Ruská žoldnéřská diplomacie: aktivity Vágnerovy skupiny v Mali a Středoafrické republice

Linhart, Kryštof

This diploma thesis investigates the motivations behind the deployment of the Wagner Group in Mali and the Central African Republic, as a case of Russian mercenary diplomacy in Africa. Through a qualitative case study approach complemented by quantitative data, the research distinguishes between official and unofficial dimensions of Russian interactions with Mali and the CAR. The official track examines the political engagement, arms transfers and military-security cooperation. The unofficial track analyses the Wagner Group's military, influence and economic operations. The thesis conceptualizes the Wagner Group as a distinct form of mercenarism that merges private incentives and Russian state interests. Drawing on the concept of proxy warfare, the study argues that the Wagner Group functions as an expeditionary asset of influence. From this perspective, Russia relies on the Wagner in line with the logics of proxy engagement, which includes limited strategic interest in the region, the desire to expand influence with minimal risk, economic greed, cost sensitivity, and above all, plausible deniability. This use of a deniable and flexible proxy allows Moscow to operate in a fragile or contested environments without formal or legal responsibility. The thesis findings suggest that the activities of the...

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