ABSTRACT

This chapter presents the characteristics of the humanitarian space as traditionally understood. It turns to the contentious debates about how private military and security companies (PMSCs) on their own or through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) utilization might expand or limit this space. The chapter assesses PMSC services to NGOs and the changes regarding risk transference and the duty of care. It focuses on why PMSCs might wish to be involved in the humanitarian space. The chapter recognizes the shift from seeking industry legitimacy to pursuing commercial opportunities and how this in turn reflects and exacerbates the continued flexibility of the term 'humanitarian'. NGOs are not a passive audience vis-a-vis the humanitarian space; their relationships, decisions, and actions can impact upon its expansion and contraction. The provision of good deeds has over time led to PMSCs seemingly becoming humanitarians themselves. It concludes by identifying issues for future consideration by policymakers and academics alike.