ABSTRACT
Private military companies (PMC) have emerged in the disparity, left by the disinterest of economically developed countries concerning less developed areas of the world. PMCs offer a broad scale of services, including consultations, combat actions, and Third World governments. Among managers of private military companies are experts from armed forces and decision-making structures of states. Critics argue that private military companies are beyond public control and that they are under a strong influence from multinational corporations, in particular mining companies. The fate of the future use of private military or security companies in peacebuilding could be determined by their success in Iraq. Accountability is a serious issue when it comes to carrying guns or flying helicopters in pursuit of US foreign policy goals'. PMCs refute the criticism of a lack of discipline – a phenomenon typical of classical mercenaries – by emphasising their professionalism. Another criticism of PMCs is concern that engagement of such companies could undermine the host state.
