John Lechner Unveils The Wagner Group

About this episode

John Lechner discusses his book on the Wagner Group, detailing its evolution and operations worldwide.

Author John Lechner talks about his powerful new book, Death Is Our Business , a definitive investigation into Russia’s notorious private military company, the Wagner Group. With firsthand accounts, OSINT research, and a historian’s depth, Lechner traces Wagner’s evolution from covert operators in Ukraine to global players in Syria, Africa, and beyond. The book opens with “Soldiers,” detailing Wagner’s early operations in Eastern Ukraine. The group’s early adoption of hybrid warfare tactics positioned Wagner as a deniable but essential extension of Russian force projection. Lechner highlights Wagner recruits—ex-soldiers, nationalists, and opportunists drawn to war by a mix of belief, desperation, and the promise of belonging. In “Oil Men,” Lechner shifts focus to Wagner’s economic logic. From Syrian gas fields to African gold mines, Wagner leveraged military victories into lucrative contracts. The group effectively bankrolled itself through resource extraction deals, revealing how war and profit became indistinguishable in modern mercenary operations. “Diplomats” explores Wagner’s expansion into the political sphere, particularly in fragile African states. Wagner’s combination of…

People in this episode

Host: Mark Valley

Guest: John Lechner

Topics covered

• Wagner Group
• private military companies
• hybrid warfare
• resource extraction
• mercenary operations
• political influence

Keywords

• Wagner Group
• John Lechner
• private military company
• Death Is Our Business
• hybrid warfare
• mercenaries
• resource extraction
• political influence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wagner Group

Books & works: Death Is Our Business

Places: Ukraine, Syria, Africa

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