We're recording this from Tampa ahead of Special Operations Forces Week, and it felt like the perfect moment to dig into a world that operates mostly in the shadows but plays a huge role in how modern conflict and defence actually works.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we sat down with Leo Blanken, associate professor at the US Naval Postgraduate School and former New Zealand soldier now chief commercial officer for Kraken Technology Erica Dill Russell to unpack how special operations forces have evolved into a global ecosystem.

We explore how these elite units have grown from small, highly specialised teams into something far more influential. Not just on the battlefield, but across alliances, procurement, and innovation. What emerges is a picture of a tightly connected global network that is quietly driving change at speed.

What You’ll Discover

- The Rise of a Global SOF Network: Special operations forces have evolved into an interconnected international ecosystem built on shared culture, trust, and collaboration.

- Technology at the Core of Modern Warfare: From drones to cyber and space capabilities, SOF are now deeply embedded in the development and deployment of cutting-edge tech.

- Speed vs Scale in Military Innovation: The rapid, agile approach of special forces is now influencing how conventional militaries and industry develop and deploy new capabilities.

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.