Can PMCs be considered violent entrepreneurs under Volkov (2002)*’s definition? Can they claim any kind of monopoly when operating alongside regular military forces - whether that’s in Ukraine or Mali?
There is a lack of clarity over what to call them, and numerous labels are consequently used.
Part of the reason for the confusion is that PMCs engage in a broad range of activities.
Have financial motives. Note, these are not exclusive and do not preclude the existence of other motives.
United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (2024:4): considers the definition of mercenary offered by the Geneva Conventions, which require that in individual participate for substantial private gain. Recognises the difficulties that arise from this definition and determining whether it has been satisfied.
Russian PMCs don’t really exist
Russian PMCs don’t exist - but that doesn’t mean they never did