PMSCs and State Sovereignty 1
The Use of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) and the Effects on State
Sovereignty
Jeremy Phillips
Helms School of Government, Liberty University
The Use of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) and the Effects on State
Sovereignty
The utilization of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) has become an
increasingly prominent feature of the contemporary international security landscape (Avant,
2005; Putin's Proxies , 2022; Singer, 2003). This trend necessitates critical examination due to its
profound implications for state sovereignty, accountability, and the ethical dimensions of
warfare. States are increasingly outsourcing functions traditionally reserved for national armed
forces to private entities, raising complex questions about the role of the state in maintaining
PMSCs and State Sovereignty 2
order, protecting its citizens, and upholding international law. The core issue lies in whether the
benefits of utilizing PMSCs outweigh the potential costs to national security, international
stability, and the fundamental principles of statehood. This research topic is crucial as it explores
the shifting dynamics of power and responsibility in an era where non-state actors play an
increasingly significant role in global security (Bamigboye, 2022). Integrating biblical principles
offers a moral compass for evaluating the ethical implications of privatizing violence and the
responsibility of nations to act justly and with integrity in the international arena. This research
will address the complex relationship between PMSCs and state sovereignty through several key
research questions, each with a corresponding justification and thesis statement.
How effective are existing legal and regulatory frameworks in ensuring the accountability
of PMSCs, particularly concerning human rights violations and adherence to international law,
and what measures can enhance their oversight? Accountability remains a central challenge in
the PMSC sector (Singer, 2003). The lack of robust legal frameworks and enforcement
mechanisms allows for impunity, potentially leading to human rights abuses and violations of
international law. This question is vital because it assesses the existing accountability structures
and explores potential improvements, crucial for upholding ethical standards and protecting
vulnerable populations in conflict zones. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of
justice and accountability for actions, particularly those that harm others (Micah 6:8). Evaluating
the effectiveness of PMSC accountability frameworks through this lens highlights the moral
imperative to ensure that these companies operate within a just and ethical framework. Current
legal and regulatory frameworks are inadequate to ensure the effective accountability of PMSCs,
necessitating stronger international oversight mechanisms, enhanced transparency
requirements, and robust enforcement measures to address human rights violations and uphold
international law.
To what extent does the outsourcing of military functions to PMSCs impact the
professionalism and integrity of national armed forces, and does this reliance contribute to a
PMSCs and State Sovereignty 3
"hollow army" phenomenon where essential skills and capabilities are lost? Outsourcing military
functions could erode the skills and readiness of national armed forces. The question of whether
it creates a "hollow army" where essential skills and capabilities are lost must be determined.
This is important because a state's ability to defend itself depends on a well-trained and
professional military. The book of Proverbs underscores the importance of diligent preparation
and the potential consequences of neglecting core responsibilities (Proverbs 21:5). Examining
the impact of PMSCs on military professionalism through this biblical perspective highlights the
value of maintaining strong, capable national defenses and avoiding the pitfalls of dependence
on external actors. The increasing reliance on PMSCs for military functions can undermine the
professionalism and integrity of national armed forces, potentially leading to a "hollow army"
phenomenon characterized by the erosion of essential skills and capabilities, necessitating a
reassessment of the appropriate balance between outsourcing and maintaining robust national
defense capabilities. How does the use of PMSCs affect a state's monopoly on the legitimate use
of force, a key component of state sovereignty, and to what extent can states effectively control
the actions of PMSCs operating within and beyond their borders (Avant, 2005)? One of the
defining characteristics of state sovereignty is the state's monopoly on the legitimate use of
force. The increasing presence of PMSCs challenges this principle, as these companies operate
outside the direct control of the state. Understanding the extent to which PMSCs erode this
monopoly and the ability of states to control their actions is crucial for maintaining stability and
preventing the privatization of violence. Romans 13:4 speaks of the governing authorities as
those who "do not bear the sword for no reason." This verse emphasizes the legitimate use of
force by the state to maintain order and protect its citizens. Evaluating the impact of PMSCs on
this state function from a biblical perspective highlights the importance of upholding the state's
authority and ensuring that the use of force remains accountable and just.
The utilization of PMSCs significantly erodes a state's monopoly on the legitimate use of
force, thereby undermining state sovereignty, and effective control over PMSC activities requires
PMSCs and State Sovereignty 4
strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing international cooperation, and implementing robust
oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and prevent the privatization of violence. What
potential national security risks are associated with the reliance on PMSCs, including conflicts of
interest, lack of loyalty, and the potential for misuse of force, and could these companies be
exploited by foreign adversaries to undermine national interests? Relying on PMSCs can
introduce national security risks due to potential conflicts of interest, lack of loyalty, and the
possibility of misuse of force. These companies could be exploited by foreign adversaries to
undermine national interests. It is imperative to identify and assess these risks to ensure that
the use of PMSCs does not compromise national security. The Bible warns against divided
loyalties and the dangers of serving multiple masters (Matthew 6:24). Evaluating the national
security risks associated with PMSCs through this lens highlights the importance of ensuring
that these companies are not subject to undue influence from foreign powers and that their
actions align with national interests. Reliance on PMSCs introduces significant national security
risks, including conflicts of interest, lack of loyalty, and the potential for misuse of force, which
could be exploited by foreign adversaries to undermine national interests, necessitating
stringent vetting processes, enhanced oversight, and a comprehensive risk assessment
framework to mitigate these vulnerabilities.
What reforms are necessary to ensure that the use of PMSCs aligns with principles of
state sovereignty, national security, and international law, and should there be stricter
regulations on PMSC activities or a move to reduce reliance on them altogether? The increasing
use of PMSCs necessitates reforms to ensure alignment with state sovereignty, national security,
and international law. This requires evaluating the need for stricter regulations on PMSC
activities versus reducing reliance on them. This question is crucial for determining the optimal
approach to managing PMSCs while upholding the principles of statehood and global stability.
The prophet Isaiah calls for justice and righteousness in governance, emphasizing the
importance of protecting the vulnerable and upholding the law (Isaiah 1:17). Evaluating the
PMSCs and State Sovereignty 5
necessary reforms to PMSC regulation through this biblical perspective highlights the moral
imperative to ensure that these companies operate within a just and ethical framework that
respects the rights of all.
Ensuring that the use of PMSCs aligns with principles of state sovereignty, national
security, and international law requires a multifaceted approach, including stricter regulations
on PMSC activities, enhanced transparency measures, and a reassessment of the
appropriateness of outsourcing certain security functions, with the ultimate goal of upholding
the state's authority and promoting ethical conduct in the security sector.
Why This is a Good Research Topic
This topic is important for several reasons. First, as noted by Bamigboye (2022), the use
of PMSCs is a significant and growing trend in international security, raising important questions
about the role of the state. Second, it involves complex ethical and legal dilemmas related to the
privatization of violence and the accountability of private actors, which, as Lippai et al. (2024)
point out, demands careful consideration of the implications of war as a business. Third, the use
of PMSCs can significantly impact governance and stability, particularly in fragile states. Fourth,
Mahoney et al. (2022) suggest that the research could inform policy debates about the
regulation of PMSCs and the role of private actors in security. Finally, the research has important
realworld implications for conflict resolution, human rights, and international security. By
thoroughly investigating these questions, this research aims to contribute to a more nuanced
understanding of the role of PMSCs in the modern world and provide insights into how to
effectively manage their activities to safeguard state sovereignty, uphold ethical standards, and
promote international stability. The ethical consideration of this topic in light of the Holy Bible
compels us to seek just and moral solutions that protect the vulnerable and uphold the
authority and integrity of the state. Furthermore, as Zhao (2024) indicates, it is important to
PMSCs and State Sovereignty 6
study the maritime security sector. Also, as seen in the hearing before the Subcommittee on
National
Security of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred
Seventeenth Congress, second session, September 21, 2022 (Putin’s Proxies, 2022), the topic of
PMSCs is very important.
References
Avant, D. D. (2005). The market for force: the consequences of privatizing security. Cambridge
University Press.
Bamigboye, O. M. (2022). Does outsourcing security to private security companies impact
international security and counterterrorism? African Journal of Terrorism and Insurgency
Research, 3(2), 5. https://doi.org/10.31920/2732-5008/2022/v3n2a1
Lippai, Z., Kardos, P., & Árpás, B. (2024). War as a Business. Thoughts on the Operation of
Private Military Companies. Internal Security, 16(2), 103-118.
https://doi.org/10.5604/10.5604/01.3001.0055.0884
Mahoney, C. W., Tkach, B. K., & Rethmeyer, C. J. (2022). Defense Contractors, Private Equity
Firms, and US National Security. Journal of Global Security Studies., 7(4).
https://doi.org/10.1093/jogss/ogac018
Putin’s proxies: examining Russia’s use of private military companies: hearing before the
Subcommittee on National Security of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, House
of Representatives, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, second session, September 21,
2022. (2022). U.S. Government Publishing Office. https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?
handle=hein.cbhear/fdsysbcro0001&collection=hoil
Singer, P. W. (2008). Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry (NED-
New edition, 2). Cornell University Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7591/j.ctt7v6vh
PMSCs and State Sovereignty 7
Zhao, P. W. G. (2024). OUTSOURCING SECURITY AT SEA: The Return of Private MaritimeSecurity
Companies and Their Role in Twenty-First-Century Maritime Security. Naval War College
Review., 77(1).
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