Sea Control Sea Control 589: Non-state Special Operations with Craig Whiteside
10 snips
Nov 7, 2025 
Dr. Craig Whiteside, a Professor of National Security Affairs and expert on militant groups, discusses fascinating insights into non-state special operations. He defines these operations and presents a three-part test for their significance. Whiteside draws parallels to historical events like the Doolittle Raid and the Tet Offensive, emphasizing their strategic impact. He analyzes the Houthi attacks and compares motives between criminal and terror groups, stressing the rarity yet outsized effects of such operations. His research promises to reshape our understanding of non-state actors in warfare.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
What Makes An Operation 'Special'
- Special operations are high-risk, specialized actions distinct from routine violence and meant to create outsized strategic effects.
- Whiteside defines non-state special operations by being different, requiring special resources/training, and producing effects larger than the action itself.
Doolittle Raid As Special-Operations Template
- Whiteside cites the Doolittle Raid as inspiration for special operations logic and ad-hoc task forces.
- He notes the raid's tactical effect was small but its strategic propaganda effect was huge.
Special Ops As Campaign Inflection Points
- Non-state actors rarely execute special operations because they are resource-intensive and high-risk, but when used they serve as campaign inflection points.
- Whiteside argues these rare actions are sequenced deliberately within broader campaigning logic.
