• Research and dissemination
Research will be undertaken on a range of questions relating to the existing legal framework and the practices of PMCs/PSCs. National legislation and judicial practice will be collected and annotated. Research results will be broadly disseminated within the scientific community and beyond by means of reports, publications, articles in academic journals, workshops and conferences.

• Creation of a European academic network in the field of regulation of the private military and security sector
The project consortium comprises seven European research institutions, each bringing to the project recognised expertise in the fields of international relations and international legal research. PRIV-WAR will create a European academic network, open to the future participation of other institutions.

• Dialogue with practitioners and stakeholders
PRIV-WAR will promote ongoing exchanges of views among researchers, stakeholders, practitioners and industry representatives. Dialogue with these parties will inform the research and ensure that policy recommendations benefit from the input of all relevant players.

• Development of a European approach to regulation
The project will formulate proposals for a satisfactory regulatory scheme within the European Union to ensure accountability and responsibility of PMCS/PSCS. Maintaining a focus on the role of human rights and international humanitarian law, the project will seek to identify possible approaches and legal tools, including licensing and registration.