The Morality of Private War

The private military industry has been growing rapidly since the end of the Cold War. Given its extent, the increased reliance on private military and security companies (PMSCs) is often claimed to be one the most significant changes in the military profession over the past three decades. Although the potential benefits and disadvantages of using PMSCs are often discussed, the ethical considerations are rarely fully elaborated. James Pattison's research has been employing normative political theory to assess the leading normative objections to the use of these firms.