Abstract

Russia and NATO in the 1990s drastically reduced the size of their armies and scaled back programs of military assistance. At the same time, internal conflicts multiplied as minority groups became more assertive in demands for self-determination. Private military and security companies have been generated to meet the demand for security. Activities of private military companies like Executive Outcomes have created fears that they represent the new enforcers of neo-colonialism. Existing literature overestimates the accomplishments of Executive Outcomes and underestimates difficulties associated with an effective private company operation. Despite antipathy to the idea that security for many third world states may be available only to those who can purchase outside help, private companies that supply training and other suport services will be important players in the future.