Transformation of the Role of PMSCs in the Post-International World and Their Classification

Abstract

Introduction. The evolving landscape of international relations has witnessed a profound transformation in the concept of security. Traditionally, governments held an exclusive monopoly over the provision of security, relying on their military and defense forces to safeguard their interests and protect their citizens. However, the post-Cold War era has ushered in a paradigm shift, with non-state actors emerging as formidable challengers to this traditional monopoly. At the forefront of these non-governmental actors stand private military and security companies (PMSCs), organizations that offer a diverse array of military and security services to governments across the globe. Methods and materials. This comprehensive study explores the multifaceted world of PMSCs, categorizing them into three distinct types based on the nature of the services they provide: offensive, reactive, and defensive. Through an analytical-descriptive research approach and the innovative lens of postinternational theory, this research delves deep into the role of PMSCs in an increasingly interconnected world. Analysis. The central question that underpins this study is the extent of PMSCs’ influence in a post-international world and their responses to the evolving global military security environment. It scrutinizes whether governments continue to maintain an exclusive monopoly over security and military operations or if these responsibilities have been increasingly assumed by non-governmental actors like PMSCs. Results. The study comes to the conclusion that in the post-international world, governments are no longer the sole arbiters of security, and the role of nonstate actors, particularly PMSCs, has grown substantially. Their extensive military and security services, often serving as alternatives to official national armies, have reduced the necessity for government forces in conflictprone regions. This paradigm shift has effectively transformed security into a “tradable commodity,” giving further initiative and importance to the PMSCs across the international arena. Autors’ contribution. Reza Javadi has outlined the scope, idea, purpose, and objectives of the paper. He has also been engaged in the gathering, classification, and analysis of the documents that make up the main source base of the article. The second author, M. Saeid-Abadi, has helped find the library sources for the study, commented on the materials, and shared ideas about the beginning parts of the study.