Across Africa, growing economic inequality, instability, and urbanization have led to the rapid rise of private security providers. While these private security providers have already had a significant impact on African societies, their impact has so far received little in the way of comprehensive analysis--until now. Drawing on a wide range of disciplinary approaches, and encompassing anthropology, sociology, and political science, Private Security in Africa offers unique insight into the lives and experiences of security providers and those affected by them, as well as into the fragile state context which has allowed them to thrive.

Featuring original research and case studies ranging from private policing in South Africa to the recruitment of Sierra Leonean men for private security work in Iraq, the book considers the full implications of private security providers on security and the state, not only within Africa but for the world as a whole.