Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6118-2680

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Tkach, Benjamin

Committee Member

Shoup, Brian

Committee Member

Potter, Mike

Date of Degree

12-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU only 2 years

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Political Science

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Political Science and Public Administration

Abstract

Private Military Security Companies (PMSCs) are adapting and expanding their customer base to include humanitarian aid organizations. What are the perceptional and reputational concerns related to humanitarian organizations’ use of PMSCs? To explore this question, the authors conducted interviews and this qualitative study. Individuals were interviewed from both humanitarian organizations and PMSCs. The primary theme which emerged was that humanitarian organizations’ reputational concerns impact their interactions with PMSCs. A subsequent concern involved humanitarian organizations being particularly hesitant towards the concept of private “military”; although, interviewees were more receptive toward private security companies. Reputational concerns remained even while acknowledging the current threat environment. Interviewees raised concerns about the significant impact of insurance which the author did not expect. Lastly, gender’s impact varied on humanitarian operations and reputational concerns.

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