peacekeeping operations, whereas the proponents point out that PMCs could be more cost-effective,
feasible and professional than their UN and/or regional counterparts. Overall, then, the debate remains
unresolved.
While some findings of this analysis indicate that in the absence of any effective regulatory
regime, outsourcing is fraught with numerous legal and moral hazards, others suggest that even
second-best solutions may be better than turning a blind eye to an unfolding genocide, as in Rwanda in
1994 or in Darfur in 2004. PMC peacekeeping operations are no panacea but they should not be a
priori dismissed on ideological or moral grounds as long as there are complex emergencies where the
choice is either a PMC peacekeeping operation or none at all. If the international community is
unwilling or unable to act in the worst conflict-driven humanitarian crises in a decade (Rwanda and
Darfur), the use of PMCs should be at least contemplated. Calls for a constructive engagement with
PMCs at the international level seem to be sensible indeed.
At the same time, however, policy-makers need to keep in mind Singer’s admonition that the
numerous perils of using PMCs are certainly better resolved before peacekeeping is turned over to the
private market.
69
Thus, in the short run, it is imperative that a set of clear mechanisms of
accountability, control and transparency of the PMCs be put in place. These should include assurances
of corporate independence (only using firms expressly unlinked to other business networks that might
compromise their motives); maintenance of competition to ensure quality and replacement; clear
product quality standards; outside vetting of personnel; attachment of independent observer teams; and
a requirement that PMCs’ personnel place themselves under the jurisdiction of international tribunals
for any violations of the laws of war.
70
Since none of these safeguards is available at the moment,
private military peacekeeping should only be used with extreme caution and in the medium-to-long
run, policy-makers should primarily focus on identifying those remedies that would ultimately
eliminate the current need to make hard choices between PMC peacekeeping and none at all.
69
Original emphasis. Peter W. Singer, "Peacekeepers, Inc," Policy Review 119 (June 2003),
<http://www.policyreview.org/jun03/singer.html>.
70
Singer, Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry, 187.
Convention