TURNING OFF THE TAPS: SOF SUPPORT TO ECONOMIC WARFARE

Abstract

In this era of strategic competition, states are actively employing economic tools, realized through the execution of “economic warfare” aimed to weaken an adversary’s economy and, by extension, their political and military power. However, these economic tools have inherent limitations, are difficult to enforce, and are vulnerable to exploitation. The military instrument—specifically special operations forces (SOF)—can play a vital supporting role, enhancing the effectiveness of economic warfare. This thesis seeks to understand how SOF has historically contributed to economic warfare, under what conditions they were most effective, and what lessons can be applied to guide future operations. A qualitative, case-based methodology is employed, examining five examples: three from World War II and two from the ongoing Russo–Ukrainian war. The study finds that SOF is most effective when integrated within a broader economic warfare campaign, alongside diplomatic, informational, and conventional military efforts. Key enablers include centralized coordination, detailed economic intelligence, well-timed strikes during moments of peak pressure, and targeting truly strategic resources. Additionally, SOF provides several risk mitigations to improve strategic effectiveness in ways that conventional forces or other national instruments cannot. These findings highlight the need to institutionalize SOF’s role in economic warfare and improve interagency integration.