Corporations and Counterinsurgency

Like nongovernmental organizations and private military companies, large multinational corporations (MNCs) can play significant roles in zones of violent conflict. Any comprehensive conflict analysis needs to understand these roles, especially as they relate to counterinsurgency. Using a set of thre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Policy File 2009
Main Authors: Rosenau, William, Chalk, Peter, McPherson, Renny, Parker, Michelle, Long, Austin
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
Conflict resolution
Military strategy
RAND Corporation
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:Like nongovernmental organizations and private military companies, large multinational corporations (MNCs) can play significant roles in zones of violent conflict. Any comprehensive conflict analysis needs to understand these roles, especially as they relate to counterinsurgency. Using a set of three case studies, the authors explore MNC operations in Liberia, Papua New Guinea, and the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The case studies highlight the activities of the MNCs that were intended to shape their violent environment and protect their infrastructure and personnel. Policymakers may be tempted to leverage corporate activities. However, corporate actions, no matter how well intentioned, can have less-than-benign consequences. Moreover, any potential "subcontracting" to MNCs would raise questions about accountability, legitimacy, and state responsibilities.