Abstract
Statement of Problem
Many nations have embraced military privatization and have contracted a large number of private military firms (PMFs) as a means to downsize and decrease the operating cost of their armed forces. While the privatization trend in military services shows few signs of decline, scant attention has been paid to the possible effects that the increased use of PMFs may have on a nation's use of military force. Current research efforts have failed to adequately address a critical issue. Specifically, has PMF use affected a state executive's decision to engage in military conflicts?
Sources of Data
Data for the study are from a combination of primary and secondary sources. Primary source data include official government documents and first person accounts. Secondary sources include relevant government audits and academic research conducted on the subject.
Conclusions Reached
Empirical evidence does not give strong support to the hypotheses that P MF use has lowered domestic political costs or has made military force a more attractive policy option. However, it may play a contributing role.