The Commercialization of Security in Peace and Conflict (SAMPOL 208)

Theoretical and practical perspective on commercialized security

The course will cover both different theoretical approaches and a practical perspective of different manifestations of commercialized security, ranging from mercenaries and private military companies to hybrid actors and unarmed private security providers. Essentially, the course aims to foster an understanding of new ways that security is governed at the state level, but also at the international level.

Course components

The first part aims to establish understanding of some basic concepts related to the state as security provider as well as to the field of security itself. The second part introduces different manifestations of commercialized security and the market for private security and military services, its supply and demand. This part also covers the historical and political developments facilitating the commercialization of security. The following part is mainly theoretical. It introduces different theoretical approaches that explain changes to how security is governed. The final part is devoted to discussions of what the market for security and military services may mean to the democratic principles such as oversight, accountability and transparency in different environments and country contexts.

- Eventually, the course lectures and student discussions will maintain a focus on if (or how), the current trends imply transfers of state authority to the market, or whether it rather than a zero sum game, represents new and more complex ways of (state) governing, says Åse G. Østensen who's responsiple for the course.

Lecturs and studyplan

The first lecture is January 9th. at 12:15 in Stort Auditorium in the Social Sciences Faculty Building (L. Meltzers Hus).

Also remember the deadline for registration through STUDWEB within February 1.rst. 

Se the link on the right for studyplan, litteraturlist and schedule for the course.