Inside Prigozhin’s Wagner, Russia’s Secret War Company | WSJ Documentary

Introduction

This tutorial provides an overview of the Wagner Group, a private military company linked to Russia's global military and business strategies. By analyzing key aspects of the group's operations, origins, and future, we can gain insights into its role in contemporary conflicts and its connections to the Kremlin.

Step 1: Understand What Wagner Is and Its Leader

• Wagner is a private military company (PMC) known for its involvement in various conflicts around the world.
• Yevgeny Prigozhin, often referred to as "Putin's Chef," is the founder and a key figure behind Wagner. His background as a businessman and close ties to the Kremlin have facilitated the group's operations.

Step 2: Explore How Wagner Operates

• Wagner operates as a covert entity, providing military services while maintaining plausible deniability for the Russian government.
• The group uses a network of front companies to launder resources and finances, making it difficult to trace their activities back to the Kremlin.
• Key operational strategies include:
  • Engaging in direct military action.
  • Offering training and logistics support to local forces.
  • Assisting in resource extraction and securing business interests.

Step 3: Trace Wagner’s Origins

• Wagner emerged from the backdrop of the 2014 Ukraine conflict, where Russian military tactics evolved to include unofficial military actors.
• The initial operations were small and focused on supporting pro-Russian separatists.
• Over time, Wagner transitioned into a more organized force with a broader mission.

Step 4: Analyze the Business Model in Syria

• Wagner played a significant role in Syria, where it acted on behalf of the Russian government.
• The group engaged in military operations while simultaneously securing oil and gas contracts, showcasing a dual focus on military and economic objectives.
• This model has been replicated in other regions, combining military action with business ventures.

Step 5: Investigate Wagner’s Expansion into Africa

• Wagner has significantly increased its presence in Africa, particularly in countries like Libya, the Central African Republic, and Sudan.
• The group provides military support in exchange for access to valuable resources, including minerals and oil.
• Key tactics in Africa include:
  • Training local security forces.
  • Engaging in direct combat operations.
  • Establishing control over resource extraction.

Step 6: Examine the Africa Playbook

• Wagner's strategy in Africa focuses on a formula of "guns and gold":
  • Offering military protection to governments or factions in exchange for mining rights and resource access.
  • Creating a cycle where military success leads to economic gain, further funding their operations.

Step 7: Understand Wagner’s Role in the Ukraine Conflict

• In the ongoing war in Ukraine, Wagner has become more visible, engaging in combat operations alongside regular Russian forces.
• The group's involvement illustrates its evolution from a clandestine operation to a prominent player in Russia's military strategy.

Step 8: Consider Wagner’s Future

• The future of Wagner remains uncertain, especially with shifting geopolitical dynamics.
• Potential outcomes include:
  • Continued expansion into new territories.
  • Increased scrutiny and pushback from international communities.
  • Possible restructuring or dissolution depending on political changes within Russia.

Conclusion

The Wagner Group exemplifies the intersection of military power and business interests in modern warfare. Understanding its operations and strategies provides valuable insights into how private military companies function on a global scale. As geopolitical landscapes evolve, monitoring Wagner’s activities will be crucial for anticipating future conflicts and international relations.