Outsourcing War and Peace

About the Book

Outsourcing War and Peace delves into one of the most significant shifts in modern global politics: the massive privatization of military and foreign affairs functions. Laura A. Dickinson provides a compelling analysis of how the traditional state monopoly on war is changing, from security contractors in Iraq to logistics in Afghanistan. This transformation raises urgent questions about how to preserve public values like human rights, accountability, and the rule of law in an era of outsourced conflict.

Drawing on rigorous research supported by the Princeton Program on Law and Public Affairs, UConn School of Law, and Arizona State University, the book offers a comprehensive look at the legal and practical frameworks needed to ensure privatized foreign affairs remain accountable to the public interest and international standards. Portions of this material were competitively selected for prestigious forums like the Yale-Stanford Junior Faculty Forum, underscoring its scholarly significance.

Key Themes & Topics Covered

• Privatization of Military and Foreign Affairs: Examines the growing role of private contractors in conflict zones and diplomatic operations.
• Accountability and Public Values: Explores frameworks to maintain human rights, transparency, and the rule of law in outsourced operations.
• Field Research and Inter-Agency Perspectives: Features insights from interviews with Army JAG School faculty, DoD, Department of State, and GAO employees.
• Industry and Strategic Insights: Includes balanced perspectives from contract firm leaders, such as the president of the International Peace Operations Association.
• Legal and Policy Frameworks: Analyzes practical and legal approaches to govern privatized foreign affairs.

Who Should Read This?

This book is essential for scholars and students of international relations, military law, and public policy. Professionals in government, defense contracting, and legal fields will find valuable insights into the complexities of outsourcing war and peace operations. General readers interested in the evolving nature of modern conflict and accountability will also benefit from Dickinson’s clear, research-driven analysis.

Add Outsourcing War and Peace to your collection to gain a deeper understanding of how privatization is reshaping global security and what it means for the future of public accountability.