The Wagner Group – a paramilitary tool of Russian hybrid operations Cover Image

Grupa Wagnera – paramilitarne narzędzie rosyjskich operacji hybrydowych
The Wagner Group – a paramilitary tool of Russian hybrid operations

Author(s): Filip Bryjka
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Military policy, Studies in violence and power, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: Instytut Studiów Politycznych PAN
Keywords: Wagner Group; PMC; mercenaries; Russia; hybrid warfare; influence operations;

Summary/Abstract: The main purpose of this article is to present the evolution of the Wagner Group’s role in Russian foreign policy within 2014–2022 period. Using publicly available sources: including publicized intelligence materials, results of journalistic investigations, reports of think tanks and experts, press materials and documents of international organizations, the author answers the following research questions: 1. Can the Wagner Group be classified as a private military company taking into account its status under domestic and international law? 2. What is the genesis of the organization’s establishment and the degree of its ties to Russian state structures? 3. What is the scope of the tasks performed by the Wagnerians as part of Russian hybrid operations and in connection with the war in Ukraine? 4. What actions has the international community taken to limit the freedom of action of this paramilitary organization?

  • Issue Year: 75/2022
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 67-91
  • Page Count: 25
  • Language: Polish