Regulation Of Private Military Companies In Iraq

The number of Private Military Companies (PMCs) used by the United States in military operations has increased substantially in the last two decades. While the ratio of contractor personnel to military personnel in the Persian Gulf War was 1 to 55, it was about 1 to 1 in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Because of the intense use of PMCs by coalition forces in Iraq, problems related to their legal status, the contracting process, civilian control, and oversight have emerged. These problems require national solutions as well as effective support from the international level. In addition, the types and levels of dangers faced by states that employ PMCs are not same. Incapable or weak states, such as Iraq, are more vulnerable to the challenges of PMC use than capable or strong states, such as the United States. Moreover, weak states do not have the capacity to solve the problems inherent in using PMCs, whereas strong states do, although they need the political will to do so. Thus, at the national level, the priorities and approaches of states to PMCs must be different. In addition, international regulations must be established to reinforce national regulations governing PMCs because of the transnational nature of the Private Military Industry. The primary research questions this thesis addresses are as follows: What are the motives and capabilities of the United States and Iraq to regulate PMCs?; and How can national regulations governing PMCs be supported at the international level?