The Resurgence of Mercenaries in Modern Conflicts

[Music] In Iraq, private security firms like Canellis Patrol guard U.S. embassies. Executive Outcomes resume their operations across African oil fields and mining sites. In Ukraine, Wagner Group soldiers continue fighting despite their leader’s failed rebellion against the Russian government. Mercenaries are in higher demand than ever, sought after in myriad global conflicts. But where did they come from?

Historical Context of Mercenaries ⚔️

The idea of a soldier-for-hire isn’t new. Since ancient times, mercenaries have supplemented or even replaced regular armies. However, by the mid-19th century, nations began focusing on developing their own standing armies, moving away from reliance on mercenaries.

The Shift to Private Military Companies (PMCs) 📜

In recent decades, the demand for Soldiers of Fortune has surged again. Concerns about their ethics and profit-driven motives led to questions about their legality. This resulted in the United Nations adopting the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing, and Training of Mercenaries in December 1989. This treaty aimed to suppress access to mercenary services and came into force in October 2001.

Mercenary Definition:

To skirt these rules, professionals formed PMCs, which differ enough from the mercenary definition to remain legal. Where mercenaries engage in combat, PMCs claim self-defense. PMCs conduct routine security and often work as international firms, providing services like combat assistance, military training, risk assessment, logistics, intelligence, and security.

PMCs in Modern Conflicts 🌍

The flexibility and discretion of PMCs have made them staples of modern conflicts.

Case Studies: Iraq and Venezuela 🇮🇶 🇻🇪

In Iraq, over 180,000 private contractors across more than 20 companies operated in 2007, with about 25% engaged in combat operations. American PMCs have even participated in attempts to overthrow governments, such as Silvercorp USA’s failed operation against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Executive Outcomes and South Africa 🇿🇦

In the 1990s, the South African PMC Executive Outcomes had over 3,000 troops and 500 officers operating across 10 African countries. Despite being shut down by South African legislation in 1998, the company reestablished in 2020 and still operates today.

Early Modern PMCs: The Case of Keeny Meeni Services 🇬🇧

Founding of Keeny Meeni Services (KMS):

Involvement in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

KMS was heavily involved in the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009), training the Sri Lankan Police Special Task Force (STF). However, concerns arose when STF units, trained by KMS, retaliated against civilian populations following rebel attacks, mirroring tactics commonly associated with traditional armies.

Blackwater: America’s Controversial PMC 🇺🇸

Founded in 1995 by former U.S. Navy SEAL Eric Prince, Blackwater offered domestic security and military training. Post-9/11, Blackwater was contracted to provide emergency assistance, establishing a significant role in the War on Terror.

Operation in Iraq 🇮🇶

Blackwater protected Paul Bremer, U.S. Diplomat in Iraq, during an assassination attempt in 2003, demonstrating their value.

Controversial Actions and Fallout:

After this incident, Blackwater rebranded itself multiple times and eventually merged to form Constellis Holdings. Prince moved on to head the Frontier Services Group, heavily invested in by China.

Vagner Group: Russia’s PMC Powerhouse 🇷🇺

Established in 2014 by Dmitry Utkin and funded by oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner Group quickly became infamous. Its personnel usually comprises Russian ex-military operatives and specialized volunteers with far-right connections.

Operations in Ukraine and Syria 🇺🇦 🇸🇾

Wagner was first deployed in Ukraine in 2014, aiding in Russia’s annexation of Crimea and supporting separatist forces. They played a crucial role in the Syrian Civil War, partnering with the Syrian government in 2015 to combat ISIS and other rebel factions. Wagner contractors executed notable missions, including the protection and transportation of Syrian oil products.

Impact on Africa’s Geopolitics 🌍

Wagner’s influence spread to African states such as the Central African Republic, Libya, and Sudan. They provided military support in exchange for access to natural resources like gold, diamonds, and oil, bypassing international sanctions and vastly increasing Russia’s geopolitical leverage.

Central African Republic Case Study 🇨🇫

In exchange for Russian mining rights, Wagner provided military assistance to the Central African Republic government, strengthening Russia’s presence in Africa.

Controversial Acts and Modern Warfare 💣

The potential instability and self-serving nature of PMCs come with risks. Vagner’s recent internal revolt against the Russian government underscores their volatility. Yevgeny Prigozhin’s discontent with the Russian military’s strategy and logistics in Ukraine eventually led to a dramatic, albeit brief, march on Moscow.

Lessons from the PMC Evolution

– PMCs offer flexibility and discretion in modern conflicts.
– Their profit-driven motives can lead to ethical dilemmas.
– Historical and recent examples illustrate both their effectiveness and risks.

As the demand for mercenaries and PMCs continues to rise, it’s clear they will remain integral components of modern warfare, despite the inherent challenges they present.