Blackwater as a starting point is only a rough estimate. Rebranding has, of course, existed ever since ancient humans figured out that using an alias was usefu

Blackwater as a starting point is only a rough estimate. Rebranding has, of course, existed ever since ancient humans figured out that using an alias was useful. My point is that it is not that it is a new tactic; I'm suggesting that it has been a tactic of choice, preferred over others such as using propaganda to deny problematic accusations (traditionally popular in Russia), or claiming bad things are good for patriotic reasons.