Transnational Threats Project
The Transnational Threats (TNT) Project focuses on the threat and evolution of terrorist networks and the irregular activities of countries like Russia, Iran, and China
Led by Dr. Seth G. Jones, director and Harold Brown Chair, TNT examines the activities of organizations like the Islamic State, al Qaeda, Lebanese Hezbollah, Shia militias, and far-right and far-left extremist networks—including counterterrorism efforts. TNT also analyzes Russian, Iranian, and Chinese irregular warfare activities, such as covert action, economic warfare, support to non-state partners, cyber operations, disinformation, political warfare, and espionage.
TNT conducts extensive fieldwork overseas, compiles and analyzes data sets, and utilizes satellite imagery and other types of qualitative and quantitative analysis. TNT also draws from an extensive network of policy experts from the U.S. and partner governments, Congress, academia, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector. In partnership with CSIS’s Andreas C. Dracopoulos iDeas Lab, TNT translates its research into high-quality videos, podcasts, reports, visualizations, and other products designed to engage audiences and inform policy discussions through objective analysis. TNT’s work is highly valued by government officials, corporate executives, and other influential leaders seeking to understand, prevent, and counter transnational threats.
Contact Information
- Riley McCabe
- Program Coordinator and Research Assistant, Transnational Threats Project
- rmccabe@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Latest Analysis

Photo: YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images
How Does the Conflict in Sudan Affect Russia and the Wagner Group?
Amid the violent power struggle in Sudan, Russia’s Wagner Group will likely act in defense of its own interests in the country—gold mining, smuggling networks, and the potential to establish a Russian naval base on the Red Sea.
Commentary by Catrina Doxsee — April 20, 2023

Ukrainian Innovation in a War of Attrition
Brief by Seth G. Jones , Riley McCabe , and Alexander Palmer — February 27, 2023

The U.S. Defense Industrial Base Is Not Prepared for a Possible Conflict with China
Digital Report by Seth G. Jones — February 22, 2023

Empty Bins in a Wartime Environment: The Challenge to the U.S. Defense Industrial Base
Report by Seth G. Jones — January 23, 2023

The End of the Beginning in Ukraine
Commentary by Seth G. Jones and Philip G. Wasielewski — November 17, 2022
All content by Transnational Threats Project
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Tracking the Arrival of Russia’s Wagner Group in Mali
Commentary by Jared Thompson , Catrina Doxsee , and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — February 2, 2022
Russia's Gamble in Ukraine
Brief by Seth G. Jones , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Philip G. Wasielewski — January 27, 2022
Russia’s Possible Invasion of Ukraine
Brief by Seth G. Jones and Philip G. Wasielewski — January 13, 2022
A Stealth Industry: The Quiet Expansion of Chinese Private Security Companies
Brief by Max Markusen — January 12, 2022
The Iranian and Houthi War against Saudi Arabia
Brief by Seth G. Jones , Jared Thompson , Danielle Ngo , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Brian McSorley — December 21, 2021
Moscow’s Continuing Ukrainian Buildup
Commentary by Seth G. Jones , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Michelle Macander — November 17, 2021
Europe's High-End Military Challenges: The Future of European Capabilities and Missions
Report by Seth G. Jones , Colin Wall , and Rachel Ellehuus — November 10, 2021
Examining Extremism: Lashkar-e-Taiba
Blog Post — October 28, 2021
Examining Extremism: Harakat al Shabaab al Mujahideen (al Shabaab)
Blog Post by Jake Harrington and Jared Thompson — September 23, 2021
Restoring Momentum to U.S. Foreign Policy in the Wake of Afghanistan
Report by Norman T. Roule — September 13, 2021