Privatisation of warfare

Since the emergence of the first modern private military and security companies (PMSCs) in the 1990s, the privatisation of warfare has gained momentum with important consequences for contemporary and future wars. On the one hand, the contracting of military and security services has become increasingly routine and regulated in Western democracies and international interventions led by the United Nations (UN), NATO, and the European Union (EU).

On the other hand, the industry is continually seeking to expand its client base to countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and to novel technologies and services, such as drones and cybersecurity. However, PMSCs and new mercenaries like the Russian ‘Wagner Group’ are not the only private and commercial actors who are changing the nature of warfare. Globalisation and digitalisation offer privateers, volunteers, and hackers additional opportunities for involvement in international conflicts.

This event will see Professor Krahmann discussing her most recent research, which explores the privatisation of warfare.

Speaker:

Professor Elke Krahmann, Professor of International Relations at the University of Kiel

Discussant:

Dr Amanda Chisholm, Reader in Gender and Security

Chair:

Dr Sukanya Podder, Reader in Post-War Reconstruction and Peacebuilding