Across Africa, growing economic inequality, instability and urbanization
have led to the rapid spread of private security providers. While these
PSPs have already had a significant impact on African societies, their
impact has so far received little in the way of comprehensive analysis.
Drawing on a wide range of disciplinary approaches, and encompassing
anthropology, sociology and political science, Private Security in
Africa offers unique insight into the lives and experiences of security
providers and those affected by them, as well as into the fragile state
context which has allowed them to thrive. Featuring original empirical
research and case studies ranging from private policing in South Africa
to the recruitment of Sierra Leoneans for private security work in Iraq,
the book considers the full implications of PSPs for security and the
state, not only for Africa but for the world as a whole.