The work of Private Military and Security Companies is up for debate tomorrow – Tue 22 July, 7.30pm UK time – at the Frontline Club in London. As usual we’ll be livestreaming the event on the Frontline Club Channel. Taking part will be Andy Bearpark (British Association of Private Security Companies), Tony Geraghty (author and journalist), Adam Roberts (author of The Wonga Coup) and Ruth Tanner (War on Want)
In a world of shrinking defence budgets, smaller standing armies and increased threats from terrorism, the space for freelance soldiering is growing. Since 9/11, the number of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) has rocketed – in Iraq alone, there are now an estimated 180,000 private contractors, outnumbering serving military personnel. Since 2003, the British government alone has spent an estimated £225 million on security contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan…
Join us while we discuss some of the worst excesses and examples of good practice within the industry. What is the likelihood of the industry ever being effectively regulated?And will the industry’s efforts to escape its mercenary past be successful? link
