Small States’ Special Operations Forces in Preemptive Strategic Development Operations: Proposed Doctrine for Estonian Special Operations Forces

Abstract

This study looks at the practical implementation of the theory of preemptive strategic development operations. The key actors in these operations could be small states with their unique capabilities and their modified special operations forces (SOF) units. The small states’ SOF could be the physical doer and could literally apply the correct and needed soft push in the most difficult environments and circumstances. However, the preparations, methods, and approaches will likely differ greatly from the majority of tasks such entities currently conduct. Although the study focuses on small states’ SOF, and on Estonia’s particularly, the specific focus does not matter on a conceptual level. The approach, if proved feasible, could be a basis for any state’s thoughts on the development of more effective strategic approaches that could be undertaken in prevention of armed conflicts.