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: 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

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
All content by Transnational Threats Project
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Containing Tehran: Understanding Iran’s Power and Exploiting Its Vulnerabilities
Report by Seth G. Jones — January 6, 2020

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

Iran’s Protests and the Threat to Domestic Stability
Brief by Seth G. Jones and Danika Newlee — November 8, 2019

The Islamic State's Next Wave
Podcast Episode by Bob Schieffer , H. Andrew Schwartz , and Seth G. Jones — November 5, 2019

Beyond Baghdadi: The Next Wave of Jihadist Violence
Brief by Seth G. Jones — November 4, 2019

The Attack on Saudi Arabia
Podcast Episode by Bob Schieffer , H. Andrew Schwartz , and Seth G. Jones — September 17, 2019

Iran’s Threat to Saudi Critical Infrastructure: The Implications of U.S.-Iranian Escalation
Brief by Seth G. Jones , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Danika Newlee , and Nicholas Harrington — August 5, 2019

The Future of U.S. Counterterrorism Strategy: A Conversation with Representatives Abigail Spanberger & Michael Waltz
Event by Seth G. Jones , Abigail Spanberger , and Michael Waltz — July 18, 2019

Book Launch: Truth to Power
Event by Seth G. Jones , Amb. Robert Hutchings , and Gregory F. Treverton — July 16, 2019

Dangerous Liaisons: Russian Cooperation with Iran in Syria
Brief by Seth G. Jones , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Nicholas Harrington — July 16, 2019
