State Control over Private Military and Security Companies in Armed Conflict

Critically analyses states' obligations to control PMSCs in armed conflict and assesses how PMSC misconduct may lead to state responsibility.

Hannah Tonkin (Author)

9781107613140, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 18 July 2013

340 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.46 kg

'Publications are often oriented towards other disciplines and focus more on other - also important - political, sociological, economic and ethical questions. These need to be complemented by a legal perspective, and Tonkin's well-structured and informed approach towards US and UK state practices is especially helpful, setting her apart from other authors. Therefore, this book is a gain and an inspiration to every reader who seeks clarity on legal state obligations.' Patricia Schneider, St Antony's International Review

The past two decades have witnessed the rapid proliferation of private military and security companies (PMSCs) in armed conflicts around the world, with PMSCs participating in, for example, offensive combat, prisoner interrogation and the provision of advice and training. The extensive outsourcing of military and security activities has challenged conventional conceptions of the state as the primary holder of coercive power and raised concerns about the reduction in state control over the use of violence. Hannah Tonkin critically analyses the international obligations on three key states - the hiring state, the home state and the host state of a PMSC - and identifies the circumstances in which PMSC misconduct may give rise to state responsibility. This analysis will facilitate the assessment of state responsibility in cases of PMSC misconduct and set standards to guide states in developing their domestic laws and policies on private security.

Introduction
1. The private security industry uncovered
2. State obligations and state responsibility
3. The attribution of PMSC conduct to the hiring state
4. Obligations of the host state
5. Obligations of the hiring state
6. Obligations of the home state
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: International humanitarian law [LBBS], Public international law [LBB], Law [L], Security services [KNSS], International relations [JPS]