Publication

This paper asks whether the private provision of security is problematic and considers how best to incorporate private security companies (PSC) into existing or planned security sector reform (SSR) or good governance programs. The paper outlines how security is becoming increasingly privatized, discusses PSCs and related concerns and examines the implications of PSCs for SSR. Subsequently, the paper details recommendations for successful SSR and introduces potential research areas related to PSCs. The paper underlines the importance of an effective system of democratic regulation and oversight of security actors with respect to the private security industry.