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Social and Legal Studios

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Social and Legal Studios

Vol. 9, No. 2, 2026

Social and Legal Studios

ISSN 2617-4162

e-ISSN 2617-4170

Publisher: Lviv State University of Internal Affairs

Received 28.01.2026, Revised 22.04.2026, Accepted 27.05.2026 Published 01.06.2026
Pages 30-42
https://doi.org/10.32518/sals2.2026.30
Vol. 9, No. 2, 2026
Article

Criminological analysis of the causes of mercenary activity


Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyse the causes of mercenary, as it was used in different contexts, and the peculiarities of the legal control of this phenomenon. It was analysed causes of mercenary activity, which involved a complex examination of the social, economic, political and legal factors that favour the emergence and proliferation of the mercenary phenomenon. Also, it was identified factors such as political instability, regional armed conflicts, poverty, unemployment or lack of professional opportunities, that determined individuals to engage in paid military activities outside the legal framework. Criminological analysis was conducted that also explored the influence of transnational criminal networks, geopolitical interests, and legislative loopholes that allowed the recruitment, financing, and use of mercenaries. In addition to financial motivation, some individuals may be attracted by the desire for adventure, belonging to a group, personal affirmation or perpetuation of an identity built around military experience. In the absence of effective mechanisms for social reintegration, former combatants may become vulnerable to recruitment into mercenary structures. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of recruitment, motivation and operation of mercenaries involved correlating macro-social factors with individual and organisational ones. The analysis was researched to allow the foundation of effective public policies, oriented both towards preventing structural causes and directly combating mercenary recruitment and financing networks. Only through an integrated approach, based on international cooperation and the consistent application of legal norms, can the scale and impact of the mercenary phenomenon on security and international legal order be limite. The results obtained from studying the causes of mercenary activity are mainly of a practical and strategic nature, contributing to better management of this phenomenon


Keywords: violent actions; curiosity; vulnerable childhood; paramilitary organisations; criminal antecedents; defective socialisation


Suggested citation

Soroceanu, I. (2026). Criminological analysis of the causes of mercenary activity. Social and Legal Studios, 9(2), 30-42. https://doi.org/10.32518/sals2.2026.30
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