This new book examines the role of private security companies (PSCs) in the reconstruction of Iraq. These companies have undertaken a multitude of roles in the country, and the intensity of their activities has increased. Is this a sign that in certain areas of international security changes are occurring that may result in some military responsibilities being transferred to the private sector, but still under public control? The book will focus on a number of major security operators in Iraq, including ArmorGroup, Control Risks Group, MPRI, and DynCorps. At the same time, it also focuses on particular contracts that have covered a range of areas including security for the oil fields, security for government officials, training the new Iraqi army/police, and intelligence support for the US military.Finally, the book discusses what advantages and disadvantages these companies have brought to the reconstruction of the country and what lessons we need to learn from this experience. This book will be of great interest to students of security studies, Middle Eastern politics and US foreign policy, as well as policymakers and analysts.