Putin's Sledgehammer

Main Themes and Topics

Putin's Sledgehammer by Candace Rondeaux delves into the complex and shadowy world of the Wagner Group, an infamous private military company with well-documented ties to the Russian state. The book examines the group's origins, its meteoric rise to power, and its significant impact on both domestic and international fronts. Key themes include the interplay between state power and private military forces, the deterioration of traditional military institutions in Russia, and the geopolitical ripple effects of Wagner's operations.

Rondeaux provides an in-depth analysis of how entities like Wagner thrive in the vacuum created by weakened state structures and the global demand for mercenary forces, alongside their role in geopolitical maneuvering and economic exploitation. She presents a disturbing portrait of how illicit economics, such as theft and extortion, fuel these organizations, revealing the darker facets of modern global conflict and national security threats.

Writing Style and Tone

Rondeaux's writing style is both engaging and authoritative, combining thorough research with a narrative that unfolds like a thriller. Her journalistic precision lends credibility and gravitas to the narrative, providing readers with a clear, factual understanding of complex and often clandestine operations. The tone is serious and urgent, reflecting the gravity of the topics discussed and underscoring the book's critical perspective on the repercussions of private military influence on global stability.

Brief Summary

Putin's Sledgehammer presents the alarming and intriguing narrative of the Wagner Group's rise in Russia. From its early days of inconspicuous patronage to becoming a formidable global player with reach and force, the book chronicles how the group outgrew conventional Russian military capabilities and emerged as a rogue element that even the Kremlin found difficult to control. Through meticulous sourcing, Rondeaux charts the trajectory of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the enigmatic figure behind Wagner, spotlighting his emergence from criminal roots to orchestrate a near-mythical military presence.

The book captures the momentous and chilling developments of July 2023, when Wagner's attempted march on Moscow captured worldwide attention, exposing both the audacity of private militaries and vulnerabilities within Russia's power structures. Rondeaux's narrative offers an eye-opening account of the interplay between military, political, and criminal elements, making Putin's Sledgehammer an essential read for anyone interested in the changing face of modern warfare and power dynamics.