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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The United States’ Soft War with Iran
Brief by Seth G. Jones and Danika Newlee — June 11, 2019

Case Studies in Iranian Expansion Across the Middle East: Imam Ali Training Facility, Iran
Commentary by Seth G. Jones , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Nicholas Harrington — May 15, 2019

Case Studies in Iranian Expansion Across the Middle East: El Boqaa Training Facility, Lebanon
Commentary by Seth G. Jones , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Nicholas Harrington — May 15, 2019

The Fight Against ISIS: A Conversation with Rukmini Callimachi
Event by Seth G. Jones and Rukmini Callimachi — April 5, 2019

Russian Meddling in the United States: The Historical Context of the Mueller Report
Brief by Seth G. Jones — March 27, 2019

Long Game or Long Gone?
Event by Seth G. Jones — March 26, 2019

The New Zealand Attack and the Global Challenge of Far-Right Extremism
Commentary by Seth G. Jones — March 15, 2019

War by Proxy: Iran’s Growing Footprint in the Middle East
Brief by Seth G. Jones — March 11, 2019

From the IRA to the Islamic State: The Evolving Terrorism Threat in Europe
Report by Seth G. Jones , Maxwell B. Markusen , and Boris Toucas — December 19, 2018

Book Launch: Small Wars, Big Data
Event by Seth G. Jones and Jacob N. Shapiro — December 13, 2018
