The cosmopolitan warrior? : views of patriotism and citizenship from private military company contractors with implications for nationality

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.