War Inc.: The private military industry and just war theory

Abstract

This thesis is an examination of the Private Military Industry and issues related to contemporary Just War Theory (specifically Michael Walzer’s account of it). I begin by explaining relevant terminology, the discussion of which facilitates the reader’s understanding on what the Private Military Industry consists of and offers. The bulk of my discussion in this thesis focuses on a few key areas: (1) the similarities between the industry and mercenarism, and what that amounts to; (2) the nature of the relationship between Private Military Industry firms and their clients; (3) the way in which those who work “in field” for Private Military Industry firms are regarded by Just War Theory; (4) and the way in which those who work “in office” for Private Military Industry firms are regarded by Just War Theory. I end this thesis with a few important ancillary comments about the conclusions I reached and what they might entail.