11 April—Mercenaries, Part One

In this episode, we deep-dive into mercenaries on the modern battlefield. We talk about the history of guns-for-hire and US government contractors, especially Erik Prince and Blackwater. Articles. Politico. Erik Prince: Government needs private sector help for deportations. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/26/trump-deportations-private-sector-00002679?utm_source=chatgpt.comBetsy DeVos made at least $225 million while education secretary:https://www.citizensforethics.org/reports-investigations/crew-investigations/betsy-devos-made-at-least-225-million-while-education-secretary/Vanity Fair. “I’m Tired of America Wasting Our Blood and Treasure”: The Strange Ascent of Betsy DeVos and Erik Princehttps://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/09/the-strange-ascent-of-betsy-devos-and-erik-prince?srsltid=AfmBOooVeoDyrauxtrNPvId_-Aui6Pc-6qQ1Dq8u9DtVRv78W7pkGHd2Former SF contractors making $1,100 a day manning checkpoints in Gaza:https://www.reuters.com/world/inside-us-security-firms-risky-gaza-mission-2025-01-30/?utm_source=chatgpt.com