Through an array of theoretical approaches and empirical material, this comprehensive and accessible volume surveys private armed forces and directly challenges conventional stereotypes of security contractors. Extracts of key legal documents related to mercenary activity and the regulation of the export of defense articles and services help illuminate the laws under which private military forces operate. A bibliography highlights significant material focusing on the study of the privatization of security and private military companies and cites key authors and sources of important empirical evidence

Introduction -- Private forces in historical perspective -- Private military companies and adverse private forces -- Conflict environments and private forces -- The privatization of security : approaches and issues -- Conclusions.