Showing results for "Mercenaries" in Social Sciences

In every caste-driven society throughout history, two paths have offered a chance to transcend one‚As station the Priest and the Warrior. Yet, in today‚As world of television and tranquilizers, the concept of the Warrior takes on an entirely new and intriguing significance... (Introduction from the Gutenberg text)

Some writers of science fiction turn out to be reasonably accurate prognosticators of the future. In Mack Reynolds’ Mercenary, the elite 1 percent control the wealth of the nation and thus the nation. War as we know it has been eliminated, and disputes between nations, unions, and corporations are settled on a battlefield by mercenary soldiers with pre-1900 weapons. These battles are televised, and the combatants become heroes, not unlike NFL players. Meet Joe Mauser, one of the best of the best; a tactician and gun for hire.

With its ability to control the Assad regime already in question, Russia now appears to be facing issues restraining even its own mercenary contractors.