Abstract:
The increased use of private military company (PMC) contractors brings to light
important questions of the possible dangers and advantages of their use. While many
researchers have debated the topic when it comes to public policy, legal issues, and
efficiency, there remains a dearth of information regarding who these contractors are. In
an increasingly globalized world these contractors are choosing to work for private
companies in times of war instead of their own state militaries. This leads to questions
surrounding issues of national identity and citizenships. Using existing theories of
national identity, cognitive dissonance and existing information on PMCs this study looks
at the views of PMC contractors. In an attempt to research the effects of PMC contractors
on traditional views of nationality and sovereignty, this study drew upon interviews of
twelve PMC contractors, conducted a media content analysis on the PMC Blackwater and
researched existing data and logistics on the use of PMCs. The findings point to negative
perceptions and misinterpretations of PMC contractors by mass media yet a strong sense
of national identity felt by nearly all contractors interviewed. All those interviewed were
former military personnel or police officers and all but one was found to be very patriotic.
PMC contractors were guided in who they would work for and what they would do by
their national identities along with personal ethical and moral standards. The dangers that
come with the increased use of PMC contractors include a lack of regulation, yet the
contractors themselves do not pose a strong risk to national security as most take
contracts as a result of their strong allegiance to their nation.
