The employment of special operations forces for 'hyper conventional' operations and unconventional warfare has grown exponentially in recent years, and shows no sign of declining. This course explores the policy and practice of contemporary special operations and their impact on international relations, and also explores the challenges facing special operations forces in the emerging conflict environment. Particular issues addressed include, among others: the substitution of special operations forces for conventional forces; special operations in the 'grey zone' between war and peace; the operational challenges raised for special operations by demographic trends, such as hyper-urbanization; special operations conducted in partnership with militia and non-state actors; special operations and new technologies; 'black' (covert) versus 'white' (overt) special operations; and political accountability in the employment of special operations.