The Role of Private Military and Security Companies as an International Non-Governmental Factor in the International Relations: The Role of Private Military and Security Companies as an International Non-Governmental Factor in the International Relations

Abstract

This study sought to find out the role that private military and security companies (PMCs) play in international relations as one of the influential international non-governmental actors. The descriptive analytical approach has been applied on to understand the related aspects of these companies in terms of their concept and definition, the stages of its development as an international non-governmental actor, showing the characteristics and relationship with states. The study dealt with the role of companies in international conflict arenas to achieve military, economic and political goals. The most important results of the study were that private military and security companies are primarily commercial companies based on the principle of profitability. They are legally established according to the laws of the country of origin. PMCs have a role in attracting countries through their characteristics that are difficult to resist, which formed a close interconnected interest relationship between the two parties. This enabled these companies to influence foreign policy and international policy as a non-governmental actor. The researcher recommended paying attention to non-governmental actors represented in private military and security companies, and to conduct more studies on the influence of these companies in other areas is not addressed in this study.