Should private armies be banned? An uneasy peace shrouds Russia this morning after the weekend's melodrama. Some think we are overdue a conversation about what could go wrong when we commodify our military campaigns.
Rebel fighters retreat as Putin licks wounds
Et tu, Brute? The former Putin ally had claimed that 25,000 of his troops would hit Moscow to oust the president. Glossary
Troll farmer - Someone who organises an institutionalised group of internet trolls that seeks to sway public opinion on political issues and destabilise democracy.
Oligarch - After the collapse of the Soviet Union, most of the country’s economy fell into the hands of corrupt businessmen who became known as oligarchs.
Moniker - A name.
Aplomb - Self-assurance and poise in a tense or difficult situation.
Balkans - A region of southern Europe, south of Austria and Hungary. It was traditionally seen as the meeting point between the Christian and Muslim worlds.
Mercenaries - Professional soldiers who are hired to fight in an army.
Coup - When an individual or group takes control of government by illegal means, including by violence.
Militia - A military force made up of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers.