La politica militare russa e il gruppo Wagner

Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991, the world has been dominated by the United States in a period known as the "American unipolar moment." During this time, the U.S. wielded significant political, economic, and military influence, shaping global policies and the international order according to its strategic interests and democratic values. However, recent years have seen a shift towards a multipolar world, where new powers challenge U.S. supremacy and redefine global dynamics. One is surely China, for its demography and economic importance, Russia also seeks to reshape the current world order. Discontent with its secondary status post-Soviet Union, Russia has aimed to reassert its global influence. This was dramatically highlighted on February 24, 2022, after the russian invasion of Ukraine, which started the first large-scale conventional war in Europe since World War II. Through this conflict, Russia has challenged the status quo, striving to be seen as a major global player alongside the U.S. and China. The thesis aims to analyze Russia's conduct in its war efforts, the involved actors, and the conflict theaters. It begins with a historical overview of the years leading up to the Soviet Union's dissolution, focusing on policies by Mikhail Gorbachev and the events of December 25, 1991. This context is crucial for understanding the Kremlin's subsequent political and military decisions. It then examines various post-dissolution conflicts, including the wars in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as NATO's expansion and color revolutions in Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and Ukraine. The second chapter explores the role of Private Military Companies (PMCs) in Russia's military strategy, particularly the transformation of the Cossacks into a form of PMC and the evolution of PMCs post-Soviet Union. Emphasis is placed on the Wagner Group, a prominent mercenary company involved extensively in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict from February 2022, contrasting its approach with Western PMCs. Further, the thesis delves into Wagner's role in key battles, like the Battle of Bakhmut, and explores the lead-up to the invasion, reviewing Ukrainian history from 1991 to 2014. Lastly, the thesis shifts focus to Africa, where Russia has developed significant political, commercial, and military interests. Through the Wagner Group and strategic diplomacy involving arms and security services, Russia has gained favor with numerous African governments, influencing their security policies and participating in lucrative markets for raw materials and minerals. In conclusion, the thesis provides an in-depth examination of Russian military policy over the past two decades, focusing on Ukraine and Africa. By analyzing the Wagner Group's role, it aims to illuminate the broader implications of Russia's actions on the global stage, the shifting balance of power, and the future trajectory of international relations.