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: iLab/CSIS

Interactive Map: Russian and Ukrainian Force Disposition

Explore CSIS’s interactive map of the war in Ukraine. See how the force disposition and front lines in Ukraine have changed over time.

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Latest Analysis

Photo: YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images

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

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Moscow’s War in Syria

The Transnational Threats Project assesses Russia's military and diplomatic campaign in Syria, the largest and most significant Russian out-of-area operation since the end of the Cold War.

Report by Seth G. Jones , Danika Newlee , Edmund Xavier Loughran , Jason Gresh , Brian Katz , and Nicholas Harrington — May 12, 2020

The Right-wing Terrorism Threat in Europe

There has been growing alarm in Europe about a rise in right-wing terrorism, highlighted by recent attacks in Germany. CSIS's Transnational Threats Project assesses the threat that right-wing terrorists pose to Europe, in comparison to other types of terrorism.

Report by Seth G. Jones , Catrina Doxsee , and Nicholas Harrington — March 24, 2020

Signposts of Struggle: Iran’s Enduring Protest Movement

Though the death of Qasem Soleimani inspired Iranian nationalism in the short term, protests against the regime continue and will likely pose a long-term challenge to Iran’s domestic stability—especially if they become more centralized or inspire security force defections.

Brief by Seth G. Jones , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Danika Newlee — January 24, 2020

A Conversation with Ambassador Ali Siddiqui

Please join us on November 20th for an armchair discussion with Ambassador Siddiqui to discuss the potential of an expanded U.S.-Pakistan relationship.

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Seth G. Jones , and Ali Siddiqui — November 20, 2019

Iran’s Protests and the Threat to Domestic Stability

As protests spread throughout Middle Eastern countries like Iraq and Lebanon, Iran also faces widespread protests from individuals upset about deteriorating economic conditions, poor governance, corruption, and environmental issues.

Brief by Seth G. Jones and Danika Newlee — November 8, 2019

The Truth of the Matter

The Islamic State's Next Wave

Seth Jones discusses the U.S. raid on Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Podcast Episode by Bob Schieffer , H. Andrew Schwartz , and Seth G. Jones — November 5, 2019

CSIS the truth of the matter

Beyond Baghdadi: The Next Wave of Jihadist Violence

CSIS’s Seth Jones explains the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi—and the appointment of his replacement, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi—is unlikely to have a long-term impact on an increasingly decentralized jihadist movement.

Brief by Seth G. Jones — November 4, 2019

The Truth of the Matter

The Attack on Saudi Arabia

Hosts Bob Schieffer & Andrew Schwartz interview CSIS Harold Brown Chair & director of the Transnational Threats Project Seth Jones about the recent attack on Saudi Arabia's oil production facilities.

Podcast Episode by Bob Schieffer , H. Andrew Schwartz , and Seth G. Jones — September 17, 2019

CSIS the truth of the matter