CONFLICT AND “PRIVATIZATION” OF VIOLENCE

Abstract

This article addresses the evolution that “mercenarism” has experienced, from what we identify as “individual mercenarism” to “collective mercenarism”. Additionally, it exposes the main background that characterizes two private military organizations, Academi (formerly Blackwater) of the United States of America and the Wagner group, of the Russian Federation. On the other hand, it explains what International Law establishes regarding the recruitment, usage, financing and training of mercenaries. Also, it presents what happened in Chile regarding mercenarism, whit emphasis on the Report of the United Nations Working Group referring to the use of national mercenaries. Finally, some preliminary reflections are made regarding the urgent need to regulate private violence by the International Community.