International Efforts of Combating Mercenarism in its Traditional and Recent Forms and its Repercussions on National Security (Available in English) (Disponible en Français)

The phenomenon of “using and employing mercenaries in the context of armed conflicts” is one of the most contemporary international problems that imposes serious repercussions on both national and international security, including the fueling of armed conflicts and the occurrence of gross human rights violations. The phenomenon of mercenarism has recently taken an institutional dimension with the emergence of private international military and security companies and their practice of various activities in times of peace and war.Therefore, for decades, the international community has been interested in making efforts to combat the illegal activities of mercenaries and employees of military companies by adopting some binding international agreements. Despite this, combating the phenomenon of mercenarism in its traditional and contemporary forms requires following a comprehensive, multi-dimensional political, security and legal strategy.This study discusses the causes of the spread of the phenomenon of mercenarism, its risks and its repercussions on the security of both countries and societies, examines international efforts to combat it, and then presents some suggestions about activating combat efforts to prevent the impunity of mercenaries and employees of military companies involved in hostilities, in a way that ensures the elimination of this dangerous phenomenon and eradicating its roots.