Special Operation and the destiny of nations – by Derek Leebaert
Special operations have repeatedly bent the arc of history. At decisive moments, small groups of “picked men” seized impossibly high-leverage opportunities, transforming desperate struggle into breakthrough, and breakthrough into conquest.
Although not explicitly outlined in the book, I noticed a familiar pattern:
Struggle > Breakthrough > Conquer
Struggle – A situation of deadlock, disadvantage, or overwhelming odds. The context and demand for a high risk approach.
Breakthrough – Achieved by elite, self-selected individuals willing to attempt the near-impossible. These were “all-or-nothing” operations: the leaders burned their own boats; failure meant death. This is the ‘dare’.
Conquer – Success created not just tactical gains but a mythic momentum. Victory at one impossible threshold inspired others, multiplying into domination.
The breakthrough – the special operation – was done by a small group of men, ‘the picked men’
Self-commanding: disciplined, proportionate, respectful even when destructive.
Self-selected: only those who dared stepped forward.
Elite: success required qualities beyond ordinary soldiers.
The principles of special operations
Act undismayed in the face of extreme odds.
Strike hard, move fast, think daringly.
Reason deeply, conclude logically and rapidly.
Fuse guile with fortitude and imagination.
Improvise continuously—relying on novelty to create absurd leverage.
The breakthrough – and leverage – enabled a momentum and confidence and spirit to continue. The clearest example was the Spanish. From complete subjugation to complete domination.
Mottos that emerged from the special operations
- Who Dares Wins
- Plus Ultra (Further Beyond)
- Manifest Destiny
In essence, To Dare and To Conquer argues that history is not only shaped by grand armies, politics and strategies, but also by small bands of daring individuals who, through audacity and self-command, and under immense high risk, created breakthroughs.