74

At a time when a particular form of privatization of war has reappeared, it is appropriate to examine the consequences of private military companies appearing on the battlefield. Delegating the monopoly of legitimate violence calls into question one of the sovereign functions of the state. The French position in this area remains very prudent. Even if French ground forces have not yet been tempted by the lure of private military companies, they ought to reflect today on the type of relationship to establish with this new actor.