Episode description: In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, host Peter Apps digs into a world that operates mostly in the shadows but plays a huge role in how modern conflict and defence actually works. 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 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.
About the podcast: Facing Coming Storms is the new international defence podcast from the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research and the Project for the Study of the 21st Century. From confrontation to conflict, join us each Monday for insightful discussions, conversations and expert analysis. Facing Coming Storms is produced by Urban Podcasts.
