We know that S_N2 reactions always go with inversion at the saturated centre (they're stereospecific) and E2 reactions are always anti (also stereospecific).

I recently observed in a paper an example of what was called an S_E2 reaction, but can't understand how the stereochemistry could be predicted in this case? Is it also stereospecific, or is there some other factor involved??

We know that $\mathrm{S_N2}$ reactions always go with inversion at the saturated centre (they're stereospecific) and $\mathrm{E2}$ reactions are always anti (also stereospecific).

I recently observed in a paper an example of what was called an $\mathrm{S_E2}$ reaction, but can't understand how the stereochemistry could be predicted in this case? Is it also stereospecific, or is there some other factor involved?