Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army
| Industry | Private military company |
|---|---|
| Founder | Erik Prince |
Area served | Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, United States (post-Hurricane Katrina), possibly India |
| Products | Security contracting, private military services |
| Parent | Constellis Holdings (current name) |
Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army is a 2007 publication authored by independent journalist Jeremy Scahill and released by Nation Books. This work provides an in-depth examination of Blackwater USA, presently known as Constellis Holdings, and was honored with the 2007 George Polk Award.
Synopsis
This book traces the development of Blackwater, a private military company, set against the backdrop of the increasing reliance on security contractors during the Iraq War and the War on Terrorism. Scahill contends that Blackwater functions essentially as a mercenary organization, capitalizing on the downsizing of the US military after the Cold War and the extensive military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. He underscores how the 2004 Fallujah ambush played a pivotal role in accelerating Blackwater’s expansion and portrays the firm as a near-Praetorian Guard, tasked with safeguarding senior officials while enjoying considerable exemption from conventional military oversight. The book connects Blackwater’s executive team to a right-wing Republican political stance, highlighting founder Erik Prince’s notable influence within these circles. Blackwater’s operational reach extended beyond Iraq and Afghanistan, including missions in Sudan and involvement in post-Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Reports of its activities in certain regions of India have not been definitively verified. Some detractors, for instance Bruce Bawer, dispute Scahill’s portrayal, accusing him of exaggerating data and factual details.
Editions
- 2007 U.S. hardcover edition, Nation Books,
- 2007 U.K. hardcover edition, Serpent's Tail,
- 2008 U.S. paperback edition, Nation Books,
- Available in Chinese and Arabic translations.
External links
- CBC interview with Scahill discussing the book
- NPR interview featuring Scahill on the subject
- Democracy Now! conversation with Scahill regarding the book
- Blackwater Founder Implicated in Murder article by Jeremy Scahill in The Nation, August 4, 2009
- Video: In Explosive Allegations, Former Employees Connect Blackwater Founder to Murder and Threats from Democracy Now!
- Human Rights First; Private Security Contractors at War: Ending the Culture of Impunity (2008)