Information

© 2006 International Peace Operations Association

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Recommended Citation

Bunker, Robert J. “Combatants or Non-Combatants?: Where Private Military Companies Fit in Modern, Classical and Legal Definitions.” Journal of International Peace Operations. Vol. 2. No. 1. July-August 2006: 17-18.