The U.S. Strategic Paradox, Third-Party Proxies, and Special Operations Forces

Abstract

The author argues that the United States faces a strategic paradox where values conflict with the ability to develop and implement coherent strategies in the complex and dynamic world of today and the future. Special Operations Forces’ ability to be effective in the contexts of foreign environments may mean future reliance on proxy forces that offer plausible deniability for U.S policy makers. However, such opportunities come with a potential of heightened strategic risk that must be carefully managed and judged. The author provides examples of historical cases of effective use of third-party proxies, which may become a template for partner nations and Special Operations Forces to effectively meet future challenges while coping with the strategic paradox that currently limits capabilities.