Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Program

The CSIS Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Program shapes the policies needed to enhance U.S. and global security in the 21st Century

The United States continues to face the evolving threat of international and domestic terrorism, as well as an emerging set of challenges in securing borders, developing national and community resilience against natural disasters, and ensuring the continued security of critical infrastructure. The Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Program analyzes how the United States and other countries work toward these goals, especially in an age of limited budgets and difficult decisions. It considers the measures that nations can take—such as creating a national infrastructure that is resistant to physical damage, enhancing resilience, or increasing cross-agency cooperation—to enhance their domestic security.

Past initiatives include studies on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience; the evolving dynamics of South Asian militancy; international homeland security cooperation; “homegrown” extremism in the United States; the future of al Qaeda and its affiliates; and information sharing in law enforcement and counterterrorism.

The project aims to serve as a leading voice in the national and global conversation on homeland security and counterterrorism issues.

All Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Program Content

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Bandwidth Is the New Water

COVID-19 is exposing the extent to which online connectivity has become a societal necessity. But as more and more individuals across the country are forced to stay home, can networks withstand a constant and simultaneous coronavirus-induced strain on the internet?

Commentary by Devi Nair — March 31, 2020

Countering Adversary Threats to Democratic Institutions

This report, informed by a CSIS-convened Experts Group, calls for a whole-of-nation approach to address the threat to, and improve the resilience of, the country's democratic institutions.

Report by Suzanne Spaulding and Eric Goldstein — February 14, 2018

Winning the War of Ideas

There is a broad consensus that the United States and the West are losing the messaging war against the Islamic State, al-Qaeda, and like-minded terrorists.

Report by Juan C. Zarate and Farah Pandith — November 16, 2015

Sanctions and the JCPOA

Juan C. Zarate, Senior Adviser, Transnational Threats Project and Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Program, testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Congressional Testimony by Juan C. Zarate — July 30, 2015

U.S. Commando Raid in Syria

On Saturday US forces conducted a raid in Syria aimed at capturing a leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) known as Abu Sayyaf. Coming under fire during the mission, the commandos killed Abu Sayyaf and about dozen other fighters while also capturing Abu Sayyaf’s wife and seizing intelligence on how the organization operates.

Critical Questions by Rick "Ozzie" Nelson — May 18, 2015