Brookings: Topics - Private Military Contractors

21st Century Defense Initiative

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:33:39 GMT

The 21^st Century Defense Initiative produces cutting-edge research, analysis, and outreach that address some of the most critical issues facing leaders shaping defense policy in the coming century. The initiative focuses on three core issues: the future of war, the future of U.S. defense needs and priorities, and the future of the U.S. defense system

Military Contractors in Afghanistan

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Vanda Felbab-Brown joined Federal News Radio to discuss the use of private military contractors in Afganistan.

Outsourcing the Fight

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer writes about the increased reliance on and the weaknesses of private military contractors. He believes that the U.S. military needs to re-assess which jobs are appropriate to outsource and which are not as well as increase regulation in the contractor market.

Contracting Out Iraqi Army Advising

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer writes that the Pentagon is now seeking to hire contractors that will train and advise Iraq's army. He believes this task, determined as "essential to our successful war effort," should not be outsourced and that the military should learn from contracting mistakes of the past.

Blackwater: The Roger Clemens of War

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer discusses a lawsuit against Blackwater USA that claims employees in the field have used steroids and other "judgment-altering substances."

Outlook: Break the Blackwater Habit

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer answers readers' questions online regarding his Washington Post article listing the myriad ways he sees military outsourcing hampering U.S. efforts in Iraq.

Sure, He's Got Guns for Hire. But They're Just Not Worth It.

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer advises Defense Secretary Gates that, "on balance, for all the important jobs that contractors are doing, Blackwater and its kin have harmed, rather than helped, our troops' counterinsurgency efforts."

Blackwater Hearings Ain't No Superbad

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer discusses his perceptions of the October 2 Congressional hearings on private security contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Dark Truth about Blackwater

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Outsourcing the war to private military contractors such as Blackwater has shattered the United States' moral authority and its ability to win wars like that in Iraq.

Seven Questions: The Hired Guns of Iraq

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter Singer discusses why he believes the Blackwater Scandal won’t prompt the U.S. to stop outsourcing their wars.

Can't Win with 'Em, Can't Go to War Without 'Em: Six Questions for P.W. Singer

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer discusses private security contractors in Iraq, concluding that they are actually undermining the American military’s achievement of its declared objectives in a counterinsurgency operation in Iraq.

Can't Win with 'Em, Can't Go To War without 'Em: Private Military Contractors and Counterinsurgency

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer says that the use of private military contractors appears to have harmed, rather than helped, the counterinsurgency efforts of the U.S. mission in Iraq.

Banned In Baghdad: Reactions to the Blackwater License Being Pulled

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Peter W. Singer argues that “when it comes to military outsourcing: We dealt these cards to ourselves.”

Frequently Asked Questions on the UCMJ Change and its Applicability to Private Military Contractors

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Question and Answer by Peter W. Singer (1/12/07)

The Law Catches Up to Private Militaries, Embeds

Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Peter W. Singer, DefenseTech (1/4/07)

Humanitarian Principles, Private Military Agents: Some Implications of the Privatized Military Industry for the Humanitarian Community

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Peter W. Singer, from Victoria Wheeler and Adele Harmer (eds), Resetting the Rules of Engagement: Trends andIssues in Military?Humanitarian Relations, HPG Report 22 (February 2006)

Have Guns, Will Travel

Mon, 21 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by P.W. Singer, The New York Times (7/21/03)