#536 | A Brief History of Mercenaries

<p><strong> </strong></p><br><p>In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating history of mercenaries, taking you from the era of Italian condottieri to the modern day with groups like Blackwater and Wagner. </p> <br> <p>You'll learn how these soldiers for hire have evolved, the reasons nations use or avoid them, and their impact on 21st-century warfare.</p> <br> <ul> <li>What are mercenaries? Definition and historical context.</li> <li>Origins and role of freelance knights in Medieval Europe.</li> <li>Renaissance Italy: The rise of the condottieri.</li> <li>Impact and decline of the condottieri.</li> <li>Blackwater: A modern private military company.</li> <li>Private Military Contractors and international law issues.</li> <li>The Wagner Group and its ties to Russia.</li> <li>Wagner's global influence and alleged war crimes.</li> <li>Mercenaries in business and war: Ethical dilemmas.</li> <li>Future of warfare with mercenary involvement.</li> </ul> <br> Full interactive transcript, s...