Objectives:
This article examines the evolution and role of mercenaries and private military companies in contemporary armed conflicts. This work traces the historical roots of mercenary activity from ancient Greece and Rome, through the Middle Ages, to the present day, highlighting the transformation from traditional mercenary soldiers to legally registered security and military contractors. It examines how private military companies have become significant actors in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing logistical support, protection, and training services. It discusses the blurring of the line between legitimate contractors and mercenaries, highlighting challenges related to accountability, legality, and ethical responsibility.

Material and methods:
To examine the involvement of private military companies in armed conflicts and their contribution to ensuring security, a qualitative approach was employed, based on the analysis of Polish and English-language sources, including numerous monographs, academic articles, legal acts, and websites. The second research method employed in this work was a case study. This involved investigating the involvement of private military and security companies during the armed conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Results:
Private military companies operate in a legal "gray zone," often beyond state control, raising questions about sovereignty, human rights, and monopoly on violence. The study concluded that while private military companies contribute to the effectiveness of crisis management operations, their unregulated expansion threatens international stability.

Conclusions:
The document calls for clearer international regulations and ethical oversight to ensure that the privatization of security is consistent with democratic principles and respect for human rights.