Russian Surrogate Warfare in Ukraine and Syria

Understanding the Utility of Militias and Private Military Companies

Bibliographic Data

ID21208191
AuthorsEmmanuel Karagiannis (0000-0002-6634-3511, King's College London, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume23
Issue4
Pages549-565
Publication date2021-07-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1944-8953 • E-ISSN: 1944-8961
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/19448953.2021.1888603
OpenAlexW3130146838
LanguageEN
Citations received7

Russia has traditionally maintained a large army to defend its borders. Now there is evidence that the Kremlin has utilized proxy militias and private military companies to launch operations abroad. The article will focus on the Russian interventions in Ukraine and Syria. It will claim that there are three reasons for the use of surrogate forces. Domestic developments, including new social attitudes, can explain why the Kremlin has been keen to hide casualties from the public. Concerns over legal and reputation repercussions mean that Moscow wants to minimize the Russian footprint in both countries. Finally, the use of militias and private contractors has certain military advantages for the Russian side

Economics · Political economy · Political science · Reputation · Defense, Military, and Policy Studies · European and Russian Geopolitical Military Strategies · Law · Military and Defense Studies

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