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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Online Event: The Russian Campaign in Syria: Assessing Russian Strategy, Goals, and Operations
Event by Seth G. Jones , Jason Gresh , Shannon Culbertson , and Brian Katz — May 13, 2020
Moscow’s War in Syria
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
Report by Seth G. Jones , Catrina Doxsee , and Nicholas Harrington — March 24, 2020
Signposts of Struggle: Iran’s Enduring Protest Movement
Brief by Seth G. Jones , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Danika Newlee — January 24, 2020
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
