What is a mercenary?

A mercenary is a professional soldier who fights for financial gain rather than purely for ideological or national interests. They are typically hired by governments, private military companies, or non-state actors to carry out military operations, ranging from combat missions to training and advisory roles. Mercenaries have been used throughout history, from ancient Greece and Rome to modern-day conflicts in regions such as Africa and the Middle East. They are often controversial figures, seen by some as a necessary means to an end and by others as an unethical and dangerous practice that undermines the principles of national sovereignty and military service.