Licensed to Kill: Exposing the Sinister Privatization of the War on Terror

In a world increasingly defined by conflict and instability, the war on terror has emerged as a defining geopolitical force. However, behind the headlines and military operations, a shadow industry has quietly taken hold—the privatization of war. In his groundbreaking exposé, "Licensed to Kill: Exposing the Sinister Privatization of the War on Terror," award-winning investigative journalist Nick Turse uncovers the disturbing reality of this clandestine realm.

Following the September 11 attacks, the United States embarked on a global war against terrorism, a conflict that has lasted for decades. As the war dragged on, the government increasingly turned to private contractors to supplement its military forces. These companies, driven by profit rather than national security, have infiltrated every aspect of war, from logistics and security to intelligence gathering and combat operations.

"Licensed to Kill" exposes the staggering scale of this privatization. Turse reveals how private contractors now outnumber U.S. troops in many war zones, often performing tasks once considered exclusive to the military. These companies have created a vast and shadowy industry, with billion-dollar budgets and unchecked power.

Licensed to Kill: Privatizing the War on Terror

by Robert Young Pelton

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3461 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages

FREE

At the heart of the private military industrial complex are the mercenaries, individuals with military training who fight for profit. Turse paints a chilling portrait of these shadowy figures, tracing their origins from ancient warfare to the modern battlefield. He exposes their motivations, recruitment tactics, and the often-murky legal landscapes under which they operate.

The book delves into the personal stories of mercenaries, revealing their motivations and the often-devastating consequences of their actions. Turse interviews former mercenaries who have witnessed firsthand the horrors of war and the ethical dilemmas they faced. Their accounts provide an unflinching glimpse into the dark underbelly of the war industry.

While private contractors reap the financial rewards of war, the true cost is borne by those caught in the crossfire. "Licensed to Kill" documents the devastating impact of privatized warfare on civilians, exposing the human toll of profit-driven conflict. Turse meticulously details the civilian casualties, human rights abuses, and environmental destruction that have occurred in conflict zones where private contractors operate.

The book argues that the privatization of war has undermined the Geneva Conventions and other international legal frameworks designed to protect civilians. It raises critical questions about the accountability of private contractors and their lack of oversight in conflict zones.

Beyond the human cost, the privatization of war also poses a grave threat to democratic values. Turse warns that as governments increasingly outsource their military functions to private companies, they cede control over decision-making and the use of deadly force. This undermines democratic accountability and opens the door to abuses of power.

The book examines the potential for private contractors to become mercenary armies, beholden only to their corporate masters and immune from the legal constraints that govern state actors. Turse argues that the privatization of war represents a fundamental shift in the way states engage in conflict, with profound implications for democratic governance and the rule of law.

"Licensed to Kill" concludes with a powerful call to action. Turse urges readers to demand transparency, accountability, and democratic oversight of the private military industrial complex. He proposes concrete steps that governments, international organizations, and civil society can take to rein in the excesses of privatized warfare and prevent further human suffering.

The book offers a blueprint for reasserting civilian control over the use of force and restoring democratic principles in an era of privatized conflict. It is a timely and essential work that challenges our assumptions about war and its consequences.

"Licensed to Kill" has received widespread critical acclaim for its groundbreaking research, riveting narrative, and timely insights. It has been praised by experts in the fields of war studies, international relations, and national security.

"A chilling exposé of the shadowy world of private contractors and their outsized role in the war on terror. Nick Turse's meticulously researched book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the erosion of democracy and the human cost of privatized warfare." —Noam Chomsky, author of "Hegemony or Survival"

"Licensed to Kill is a devastating indictment of the privatization of war. Turse's relentless reporting unveils the unaccountable power of private contractors and the devastating consequences for civilians caught in their crossfire. A powerful call to arms for anyone who believes in the rule of law and the human rights of all." —Arundhati Roy, author of "The End of Imagination"

"Licensed to Kill: Exposing the Sinister Privatization of the War on Terror" is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the true nature of modern warfare and its profound implications for our world. Free Download your copy today and join the growing chorus of voices calling for transparency, accountability, and democratic control over the use of deadly force.

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Licensed to Kill: Privatizing the War on Terror

by Robert Young Pelton

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3461 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	368 pages

FREE