global private

Thief-taking

A for-profit policing system in the 17th–18th centuries operating without modern state police.

Monopoly on the legitimate use of violence

The state's claim that only it has the lawful authority to use force to enforce law and maintain order.

Private high policing (PHP)

Intelligence-led, risk-focused security work by private actors to protect powerful private clients rather than the state.

Regulatory capture

When a regulator intended to protect the public interest instead serves the interests of the industry it regulates.

Bow Street Runners

An early organized public policing group established by Henry Fielding in London, combining private thief-takers under formal oversight.

Agent provocateurs

Individuals hired by firms to infiltrate and manipulate groups seen as subversive, often inciting radical activities.

Mass private property

Privately owned spaces functioning as public places, increasing the demand for private security.

Gendered privatization

The transition of security roles from state to private firms that reinforces male dominance in security industries.

Body bag effect

The public backlash against military casualties that governments aim to avoid by using private military contractors.

Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs)

Companies providing military and security services, often prioritizing profit over national interest.

Nodal governance

A model explaining security as produced by a network of public and private actors, with the state as one among many.

Anchored pluralism

A model suggesting the state must remain in charge of security to ensure fairness and public interest amid diverse providers.

New political economy model

A view that highlights the interplay between market demands and political legitimacy in the operation of private security.

Regulatory society

A concept where regulation is shared across multiple actors (state and non-state), rather than being state-centric.

Proactive policing

A policing strategy aimed at preventing crime before it occurs rather than simply responding to it.

Criminal networks

Organized groups operating within the underworld, often involved in both crime and policing.

Thief-takers

Private individuals paid for capturing criminals and recovering stolen goods before formal policing systems were developed.

Corruption in policing

The overlap between private policing and corrupt practices among authorities, historically seen in thief-taking systems.

Commercial security

Security provided by private firms, focused on profitability and often lacking accountability compared to state forces.

Transnational security consultancy

Firms specializing in security services for elite clients, combining global reach with local expertise.

Political capitalism

The relationship where military actions and security generate profits for private actors and elites, influencing war and policy.

Informal governance modes

Zedner’s three methods of regulating private security: community (self-regulation), market (competition), and architecture (design control).