Irregular Warfare Podcast
SOF and Influence Activities
Oct 18, 2024
Join Professor Martin Kitson, an expert in Irregular Warfare from the Netherlands Defence Academy, and Major General Ron Smits, former Commander of Netherlands Special Operations, as they discuss the pivotal role of Special Operations Forces in modern influence activities. They explore the shift from counterterrorism to influence operations, the necessity of cultural understanding, and the importance of diverse skill sets. The conversation dives into the challenges SOF face in a hybrid warfare landscape, addressing the intricate balance of local engagement and global security demands.
44:34
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Quick takeaways
- Special Operations Forces (SOF) leverage diverse capabilities for influence operations, integrating psychological, cyber, and media strategies to achieve strategic objectives.
- Understanding local cultural and political dynamics is crucial for SOF in tailoring influence campaigns and building trust within target communities.
Deep dives
The Value of SOF in Influence Activities
Special Operations Forces (SOF) play a crucial role in influence operations, which are essential for changing the behavior of target audiences in various contexts. SOF's unique capabilities allow them to integrate different functions such as psychological operations, cyber activities, and media messaging to achieve desired effects. Unlike conventional forces, SOF can think unconventionally, making them adept at tackling problems with innovative solutions that enhance their influence. This integration of diverse capabilities enables SOF to generate significant impacts at both operational and strategic levels, reinforcing their importance in modern warfare and hybrid conflict scenarios.
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