The World Policy Institute
at New School University

Presents

PRIVATIZING AMERICA'S FOREIGN POLICY

a panel discussion with

DOUGLAS BROOKS, Founder and President, International Peace Operations
Association (IPOA)

MARCELA GAVIRIA AND MARTIN SMITH, Co-Producers, PBS/FRONTLINE
documentary "Private Warriors" chronicling the activities of private
military companies in Iraq

and

WILLIAM HARTUNG, President's fellow at the World Policy Institute and
director of the Institute's Arms Trade Project

moderated by

MICHAEL A. COHEN, Co-Project Leader, Privatization of Foreign Policy
Project, World Policy Institute

As the "era of the nation-state" gives way to the "era of the non-state actor, private actors -- from wealthy philanthropists and multi-national corporations to international terrorists and even individuals - are coming to play a defining role in U.S. foreign policy. Nowhere is the traditional dividing line between public and private authority becoming more blurred than in the realm of national security. More than ever, the U.S. military is relying on the services of private military companies (PMCs) to support combat and stabilization missions essential to America's national security. In fact, it is estimated that more than 20,000 private contractors are currently serving in Iraq. The
contracting of private security forces is changing the very way that combat operations are planned and executed. Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have highlighted the substantial benefits PMCs can offer, but they have also shown that PMCs can operate in an ambiguous legal and regulatory environment that leaves open important questions about transparency, accountability and the rule of law. It is not only U.S
foreign policy that is being affected - NGOs and international organizations are facing difficult questions and when and how to utilize this new and undefined fighting force. Please note that online participants can view segments of the PBS/Frontline documentary "Private Warriors" referred to during the panel discussion by going to
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/warriors/view/

Thursday, March 23, 2006, 6:00-7:30 p. m. Swayduck Auditorium, first floor, 65 Fifth Avenue (between East 13-14th sts.). Admission is $5.00.

To RSVP, tickets can be purchased by phone with a credit card at 212-229-5488 or in person at The New School Box office, 66 West 12 Street, main floor. The office hours are Mon-thurs 1-8pm and fri 1-7pm. Inquiries can be sent to boxoffice@newschool.edu. WPI will not be handling reservations. If you need special accommodations, please call 212-229-5808 Ext 1 at least five days in advance.