The Rise of the Private Military and Security Industry

... non-state actors like multinational oil/gas companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as the resurfacing of inter- and intra-state tensions that had been curbed... ... principle, not ideological, but pecuniary, i.e. personal financial gain. Furthermore, private contractors operate in foreign countries, usually in the context of armed conflict... ... command. Due to these characteristics, PMSC personnel have often been described as mere mercenaries, an accusation that the companies themselves vehemently deny; understandably...