Into the Void: Special Operations Forces after the War on Terror

The moment in the sun for special operations sometimes appears to have passed, seemingly eclipsed by preparations for potential conflict under the guise of ‘great power’ competition, combined with failure in Afghanistan. Yet the war in Ukraine serves as a reminder that special operations play an even greater role today—before, during and presumably after conflict. The challenge remains dealing with current irregular and hybrid threats, at the same time as preparing for an uncertain future, as threats and technologies evolve at a dizzying pace. Focusing too much on the future of conventional warfare creates a void in national security discussions related to special operations. This book seeks to fill that gap, drawing on the expertise of scholars and practitioners in the field, from the Indo-Pacific, Europe and the United States, to answer what, if anything, special operations can or should seek to do, and how. The contributors explore such topics as proxies, non-state special forces, capabilities, innovation and transformation, artificial intelligence, and special operations in space and cyberspace. These chapters are united by their analysis that special operations will have future strategic and operational value, for allies and adversaries alike, provided that difficult choices are made in the present. ''A refreshing approach.'' ''The book''s emphasis on adaptation and transformation remains its most important contribution.'' ''Well written and meticulously researched—Kiras and Kitzen have once again made a significant contribution to the body of knowledge on special operations.'' ''The book we have long needed to illuminate a new design and direction for special operations in the coming tests of competition, conflict and war.'' ''An intellectually rewarding excursion into the future of special operations. Complete with cutting-edge insights, this is a much-needed foundation for reconceptualising special operations'' contributions beyond the traditional combat role. Enthusiastically recommended for policy makers, scholars and tomorrow''s practitioners.'' ''This book fills multiple voids as the contributors generate much-needed food for thought on the evolving usefulness of special operations.'' ''An excellent overview of the potential utility of special operations, demonstrating their enduring relevance in a new strategic context. A must-read for practitioners and academics alike.''

The moment in the sun for special operations sometimes appears to have passed, seemingly eclipsed by preparations for potential conflict under the guise of ‘great power’ competition, combined with failure in Afghanistan. Yet the war in Ukraine serves as a reminder that special operations play an even greater role today—before, during and presumably after conflict. The challenge remains dealing with current irregular and hybrid threats, at the same time as preparing for an uncertain future, as threats and technologies evolve at a dizzying pace.

Focusing too much on the future of conventional warfare creates a void in national security discussions related to special operations. This book seeks to fill that gap, drawing on the expertise of scholars and practitioners in the field, from the Indo-Pacific, Europe and the United States, to answer what, if anything, special operations can or should seek to do, and how. The contributors explore such topics as proxies, non-state special forces, capabilities, innovation and transformation, artificial intelligence, and special operations in space and cyberspace. These chapters are united by their analysis that special operations will have future strategic and operational value, for allies and adversaries alike, provided that difficult choices are made in the present.

• | Author: James D. Kiras, Martijn Kitzen
• | Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
• | Publication Date: Jun 06, 2024
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781911723158
• | ISBN-10: 1911723154