This thesis looked at Erik Prince and his fall from grace in the United States and his return several years later. The research question of this thesis is: How can the seemingly paradoxical...Show moreThis thesis looked at Erik Prince and his fall from grace in the United States and his return several years later. The research question of this thesis is: How can the seemingly paradoxical resurfacing of Erik Prince under the Trump administration be explained in relation to the position of the Private Security Sector in the United States? Initially when looking at the matter, it appears there is a paradox surrounding the resurfacing of Erik Prince. However, when examining the matter more closely it appears the paradox is, in fact, not present at all. This is due to the continuity of the development of the private security sector after Prince had left the United States. Although the public and politics openly turned away from private security, behind the scenes the business thrived. This can be seen at the factual use of private security by the United States in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan after Prince fell from grace. Since Prince remained active in his business ventures and private security, even though he suggested otherwise, a return was waiting to happen. With a more favourable administration with Donald Trump as its president, a full return is not as unusual as initially thought. The like-minded president and the many connections Prince had in, or near, the White House provided plenty of opportunity to return to the United States. This thesis provides a background of the revival of the private security sector after the Cold War followed by a chapter on the life, business, benefits and the role of Erik Prince both inside and outside the USA. Thirdly, the development of the private security sector is analysed. This chapter focusses on the regulatory developments as well as the development of the sector under the two presidencies since the Nisour Square Massacre in 2007. This massacre is generally accepted as the event that initiated the fall of Erik Prince. Finally, the thesis looks at the question whether Prince was ever really gone from the United States and relates this back to the research question.Show less