The Ethics of Special Ops: Raids, Recoveries, Reconnaissance, and Rebels

by Deane-Peter Baker, Roger Herbert, David Whetham

Overview

The field of military ethics has generally been attentive to emerging trends in modern warfare. Cyber, robotics and AI, for example, have inspired an abundant and flourishing literature. One trend, however, has been largely overlooked: the emergence of special operations as a prominent instrument of statecraft. Drawing extensively on historical cases and first-hand experience, the authors of this book call attention to qualities inherent in special operations – and special operators – that challenge the moral framework which has long informed conventional military operations. Moral theorists will find this analysis provocative, while practitioners – those who conduct or oversee special operations and have an interest in the moral wellbeing of special operators – can put the authors' insights to practical use. Those who simply view with fascination the opaque world of special operations will find this book illuminating.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781009665094
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/12/2025
Pages:	245
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Deane-Peter Baker is an Associate Professor in the School of Humanities and Social Science at UNSW Canberra, and a Senior Visiting Research Fellow in the Kings College London Centre for Military Ethics. He is a regular consultant on ethics to Australia's Special Operations Command.

Following a 26-year career as a US Naval Special Warfare Officer, Roger Herbert joined the faculty of the US Naval Academy, where he served until 2021 as the Robert T. Herres Distinguished Military Professor of Ethics. He is a Research Fellow with the Arizona State University Future Security Initiative.

David Whetham is Professor of Ethics and the Military Profession at King's College London, based at the Defence Academy of the UK, and Visiting Professorial Fellow at UNSW Canberra. In 2020, he was appointed Assistant Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force, contributing to the Afghanistan Inquiry into allegations of war crimes committed by SOF personnel.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Raids; 3. Recoveries; 4. Reconnaissance; 5. Rebels; 6. Not quite war: special operations and the Jus ad bellum convention; 7. Ethical armouring for special operations forces; Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘This is a must-read book for anyone with an interest in the interplay of ethics, politics and military action in that diplomatic space before war breaks out. The conclusions are nuanced, well-argued and will provide many talking points for those who want to deal seriously with the moral dilemmas faced by governments and the Special Operators they send out into the murky darkness.' Peter Lee, University of Portsmouth

‘The Ethics of Special Ops is ‘essential reading’. It should be read and enjoyed by all serious SOF operators and leaders, every politician involved in their use and serious scholars of modern warfare. Students of military history or international relations would greatly benefit too.’ Frank Ledwidg, RUSI Journal

‘The Ethics of Special Operations is written in an academic style but is largely devoid of academic jargon. Underpinned by the authors’ academic and operational credibility, the book helps connect moral theory and ethical practice in a way that is both practical and useful.’ John Buford, Marine Corps Gazette

‘Recommended.’ D. McIntosh, CHOICE

‘It is difficult to imagine this book coming from anyone other than these three authors. Between them is a broad base of research, decades of scholarship, and real-world tactical experience. The combination of their talents is a subtle philosophical reflection on a specific way of war that never loses its footing in the real world. Even though the book’s conclusions reinforce traditional just war concepts, its value lay in the nuance of its approach to developing arguments in jus ad vim; its emphasis on the people performing these tasks; its judicious use of historical examples and doctrine; and, perhaps most of all, its bridging of military and philosophical perspectives on forever war.’ Anthony Lupo, Interagency Journal

‘As the authors point out, ethical armoring of special operations forces is essential. Intense, recurring special-ops-worthy training in combat ethics will create ethical habits and instincts to guide individual and group reactions in times of dynamic uncertainty. The authors deliberately stop short of offering a moral theory of special operations but leave to readers that unfinished and urgent work. For moving modern special ops toward a more holistic and resilient warrior ethos - body, mind, and soul - this book is a damn good place to start.’ Captain R. V. Gusentine, Proceedings

From the Publisher