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 Manager and Research Associate, Transnational Threats Project
- rmccabe@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Paige Montfort
- Assistant Director of Communications, External Relations
- 202.775.3173
- pmontfort@csis.org
Latest Analysis

Hamas’ October 7 Attack: The Tactics, Targets, and Strategy of Terrorists
Former director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center, Michael Leiter, joined CSIS experts Dan Byman and Emily Harding as they discuss the tactics, scale, and global ramifications of the Hamas October 7 attack.
Transcript — November 7, 2023

Experts React: Assessing the Israeli Intelligence and Potential Policy Failure
Commentary by Jessica Davis Tricia Bacon Emily Harding and Daniel Byman — October 25, 2023

Seizing the Initiative in Ukraine: Waging War in a Defense Dominant World
Brief by Seth G. Jones Riley McCabe and Alexander Palmer — October 12, 2023

What’s Next for Hamas and Israel?
Critical Questions by Alexander Palmer and Daniel Byman — October 10, 2023

In the Shadow of Ukraine
Report by Seth G. Jones — September 29, 2023
All Transnational Threats Project Content
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The U.S. Defense Industrial Base in an Era of Strategic Competition
Event — March 24, 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
One Year Later: Assessing Russia’s War In Ukraine
Event — February 17, 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
Will the Ukraine War Reshape the Internet?
Commentary by Gregory F. Treverton and Pari Esfandiari — October 20, 2022
Mapping Ukraine’s Military Advances
Commentary by Seth G. Jones Jared Thompson and Riley McCabe — September 22, 2022
Putin’s Proxies: Examining Russia’s Use of Private Military Companies
Congressional Testimony by Catrina Doxsee — September 15, 2022
Zawahiri’s Death and What’s Next for al Qaeda
Critical Questions by Jake Harrington and Jared Thompson — August 4, 2022