Privatizing War: Private Military and Security Companies under Public International Law - Hardcover

Cameron, Lindsey; Chetail, Vincent

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1107032407 ISBN 13: 9781107032408

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2013

Synopsis

A growing number of states use private military and security companies (PMSCs) for a variety of tasks, which were traditionally fulfilled by soldiers. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the law that applies to PMSCs active in situations of armed conflict, focusing on international humanitarian law. It examines the limits in international law on how states may use private actors, taking the debate beyond the question of whether PMSCs are mercenaries. The authors delve into issues such as how PMSCs are bound by humanitarian law, whether their staff are civilians or combatants, and how the use of force in self-defence relates to direct participation in hostilities, a key issue for an industry that operates by exploiting the right to use force in self-defence. Throughout, the authors identify how existing legal obligations, including under state and individual criminal responsibility should play a role in the regulation of the industry.

About this title

Book Description:

A comprehensive study of international law as it applies to the widespread, but controversial, use of private military and security companies in armed conflict. Along with an expert analysis of humanitarian law, it covers classic questions of responsibility and raises new questions regarding legal limits on the use of PMSCs.

About the Author:

Lindsey Cameron is a Legal Adviser for the International Committee of the Red Cross. Prior to joining the ICRC, she worked as a researcher in the faculty of law at the University of Geneva. She has also worked for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in the Balkans and at the Court of Appeal for Ontario in Canada.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1107032407
• ISBN 13: 9781107032408
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 754