Includes bibliographical references (pages 201-218) and index.

Special operations : out of the shadows / Christopher Marsh, James D. Kiras, and Patricia J. Blocksome -- Part 1. Special operations in theory and concept -- The dangers of theory / James D. Kiras -- The value of theory / Christopher Marsh, Mike Kenny, and Nathanael Joslyn -- The human factor / Kevin L. Parker -- The resurgence of special warfare / Homer W. Harkins -- Terrorism and unconventional warfare / Dan Cox -- Design thinking for special operations / Ben Zweibelson -- Design thinking for SOF leadership / Ben Zweibelson -- Part 2. Special operations in action -- The strategic paradox and third-party proxies / Richard Rubright -- Russia's response to the new Western way of war / Charles K. Bartles -- Psychological operations to counter online radicalization / Paul S. Lieber and Peter J. Reiley -- Foreign internal defense and security force assistance / James M. DePolo -- Combatting transnational organized crime / Steven R. Johnson -- Part 3. Conclusion -- Special operations forces in an era of great power competition / Christopher Marsh, James D. Kiras & Patricia J. Blocksome. "A comprehensive survey of special operations, encompassing cutting-edge research, current debates, and critical case studies."