On the obligations of states under national regulation of private military and security companies

The modern architecture of international security is faced with the urgent problem of regulating armed conflicts, in which non-State actors such as private military and security companies (PMSCs) are gaining weight. The role of PMSCs in modern conflicts generates serious legal discourses, undermining traditional normative frameworks. The operations of these companies often fall outside the scope of international law, the national legislations of the States in which they operate, and their countries of origin. This creates a regulatory gap, allowing PMSCs to operate outside legal restrictions. This state of affairs calls into question the effectiveness of existing mechanisms to ensure the safety and protection of civilians in conflict zones. In order to develop an effective national legislative framework in this area, it is advisable to study international legal norms and foreign experience. This will make it possible to identify rational approaches to the regulation of PMSCs, including in the Russian legal field. It should be noted that the need to regulate PMSCs is not only a national problem, but also a topical issue of international law. This article analyses the international regulatory framework related to the regulation of PMSCs and suggests the most promising approaches to their regulation. This article analyzes the international regulatory framework related to the regulation of PMSC activities and suggests the most promising approaches to their regulation. The study examines specific examples of the normative regulation of PMSC activities at the national level in various countries of the world. The analysis of these examples will reveal effective regulatory mechanisms and positive practices that can be adapted for the development of Russian legislation in this area.