#536 | A Brief History of Mercenaries

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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.

You'll learn how these soldiers for hire have evolved, the reasons nations use or avoid them, and their impact on 21st-century warfare.

• What are mercenaries? Definition and historical context.

• Origins and role of freelance knights in Medieval Europe.

• Renaissance Italy: The rise of the condottieri.

• Impact and decline of the condottieri.

• Blackwater: A modern private military company.

• Private Military Contractors and international law issues.

• The Wagner Group and its ties to Russia.

• Wagner's global influence and alleged war crimes.

• Mercenaries in business and war: Ethical dilemmas.

• Future of warfare with mercenary involvement.

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/mercenaries

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