Soldiers for Sale: The New Frontlines of War Are Lawless

[TomSea]

Soldiers for Sale: The New Frontlines of War Are Lawless
Russian private military contractors, "Slavonic Corps" in Syria

    Private military contractors are being used all over the world in conflict zones
    Though they are being relied on more and more, they are dangerously unregulated
    International and domestic laws are under-equipped to prosecute them
    Their unregulated proliferation and use represents new and unique dangers to drawing lines of accountability and protecting human rights

By Ty Joplin

The Prince of Private War

Hundreds of years before the United States, Russia, the UAE, and other countries began relying on mercenaries to fight on and maintain their front lines, Machiavelli warned us not to use them at all.

Famed italian political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli wrote in his 16th century book, The Prince, that mercenaries have only two potential traits--both of which spells doom for anyone who uses them. They are either too weak and cowardly, and will flee the battlefield since they have no loyalty to the people they were hired to protect and act on behalf of, or they are strong and effective, and will overpower the state’s forces to seize control, or be bought by the highest bidder.

Continued at: https://www.albawaba.com/news/original-new-frontlines-war-lawless-1032598