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 content by Harold Brown Chair

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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 by Eliot A. Cohen , Emily Harding , Seth G. Jones , and Michael Vickers — June 16, 2022

Photo: RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP/Getty Images

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

Photo: FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images

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

Photo: Nathan Howard/Stringer/Getty Images

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 by Eliot A. Cohen , Emily Harding , Seth G. Jones , and Michael Vickers — March 1, 2022

Photo: OLEKSANDR GIMANOV/AFP/Getty Images

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

Photo: ANWAR AMRO/AFP/Getty Images

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

Photo: iLab/CSIS

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

Book Launch: Three Dangerous Men with Seth Jones

Please join CSIS for the book launch of Three Dangerous Men: Russia, China, Iran, and the Rise of Irregular Warfare, by Dr. Seth G. Jones.

Event by Seth G. Jones , Emily Harding , and David E. Sanger — September 17, 2021

Photo: SERGEI KARPUKHIN/AFP/Getty Images
The Truth of the Matter

Meet the New Taliban, Same as the Old Taliban

Dr. Seth Jones joins the podcast to discuss the Taliban's appointment of Sirajuddin Haqqani —the Taliban’s deputy leader and close ally of al Qaeda—to be its first minister of interior.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Seth G. Jones — September 8, 2021

CSIS the truth of the matter