Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare

Lechner, John. Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare

In 2014, the Wagner Group, a shadowy mercenary organization, emerged during Russia's initial incursions into Ukraine, setting a precedent for their future operations. Under the leadership of Yevgeny Prigozhin, "Putin's Chef," the group expanded its reach, engaging in conflicts across the Middle East and Africa, where their actions, marked by brutality and human rights violations, drew international condemnation. This expansion not only solidified Russia's influence abroad but also transformed Prigozhin from a mere caterer into a powerful figure, eventually challenging Putin's authority.

This investigative account reveals how the Wagner Group, leveraging both military expertise and strategic cunning, exploited geopolitical vulnerabilities to secure access to valuable resources and displace Western peacekeeping efforts. By partnering with authoritarian regimes and instigating conflicts, they became an integral part of Russia's foreign policy. Despite Prigozhin's dramatic rebellion and subsequent death, the Wagner Group's extensive network and business interests remain deeply intertwined with Russia's strategic ambitions, indicating their continued significance on the global stage.

Readers who enjoy recent history and who follow political events will gain an appreciation for the war in Ukraine and Russian aggression around the world.