PRIVATE MILITARY AND SECURITY COMPANIES AS NON-STATE ACTORS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

In this study, Private Military and Security Companies –as non-state actors- are examined. At the same time, the areas of influence and activities of these companies’ in the Middle East region are examined. Indeed, these companies have matured and spread in accordance with the changing agenda of security. Besides, the transformation of economy-politics in international relations have influenced directly and indirectly these companies. As for the Middle East region, it seems impossible for it to isolate itself from such transformation. Basically, it is also asserted in the article that these companies have long been undermining the basic characteristic of modern state which claims to uphold the monopoly over physical violence. In order to explain such allegations, such companies –and their role to alter states’ autonomous status- acting in the Middle East are taken under investigation.