A couple of years ago, I read a book that examined the changing nature of war that’s stuck with me. The Modern Mercenary: Private Armies and What They Mean for World Order by former soldier and contractor Sean McFate examines the rise of the Private Military Companies (PMCs) that offer security services to governments, companies, and private citizens around the world. He outlines that they represent a fundamental change in the conduct of war, and draws parallels between the Middle Ages — before a time when the state had a monopoly on the use of force — and our likely future. Technological innovation is a primary driver of this change, with companies using drones, advanced weapons, and the internet to play a role in the battlefield.
This...
