Codes of Conduct for Private Military and Security Companies: The State of Self-regulation in the Industry

Abstract

The object of this chapter is to present and assess the state of self-regulation initiatives, often identified under the heading of corporate social responsibility, in private military and security companies (PMSCs). The chapter focuses on Codes of Conduct (CoC), including best practices and ethics declarations initiated by firms. Where pertinent, other initiatives developed outside the industry but applicable to it, including, for example, the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR), will be touched upon.