The nature and role of paid foreign forces have altered considerably in the late twentieth century. 'Military companies' - private firms providing active military assistance, in some cases involving combat - have filled the gap in the market created by the increasing reluctance of Western governments and multilateral organisations to intervene directly in civil conflicts. The debate over the use of these companies has not, however, kept pace with their development. This paper - the first detailed analysis of the private military sector - argues that dismissing it as an unpleasant aberration is unhelpful. Military companies can claim success in achieving immediate strategic objectives. Military force can stabilise a crisis, challenging the view that negotiations in the absence of coercion is sufficient to reach a settlement. Engaging with military companies may create possibilities for them to complement international and regional peacekeeping efforts. Traditional UN peacekeeping is flawed in terms of its speed of mobilisation and lines of authority, and is hampered by interference from contributing countries. The private sector may avoid many of these difficulties.

Adelphi Paper 316.

Ch. 1.Mercenary or Military Company? Ch. 2. The Expansion of the Private Military Sector Ch. 3. Case studies Ch. 4. Assessing Capabilities and Limitations.