Mercenaries

The book explores the evolution of mercenaries from early auxiliaries to their modern incarnation in post-1945 conflicts, primarily in weak Third World nations. It highlights their roles in various global hotspots, such as Colombia and Cambodia, often associated with training drug cartels and supporting civil wars. Notably, during the Congo crisis, mercenaries gained a notorious reputation for greed and brutality. The rise of mercenary corporations in the 1990s, like Executive Outcomes, marks a significant shift, as these entities wield considerable military power and covert governmental support, posing new threats.