Exploring changes in the practice of war while the fundamental nature and principles of war are unchanging. Includes mercenaries, PMSC, Hybrid Warfare, revolution in military affairs. For in-depth information see my blog at blog.ctmayer.net
Tolstoy's novel Anna Karenina begins: "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Could this line from the author of “War and Peace” also apply to war? That is the topic of this episode of the Ancient Art of Modern Warfare.
Prior episodes described what Quasi-mercenary forces are, what they do, how they get their support, and who controls them. The big question is what – if anything -- we can do about them? I am joined by Dr. Deborah Avant of the University of Denver, Dr. Sorcha McLeod of the UN Working Group on Mercenaries, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Mr. Gary Motsek
Why does the United States seem to ignore the basic tenets of strategy in our military interventions? What does our abandoning Afghanistan mean for international security? I am interrupting the discussion on mercenaries to address this issue.
Who commands or controls modern mercenary activity? Who really calls the shots for the Wagner Group or other mercenary organizations? Accountability depends not just on knowing who, but being able to prove it.
It is said, "Tactics wins battles, logistics wins wars." This is just as true for mercenaries and regular armies. Studying mercenary logistics can identify potential areas where we can bring pressure on them.
Moving from what mercenary-like organization are and where they operate, we need to know how today’s mercenary-like activities threaten peace and security in Africa, the Middle East, and even Europe? How do they threaten the vital interests of the United States, in particular, and Western interests in general? In other words, why should we care?
Why do governments choose to use mercenaries rather than their own armed forces or those of partner national armies or international organizations? More important, why do some governments invite mercenaries into their countries? The answers may surprise you.
In Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, new reports emerge of mercenary-like activity. Why do governments seek help from mercenaries? How can some governments and even media consider them a force for good? This episode begins a series on that subject.
The Chinese idea of unrestricted warfare orchestrates all elements of national power, with military power as the bass line, but only dominating as a last resort. If a shooting war happens, why, how, and where will it start?
Current movements to cancel certain historical persons risks cancelling our history, leaving us without a map of our past and guidance for our future. We should not ignore the importance of historical persons' thoughts and achievements, nor the faults which made them human.
