The private security complex and its regulation in Africa: select examples from the continent

Berg, J. and Howell, S. (2018) The private security complex and its regulation in Africa: select examples from the continent. International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice, 41(4), pp. 273-286. (doi: 10.1080/01924036.2017.1364280)

Abstract

This article aims to provide an overview of the primary trends and developments of the domestic private security industry in select countries in Africa, while also further reflecting on a selection of operational challenges and obstacles inherent to the industry and its regulation. In particular, field research was conducted in Uganda to explore the nature of the state ownership of private security companies so as to further highlight the regulatory difficulties. Our findings raise a number of questions pertaining to the theorising of private security regulation answers of which, we conclude, may find utility in drawing on the concept of “hybridity” as an alternative heuristic tool to engage with the realities of state regulation in the Global South.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Berg, Dr Julie
• Authors: Berg, J., and Howell, S.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
• Journal Name: International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0192-4036
• ISSN (Online): 2157-6475
• Published Online: 09 August 2017