Curated news, analysis, and commentary on special operations, intelligence, irregular warfare, national defense, and global conflicts.

Photo / Image: A U.S. Green Beret assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) adjusts his android tactical assault kit prior to conducting a high-altitude, low-opening freefall insertion during Exercise Radiant Shield on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 23, 2026. (Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jillian Hix)

Executive Summary

This weekly briefing summarizes the most significant events affecting special operations forces, irregular warfare, intelligence, and national security during the past week. DoD has launched ‘Agent Networks’ for AI-enabled battle management and targeting. The CIA is embracing AI and other emerging technologies as the fields of espionage and warfare undergo rapid transformation. A SOF planners guide to protecting maritime infrastructure encompasses three elements. The Iran-U.S. negotiations remain inconclusive. Missile and drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. Taken together, these developments highlight the growing importance of technology, coalition interoperability, and strategic competition in shaping the future operating environment for special operations forces.

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Key Outlooks

• Denmark Now Commands NATO’s SOCC-NW
• The world is less peaceful for 12th year running
• Ukraine is continuing its long-range strike campaign against Russian energy infrastructure
• Russia is continuing its strikes against Ukrainian cities
• Iran continues to see the Strait of Hormuz as the best leverage it has in negotiations with the U.S.
• Modeling future SOF coalition in the global network of partnerships