A Step Too Far

Abstract

In December 2021, the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association (ICoCA) changed the definition of security services, expanding its scope and undertaking roles that include direct participation in hostilities. Christopher Kinsey and Christopher Mayer argue that, in promoting this broadened scope, the ICoCA did so without first identifying important principles and standards relevant to those new functions. Critically for the international order, the unintended consequences of these changes could be far reaching, legitimising quasi-mercenary organisations and fighting in combat.◼