Special Operations and Strategy

From World War II to the War on Terrorism

By: James D. Kiras

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Paperback | 1 December 2007 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
250 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.4 x 15.6 x 1.35

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James D. Kiras shows how a number of different special operations, in conjunction with more conventional military actions, achieve and sustain strategic effect(s) over time. In particular, he argues that the root of effective special operations lies in understanding the relationship existing between moral and material attrition at the strategic level. He also presents a theoretical framework for understanding how special operations achieve strategic effects using a unique synthesis of strategic theory and case studies.

This study shows how the key to understanding how special operations reside in the concept of strategic attrition and in the moral and material nature of strategy. It also highlights major figures such as Carl von Clausewitz, Hans Delbruck, and Mao Zedong, who understood these complexities and were experts in eroding an enemy's will to fight. These and other examples provide a superb explanation of the complexities of modern strategy and the place of special operations in a war of attrition.

This book will be of great interest to all students and scholars with an interest in special forces and of strategic and military studies in general. 

Industry Reviews

'With Special Operations and Strategy, James D Kiras offers a rare scholarly analysis of the ways in which SO can -- and cannot -- contribute to strategic success. In so doing, Kiras warns policymakers against making costly and tragically common errors under the influence of theoretical concepts which, whatever their value in other types of operations, are inappropriate for this type of warfare.' Dr Thomas M. Kane, University of Hull, UK '...this monograph has great value to policy makers and soldiers, conventional and unconventional.' Lieutenant Colonel (ret) Thomas P. Odom, Small Wars Journal

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