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.

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Photo: Paula Bronstein /Getty Images

Photo: Paula Bronstein /Getty Images

The End of the Beginning in Ukraine

Despite Ukraine’s retaking of Kherson, there are growing calls for Ukraine to end the war through peace talks with Russia. But the conditions are not yet ripe for peace. The United States should continue to aid Ukraine by providing more arms and economic support.

Commentary by Seth G. Jones and Philip G. Wasielewski — November 17, 2022

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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

Examining Extremism: Lashkar-e-Taiba

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Kashmir-focused militant insurgent group that has carried out multiple high-profile attacks in India.

Blog Post — October 28, 2021

Photo: SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/Getty Images

Examining Extremism: Harakat al Shabaab al Mujahideen (al Shabaab)

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of al Shabaab—an Islamist insurgent group that has waged a protracted insurgency in Somalia and launched attacks on regional states in East Africa.

Blog Post by Jake Harrington and Jared Thompson — September 23, 2021

Photo: Mohamed Abdiwahab/AFP via Getty Images

Restoring Momentum to U.S. Foreign Policy in the Wake of Afghanistan

CSIS senior adviser Norman T. Roule analyzes the broader implications of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and offers recommendations for protecting U.S. credibility and security while rebuilding bipartisanship in U.S. foreign policymaking.

Report by Norman T. Roule — September 13, 2021

Photo: OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP/Getty Images

Examining Extremism: Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP)

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of Islamic State Khorasan Province — a regional affiliate of the Islamic State operating in Central and South Asia.

Blog Post by Catrina Doxsee and Jared Thompson — September 8, 2021

Photo: NOORULLAH SHIRZADA/AFP via Getty Images

Examining Extremism: Violent Animal Rights Extremists

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of U.S. animal rights extremists—violent, far-left extremists who aim to end the real or perceived abuse and exploitation of animals through sabotage and violence.

Blog Post — August 20, 2021

Photo: MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images

Examining Extremism: The Militia Movement

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of the U.S. militia movement—anti-government extremists that engage in paramilitary activities and are motivated by conspiracy theories and opposition to gun control.

Blog Post by Catrina Doxsee — August 12, 2021

Photo: ROB KERR/AFP via Getty Images

Examining Extremism: U.S. Militant Anarchists

The Transnational Threats Project’s Examining Extremism series provides an overview and assessment of U.S. militant anarchists—violent, far-left extremists who oppose the existence of government and promote violence to induce societal change.

Blog Post — August 5, 2021

Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images