Wagner’s Designation: A Turning Point in Global Politics

Christian Baghai
3 min readSep 7, 2023

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In recent times, the world has witnessed a significant shift in the dynamics of global politics, with the rise and fall of various power groups. One such group that has garnered significant attention is the Wagner mercenary group. The recent decision by the UK Home Office to proscribe Wagner as a terrorist organization is not just a symbolic move but has far-reaching implications for global geopolitics and the fight against terrorism.

The Wagner group, known for its clandestine operations and affiliations with various despots and dictators, including Vladimir Putin, has been a significant player in the geopolitical landscape. Their operations, often shrouded in secrecy, have been instrumental in furthering the foreign policy objectives of countries and leaders who employ them. These mercenary groups, operating in the shadows, have been the go-to solution for leaders who wish to pursue their agendas without the direct involvement of their national armies.

The decision to designate Wagner as a terrorist organization is a welcome move. It signifies a clear message to the world that such groups, which operate outside the bounds of international law and engage in acts of terrorism, will not be tolerated. This move will have practical implications for anyone involved with the Wagner group, including its supporters and assets. It will become increasingly challenging for the group to operate, imitate, or even for other entities to employ them for their objectives.

While some may argue that this decision comes a bit late, especially considering the recent demise of the head of the Wagner group in a plane crash, the timing is still crucial. At present, there are indications that Putin is contemplating how to restructure the Wagner group. The UK’s decision to proscribe them at this juncture effectively disrupts any such plans. Moreover, this move sends a clear signal to other despots and dictators worldwide. Once a group like Wagner receives such a designation, it becomes a beacon for other nations to recognize the direction in which the global wind is blowing. The message is clear: the world is uniting against such rogue entities, and their days are numbered.

Furthermore, the ripple effect of this decision cannot be understated. With the UK taking the lead, it is anticipated that other major nations, including the US, might follow suit. Such collective action by key financial centers like London and New York will have a cascading impact. The assets of those associated with groups like Wagner will be vulnerable. The liabilities of successors who continue their legacy will be open to attack. This is not just about financial repercussions but also about holding these groups accountable for their actions.

Another significant aspect of this designation is its implications for ongoing litigations. For instance, the Ukrainians have initiated litigation against the Wagner group, targeting tens of billions. With Wagner now designated as a terrorist entity, it becomes considerably easier to pursue such litigations. The international community, if it chooses to fund these litigations, will find it much more straightforward to seize assets deemed as terrorist assets.

In conclusion, the decision to proscribe the Wagner mercenary group as a terrorist organization is a monumental step in the right direction. It reaffirms the global commitment to fight against entities that promote terrorism and operate outside the purview of international law. While the road ahead is long and fraught with challenges, moves like these give hope that the international community is united in its resolve to ensure a safer and more just world.

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Christian Baghai
Christian Baghai

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