Private Security and Identity Politics

Ethical Hero Warriors, Professional Managers and New Humanitarians

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Security, International Relations, History, Military
Cover of the book Private Security and Identity Politics by Jutta Joachim, Andrea Schneiker, Taylor and Francis
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Author: Jutta Joachim, Andrea Schneiker ISBN: 9781317268550
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 18, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Jutta Joachim, Andrea Schneiker
ISBN: 9781317268550
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 18, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book examines the self-representation and identity politics of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs).

PMSCs have become increasingly important over the past few decades. While their boom is frequently explained in functional terms, such as their cost-efficiency and effectiveness, this book offers an alternative explanation based on an analysis of the online self-presentations of forty-two US- and UK-based companies. PMSCs are shaping how they are perceived and establishing themselves as acceptable and legitimate security actors by eclectically appropriating identities more commonly associated with the military, businesses and humanitarian actors. Depending on their audience and clients’ needs, they can be professional hero warriors, or promise turn-key security solutions based on their exceptional expertise, or, in a similar way to humanitarians, reassure those in need of relief and try to make the world a better place. Rather than being merely public relations, the self-referential assertions of PMSCs are political. Not only do they contribute to a normalization of private security and reinforce an already ongoing blurring of lines between the public and private sectors, they also change what we deem to be ‘security’ and a ‘security actor’.

This book will be of much interest to students of private military companies, critical security studies, military studies, security studies and IR.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book examines the self-representation and identity politics of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs).

PMSCs have become increasingly important over the past few decades. While their boom is frequently explained in functional terms, such as their cost-efficiency and effectiveness, this book offers an alternative explanation based on an analysis of the online self-presentations of forty-two US- and UK-based companies. PMSCs are shaping how they are perceived and establishing themselves as acceptable and legitimate security actors by eclectically appropriating identities more commonly associated with the military, businesses and humanitarian actors. Depending on their audience and clients’ needs, they can be professional hero warriors, or promise turn-key security solutions based on their exceptional expertise, or, in a similar way to humanitarians, reassure those in need of relief and try to make the world a better place. Rather than being merely public relations, the self-referential assertions of PMSCs are political. Not only do they contribute to a normalization of private security and reinforce an already ongoing blurring of lines between the public and private sectors, they also change what we deem to be ‘security’ and a ‘security actor’.

This book will be of much interest to students of private military companies, critical security studies, military studies, security studies and IR.

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