Mercenaries the future of warfare?

[Ivan]

Mercenaries gained something of a bad name for themselves during the latter part of the twentieth century. However, there seems to be a new willingness to use private security firms or whatever else you want to call them across the world's trouble spots.

Given that the UN has proved itself to be a costly waste of money, watching or in some cases complicit in numerous tragedies across the globe should mercenaries be utilized more widely?

At a fraction of the cost, well trained mercenaries can be deployed across the globe and have proved very effective when properly prepared and led.

Thoughts anyone?