Midrats

Episode 728: Non-State Special Operations, with Craig Whiteside and Ian Rice


Listen Later

On today’s Midrats, we have returning guest Craig Whiteside and his co-author Ian C. Rice joining us to discuss one of the nightmares we all have in the new book coming out this month. He co-authored it with Ian Rice, Non-state Special Operations: Capabilities and Effects.

From the abstract:
Building on previous research on Islamic State special operations, the book develops a theoretical framework surrounding a typology of VNSA (militants, proxies, criminal/cults, and mercenaries) to explore variations of non-state special operations, with multiple cases for each category of actor. Understanding when and why VNSA use special operations provides insights into the inner workings of such groups and how they campaign, and also has implications for the proliferation of special operation forces around the globe and its influence on non-state behaviour. This volume contributes to research on the recent trend of non-state actors surprising, and in some cases humiliating, their state opponents.

Craig is Professor of National Security Affairs at the US Naval War College resident program at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. He is the co-author of The ISIS Reader: Milestone Texts of the Islamic State Movement (2020). He has a PhD in Political Science from Washington State University and is a former U.S. Army infantry officer.

His coauthor Ian is an adjunct Senior Lecturer in the Department of Defense Analysis, Naval Postgraduate School, adjunct faculty member with the College of Distance Education, USMC University, and a guest lecturer with the Royal Danish Defence College. He is a retired U.S. Army officer who served with special operations forces.

Show Links
  • Non-state Special Operations: Capabilities and Effects, by Craig Whiteside and Ian Rice.
  • Operation Chariot
  • Defeat Into Victory: Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945, Field-Marshal Viscount William Slim



Summary

In this episode of Midrats, hosts discuss the complexities of non-state special operations with authors Craig Whiteside and Ian Rice. They delve into the historical context, defining characteristics, and implications of special operations conducted by non-state actors. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the motivations and strategies of these actors, as well as the challenges they pose to state actors. The authors share insights from their new book, exploring the evolution of non-state operations and the need for a nuanced approach to countering them.

Takeaways
  • Special operations are defined as tactical actions designed to achieve outsized effects.
  • Historical examples illustrate the long-standing use of special operations by non-state actors.
  • Understanding the typology of non-state actors is crucial for effective analysis and response.
  • Prison breakouts are a common tactic used by non-state actors to regain manpower.
  • Cults and criminal groups can also engage in special operations, often driven by self-interest.
  • Not all terrorist acts qualify as special operations; criteria must be applied to distinguish them.
  • The opportunity cost of special operations can be significant for both state and non-state actors.
  • Mercenaries have a unique role in conducting special operations, particularly in coups.
Chapters

00:00: Introduction to Non-State Special Operations
02:15: Genesis of the Book and Collaboration
05:49: Defining Special Operations
08:43: Historical Context of Non-State Actors
11:36: Analyzing Non-State Actors
18:13: Understanding the Typology of Non-State Actors
23:42: Criteria for Special Operations
28:45: Prison Breakouts as a Tactic
32:13: Cults and Criminal Groups in Special Operations
36:53: Distinguishing Terrorism from Special Operations
43:26: The Cost of Special Operations
49:13: Mercenaries and Coups
52:08: Mindset of Special Operations
58:47: Implications for Future Operations
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

MidratsBy Midrats

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

86 ratings


More shows like Midrats

View all
City Journal Audio by Manhattan Institute

City Journal Audio

614 Listeners

War on the Rocks by Ryan Evans

War on the Rocks

1,083 Listeners

Modern War Institute by Modern War Institute at West Point

Modern War Institute

765 Listeners

ChinaPower by CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies

ChinaPower

204 Listeners

Defense & Aerospace Report by Defense & Aerospace Report, sponsored by Bell

Defense & Aerospace Report

138 Listeners

Defense One Radio by Defense One staff

Defense One Radio

139 Listeners

The Proceedings Podcast by U.S. Naval Institute

The Proceedings Podcast

208 Listeners

The McCarthy Report by National Review

The McCarthy Report

2,832 Listeners

Net Assessment by War on the Rocks

Net Assessment

400 Listeners

Urban Warfare Project by John Spencer

Urban Warfare Project

211 Listeners

Generation Jihad by FDD's Long War Journal

Generation Jihad

20 Listeners

GoodFellows: Conversations from the Hoover Institution by Hoover Institution

GoodFellows: Conversations from the Hoover Institution

661 Listeners

School of War by Nebulous Media

School of War

413 Listeners

The Secrets of Statecraft by Hoover Institution

The Secrets of Statecraft

119 Listeners

The Merge by The Merge

The Merge

347 Listeners