Harold Brown Chair

Examining the strategic challenges to U.S. national security posed by 21st century threats

Dr. Seth G. Jones holds the Harold Brown Chair, named after former Secretary of Defense and CSIS Counselor and Trustee Dr. Harold Brown. Dr. Jones also serves as director of the Transnational Threats Project (TNT), and a senior adviser in the International Security Program at CSIS. He specializes in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, unconventional warfare, and covert action. Dr. Jones was previously the director of the International Security and Defense Policy Center at the RAND Corporation, and has served as representative for the commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, to the assistant secretary of defense for special operations. Read Dr. Seth G. Jones’ full biography.

General James E. Cartwright served as the inaugural holder of the Harold Brown Chair from to 2011 to 2017.

All Harold Brown Chair Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 53 results

Lessons in U.S. Intelligence and Special Operations

Hon. Michael Vickers will sit down with Dr. Seth Jones, Dr. Eliot Cohen, and Emily Harding, to discuss his upcoming book, By All Means Available: Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy, which is in out in June 2023.

Event — June 16, 2023

The Truth of the Matter

Bloodiest Part of Ukraine War

CSIS’ Seth Jones joins the podcast to discuss the launch of Ukraine’s southern and eastern offensive, the potential Ukrainian lives to be lost in the bloody battles to come, Russia’s increasing battlefield deaths and what Russia will do to fortify their forces against Ukrainian troops.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Seth G. Jones — June 9, 2023

CSIS the truth of the matter

Assessing Russia’s War in Ukraine

CSIS hosted a discussion on Russia’s military efforts, Ukraine’s military resistance, and opportunities for the United States and its allies and partners to assist Ukraine.

Event — June 16, 2022

Russia’s Ill-Fated Invasion of Ukraine: Lessons in Modern Warfare

Russia failed to achieve its main political and military objectives in Ukraine because of poor military planning, significant logistical problems, low combat readiness, and other deficiencies. These challenges will be difficult for the Russian military to fix quickly.

Brief by Seth G. Jones — June 1, 2022

Pushed to Extremes: Domestic Terrorism amid Polarization and Protest

The number of domestic terrorist attacks and plots at demonstrations has increased, resulting in escalating violence in U.S. cities between extremists from opposing sides. This analysis updates a CSIS data set to assess trends in domestic terrorism through December 2021.

Brief by Catrina Doxsee Seth G. Jones Jared Thompson Kateryna Halstead and Grace Hwang — May 17, 2022

Assessing the Russian Military Campaign in Ukraine

Please join the CSIS International Security Program for an update on Russian military operations in Ukraine and a discussion on the challenges and opportunities for the United States and its partners as they seek to assist Ukraine and deter Russian advances.

Event — March 1, 2022

The Iranian and Houthi War against Saudi Arabia

Aided by Iran, the Houthi movement in Yemen is waging an intensifying campaign against civilian infrastructure targets in Saudi Arabia using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and explosive-laden drones, according to a new brief by the Transnational Threats Project.

Brief by Seth G. Jones Jared Thompson Danielle Ngo Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Brian McSorley — December 21, 2021

Moscow’s Continuing Ukrainian Buildup

Russia is continuing to surge military equipment and personnel near its border with Ukraine, and recent satellite imagery reveals increased activity from Russia's 144th Guards Motorized Rifle Division and the 41st Combined Arms Army.

Commentary by Seth G. Jones Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Michelle Macander — November 17, 2021

Violent Domestic Extremist Groups and the Recruitment of Veterans

Seth G. Jones, senior vice president, Harold Brown Chair, and director of the International Security Program, testified before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on " Violent Domestic Extremist Groups and the Recruitment of Veterans.”

Congressional Testimony by Seth G. Jones — October 13, 2021