This book is the first to explore comprehensively the rise of UK private military companies (PMCs) on the international stage. After illustrating early examples of private force, such as mercenary companies, which filled the ranks of European armies right up to the 1850s, Christopher Kinsey traces the development of UK PMCs from the mercenary organizations that operated in Africa in the 1960s through to the start of the rise of legally established private military companies in the mid-1970s and early 1980s, to today's private military companies which are now important contributors to international security and post-conflict reconstruction. This volume first points to why and how the change from the mercenary organizations of the 1960s and 1970s came about. In particular it examines in some detail the Sandline affair, a crucial turning point in the industry's history. It then analyzes how PMCs have been able to impact upon international security. Finally, the book examines the type of problems, as well as the advantages, that can arise for organizations that decide to turn to private military companies for their security requirements. This book will be of much interest to students of security, military studies and international relations in general.

Introduction -- A typology of private military/security companies -- An historical overview of private violence -- The role of PMCs after the Cold War -- Tensions exposed in the 'arms to Africa' affair -- The privatization of warfare and the emergence of PMCs -- The role of PMCs in a changing global environment -- Regulation and control of private military companies: the legislative dimension -- Conclusion.