International private security companies and Canadian policy: Possibilities and pitfalls on the road to regulation

Abstract

This article explores the contribution of Canadian‐based firms to the large and expanding international industry of modern‐day mercenary companies, entities that are otherwise known as international private security companies (PSCs). Though soldiers of fortune still exist, this new type of mercenary activity is noticeably different, as it is based on a corporate structure and seeks a long‐term presence. As such, PSCs have collectively limited what they do and for whom they do it by following the general norms of international statecraft. Their client base is limited to states, non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and multinational corporations. The firms also indicate that they observe the required human rights and humanitarian obligations in their operations. As for the services they offer, they range from advice to training to support to an operational presence that can consist of a hybrid of policing and military applications. The article's objective is to indicate the rationale for, and the outline of, potential Canadian regulation for the Canadian‐end of this unique and evolving industry. It asserts that regulation is required because of the potential and real impacts that PSCs can have through the provision of their military/policing services in the developing world/weak state context. Moreover, factors related to these impacts directly engage Canadian interests and, thus the industry, both in the Canadian context and in the international domain, is in need of regulation.