Outsourcing war

Abstract

The article contends that the era of postmodern war has arrived and investigates its implications. Limited warfare is now the only way in which a postmodern society can use war as a political instrument. Moreover, the private sector is gaining importance. The commercial ethos is challenging the traditional professional ethos of the armed services. Military power is judged increasingly by more utilitarian standards, and war is outsourced to the private sector in the form of private mercenary companies. The article suggests that it may even be possible that large corporations will turn to these companies or outfit their own armies in the future. Nevertheless, the article concludes that although the future may witness a more wide‐ranging partnership between the public and private sectors, it will not ‐ in war at least ‐ witness a replacement of the public sector by the private.