Risks of Reliance on Mercenaries

Reliance on mercenaries allows governments to disguise the costs of war to the public but can lead to issues of control and accountability. Mercenaries offer a way to avoid public backlash by using them instead of regular soldiers, as people are generally less concerned about their deaths. However, this strategy can backfire when mercenaries turn against their employers, leading to challenges in maintaining control and ensuring safety. A notable example is when the Wagner group, a mercenary group, marched on Moscow leading Putin to deploy military force against them. This incident highlights the risks associated with a heavy dependence on mercenaries in conflicts.