The Ethics of Special Ops: Raids, Recoveries, Reconnaissance, and Rebels

The emergence of special operations as a prominent instrument of statecraft is a trend that has been overlooked in the field of military ethics. This book calls attention to the qualities inherent in special operations that challenge the moral framework that has long informed conventional military operations. Moral theorists and practitioners can put the authors' insights to practical use.

Format: Hardback
Length: 255 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The field of military ethics has paid close attention to emerging trends in modern warfare, such as cyber, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI), which have spurred a rich and diverse literature. However, one trend has largely gone unnoticed: the rise of special operations as a prominent tool of statecraft. In this book, the authors draw extensively on historical cases and firsthand experiences to highlight the unique qualities inherent in special operations and the individuals who undertake them. They challenge the moral framework that has long guided conventional military operations, offering a provocative analysis that will interest moral theorists and practitioners alike.

For those who conduct or oversee special operations and are concerned with the moral well-being of these operators, the authors' insights can be put into practical use. Moreover, those who simply have a fascination with the enigmatic world of special operations will find this book illuminating.

Special operations have evolved from covert and clandestine activities to a recognized and vital component of modern warfare. They are characterized by their high-risk, high-reward nature, and their ability to target specific objectives in complex environments. Special operators are highly trained and skilled individuals who operate in small teams, often relying on their ingenuity and adaptability to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

One of the key qualities inherent in special operations is their ability to operate in the gray area between law and morality. Special operations are often conducted in areas where conventional military forces cannot operate, such as in hostile or unstable regions. This requires operators to make difficult decisions and to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, such as whether to engage in targeted killings or to use force against non-combatants.

Another quality of special operations is their emphasis on human intelligence (HUMINT) and counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. HUMINT involves collecting information from sources within a target population, while COIN involves engaging with and neutralizing insurgent groups. These operations require operators to build relationships with local communities and to work closely with them to achieve their objectives.

However, the ethical implications of these operations are complex and multifaceted. For example, the use of force against non-combatants raises questions about the legality and morality of targeting innocent people. Additionally, the reliance on HUMINT and COIN operations can put operators at risk of exploitation and abuse by their local partners.

To address these ethical challenges, the authors of this book offer a range of recommendations. They argue that special operations should be conducted within a clear ethical framework that emphasizes respect for human rights and the rule of law. They also suggest that operators should be trained and equipped to handle the ethical dilemmas that they may encounter, and that there should be mechanisms in place to hold operators accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, the rise of special operations as a prominent instrument of statecraft has challenged the moral framework that has long informed conventional military operations. This book offers a valuable analysis of the unique qualities inherent in special operations and the individuals who undertake them. By highlighting the ethical challenges that these operations pose, the authors provide practical recommendations for addressing these challenges and ensuring that special operations are conducted in a manner that respects human rights and the rule of law.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 158 x 239 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009292054