Private Military Security Companies within the Scope of Security Transformation

Abstract

In the post-Cold War era, private military security firms are increasingly used in many areas of armed conflict. Especially in this period, using private military companies in low-intensity armed conflicts in many parts of the world was one of the modes developed to cope with the problems in these regions. Although the use of these companies is highly controversial in terms of legal and political aspects, their areas of service are increasing. It is observed that these structures, which also undertake armed conflict functions in some cases, are generally used effectively in the logistics area and various protection services. These companies gained appreciation quickly due to their professionalism, expertise, and sound organizational structure. Since the 1980s, they have been widely used by states and international organizations such as the United Nations other international humanitarian organizations, and multinational companies. It is estimated that these companies, which operate in very different formats and have been established for various purposes, will continue to take active roles in international security architecture. In addition, the financial volume of this sector has recently reached significant dimensions. In this case, examining and understanding these structures will be helpful. In this study, the historical development of private military and security companies operating in a wide range within the changing system of the security environment, in this context, their current structures and the reasons for their preference, the roles they undertake, and their place within the scope of existing international law are examined.

Keywords

• Private military security companies
• international security
• , transformation of security
• mercenaries.

Güvenliğin Dönüşümü Kapsamında Özel Askerî Güvenlik Şirketleri

Abstract

Soğuk Savaş sonrası dönemde özel askerî güvenlik şirketleri birçok silahlı çatışma bölgesinde giderek artan şekilde kullanılmaktadır. Özellikle bu dönemde dünyanın birçok yerinde meydana gelen düşük yoğunluklu silahlı çatışmalarda özel askerî şirketlerin kullanımı buralardaki sorunlarla baş edebilmek için geliştirilmiş hâl tarzlarından biri olmuştur. Bu şirketlerin kullanımı hukuki ve siyasal yönleri itibariyle son derecede tartışmalı olmakla birlikte kullanım alanları giderek artış göstermektedir. Bazı hâllerde silahlı çatışma işlevleri de üstlenen bu yapıların genellikle lojistik alan ve çeşitli koruma hizmetlerinde etkin olarak kullanıldığı gözlenmektedir. Bu şirketler özellikle profesyonellik, uzmanlık ve iyi bir örgütlenme yapısı içinde olmaları nedeniyle kısa zamanda beğeni kazanarak 1980’lı yıllardan itibaren yaygın bir şekilde, devletlerin yanı sıra Birleşmiş Milletler gibi uluslararası örgütler ile diğer uluslararası insani yardım örgütleri ve çok uluslu şirketler tarafından sıkça kullanılmaya başlamıştır. Birbirinden çok farklı formatlarda faaliyet gösteren ve farklı amaçlarla kurulmuş bulunan bu şirketlerin uluslararası güvenlik mimarisi içinde etkin roller almaya devam edeceği tahmin edilmektedir. Ayrıca bu sektörün mali hacmi de son dönemde büyük boyutlara ulaşmaktadır. Bu durumda bu yapıların incelenmesi ve anlaşılmasında yarar olacaktır. Bu çalışmada güvenlik ortamının değişen yapısı içinde geniş bir yelpazede faaliyet gösteren özel askerî ve güvenlik şirketlerinin tarihsel gelişimi, bu kapsamda günümüzdeki yapıları ile tercih edilme nedenleri ile birlikte üstlendikleri roller ve mevcut uluslararası hukuk kapsamındaki yerleri incelenmiştir.

Keywords

• Özel askeri güvenlik şirketleri
• uluslararası güvenlik
• güvenliğin dönüşümü
• paralı askerler

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