Searching for Legitimacy - Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) Overcoming Ingrained Stereotypes

• NCJ Number: 243382
• Journal: Security Journal Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 280-293
• Author(s): Kathrin Herbst
• Date Published: July 2013
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the privatization of security and the re-emergence of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs).

Abstract

The transfer of power in the area of security provision from government to private companies raises the question of the right to exercise this power, as well as the legitimacy of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs). Existing research has examined the different forms of power PMSCs inherit. This article explores various forms of legitimacy that can be attributed to PMSCs. It argues that because of the possession of different forms of power, a more sophisticated overarching approach towards understanding the multiple sources of legitimacy is necessary when addressing the privatization of security and the existence of PMSCs. The article then applies some of those different thoughts on legitimacy to the debate concerning PMSCs. (Published Abstract)