The Privatization of Security

Having discussed the historical context of privateers, mercenariesMercenaries and PMSCs, reflections on the privatization of security and examination of the developments within the industry is offered. To gauge the full extent to which security privatization and PMSCs challenge states’ monopoly on violenceMonopoly on violence, this chapter discusses the concept of civil-military relations, the concept of the state as the legitimate perpetrator of violence and the nation-state soldier being a legitimate figurehead of the modern state. It then considers how these concepts are important to understanding the mercenary phenomenon in the Australian context.