In 2 of September, the world remembers the end of World War II, one of the most devastating conflicts in human history. This date is not just a reminder of the atrocities and lives lost., but also a moment of reflection on the profound transformations that this war brought to the global scenario.
The Second World War, that extended from 1939 a 1945, involved nearly every nation on the planet at some point. The battles took place on several continents, leaving a trail of destruction, death and suffering. Whole cities were reduced to rubble, and millions of people lost their lives. Many are the legacies of this war.
One of the most enduring legacies of World War II was the creation of international institutions designed to promote peace and cooperation among nations.. The United Nations (HIM-HER-IT) It was founded in 1945 with the main objective of preventing future conflicts on a global scale. Besides that, Financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund were established to rebuild devastated economies and stabilize the international financial system..
another legacy, much less discussed, but equally significant, was the presence and performance of mercenaries during the conflict. these fighters, often motivated by financial or ideological gains, played varied roles in the war. More worrying, however, was the impact many of these mercenaries had on their home countries after the end of the conflict.
World War II mercenaries were often former soldiers or seasoned combatants who offered their services to nations or groups in exchange for payment.. Some were motivated by ideologies, aligning with Axis or Allied powers based on personal convictions. Others were purely motivated by financial gain., fighting for who paid the most.
Their roles ranged from direct combat roles to training roles., where they used their experience to train regular troops. In some cases, mercenaries were used in special operations or high-risk missions, given their ability and willingness to face dangers.
After the end of the war, many mercenaries returned to their home countries. However, reintegrating into civil society has often proved challenging. Accustomed to violence and, In so many cases, traumatized by the horrors of war, some found it difficult to adjust to the peaceful life.
in various nations, the return of these fighters resulted in an increase in crime and violence. some mercenaries, unable to find employment or purpose in a society at peace, turned to organized crime, forming or joining gangs and cartels. in other cases, used their military skills in local conflicts or coups d'état.
Besides that, the presence of these experienced and often disillusioned fighters also had a political impact. In some countries, former mercenaries played significant roles in radical political movements, both extreme right and extreme left, contributing to political instability.
Mercenaries in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine
As in World War II and in many wars that came after it., the question of the use of mercenaries is an issue that goes beyond the conflict itself.
Mercenaries in the Ukraine-Russia war are not a homogeneous group. Some are former military men looking for profit, while others are motivated by ideologies or political alliances. O Grupo Wagner, for example, is a private paramilitary organization of Russian origin that has been associated with operations in Ukraine, as well as in other conflicts around the world.
In addition to Russians, there are reports of mercenaries from other nationalities, including brazilians, who joined the conflict on both sides, whether supporting Ukrainian forces or pro-Russian separatists. The participation of mercenaries in conflicts can have lasting implications. Their return to their home countries after conflict can bring reintegration challenges, especially if they return with trauma or without job opportunities. Besides that, their presence can influence the dynamics of the conflict, making peace negotiations more complex.
Governments often play an active role, even more indirect, in search of mercenaries. Among the main strategies used stand out:
- Competitive Compensation: One of the main attractions for many mercenaries is the financial compensation.. Governments offer competitive salaries, bonuses and other incentives.
- Benefits and Protections: In addition to remuneration, some governments offer benefits such as health insurance, legal protection and even citizenship or residency status.
- Promotion of Ideologies: In some cases, governments attract mercenaries by promoting a specific cause or ideology, especially if the conflict has religious or ethnic overtones.
In the case of the current war, a real action is perceived in the sense of promoting the environment of attraction of mercenaries. The Brazilian media has covered this issue, but still in a very superficial and sporadic way, as can be seen in some of the published articles.
- Ukraine launches website to facilitate recruitment of foreigners: The government of Ukraine has launched a website to facilitate the recruitment of foreigners interested in fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.. Source: Twitter
- 'Fight for money': Mercenary claiming to have served in Haiti goes to Ukraine: A Brazilian who claims to have fought as a mercenary in Sudan and Haiti decided to go to Ukraine to fight. Source: Twitter
- Brazilian mercenary goes to war in Ukraine: “fight for money”: The article discusses the presence of Russian mercenaries in Ukraine and mentions the participation of a Brazilian who went to the country to fight. Source: Center of the World Diary
- Brazilians who went to fight in Ukraine are criticized for 'acting like little bloggers'’: The article highlights criticisms made of Brazilian mercenaries in Ukraine, who were accused of facilitating attacks by Russian troops. Source: Political Pragmatism
- Embassy of Ukraine in Brazil charges “stronger reaction” from Bolsonaro: Although the story does not directly address the recruitment of mercenaries, she mentions the position of the Ukrainian embassy in Brazil in relation to the Brazilian government's position on the conflict. Source: Brazil in fact
The participation of Brazilians as mercenaries in foreign conflicts can have several implications for Brazil:
- return to country: Once these mercenaries return to Brazil, they can bring with them advanced combat skills, traumatic experiences and possibly connections to armed groups or international criminal organizations.
- Radicalization and Extremist Ideologies: Exposure to extremist conflicts and ideologies can lead to a radicalization of some of these mercenaries, that can, posteriorly, promote or support such ideologies in Brazil.
- Internal Destabilization: Reintegrating mercenaries into Brazilian society can be challenging, leading to potential security issues, increase in crime and even the formation of armed groups in the country.
The concern with mercenaries is not exclusive to Brazil.. German and French lawmakers have expressed similar concerns about their citizens acting as mercenaries.. https://www.euractiv.com/section/defence-and-security/news/germany-france-warn-mali-russian-mercenary-deal/
Germany has a long history of concern for its citizens who join external conflicts.. The participation of Germans in extremist groups and their subsequent return to the country has been a matter of national security.. Lawmakers have called for stricter action against those who join foreign conflicts.
The France, which has also seen several of its citizens join conflicts abroad, has adopted a critical stance towards mercenaries. The French government has been working to track, monitor and, in some cases, revoke the citizenship of those who join extremist groups or act as mercenaries.
this dimension, little addressed, from war, shows how much closer she is to us than we imagine. It is something that needs to be more debated by society and that requires measures on the part of the government. More than just worrying about who's going, it is also necessary to understand how mercenaries return and their real impacts on national security and the safety of the Brazilian population.
