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: Paula Bronstein /Getty Images

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

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Book Launch: Rules for Rebels

The CSIS Transnational Threats Project has cordially invited you to a book launch event for Dr. Max Abrahm's newly released Rules for Rebels: The Science of Victory in Militant History (Oxford University Press). 

Event by Seth G. Jones and Max Abrahms — December 5, 2018

Book Launch: Rules for Rebels

The Islamic State and the Persistent Threat of Extremism in Iraq

Taking advantage of ongoing instability and the presence of sectarian militias in Iraq, Islamic State militants are regrouping into an insurgent movement and refocusing their tactics and attacks against the Iraqi government.

Brief by Maxwell B. Markusen — November 30, 2018

Photo: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images

The Evolution of the Salafi-Jihadist Threat

Despite the Islamic State’s loss of territory, our report estimates that as of 2018, there were still between 20,000-30,000 Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria.

Report by Seth G. Jones , Charles Vallee , Clayton Sharb , Hannah Byrne , Danika Newlee , and Nicholas Harrington — November 20, 2018

Photo: Noorullah Shirzada/AFP/Getty Images

The Rise of Far-Right Extremism in the United States

The terrorist attack in New Zealand is part of a global pattern of far-right extremism. Read this November 2018 report on the rise of far-right extremism in the United States and Europe.

Brief by Seth G. Jones — November 7, 2018

Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

Prevent to Protect: From Counter-Radicalization to Disengagement

Watch Muriel Domenach, Secretary General of the French government's Inter-ministerial Committee for the Prevention of Delinquency and Radicalization (CIPDR), as she has discussed France's ongoing efforts to counter radicalization and violent extremism.

Event by Seth G. Jones and Muriel Domenach — October 26, 2018

Prevent to Protect: From Counter-Radicalization to Disengagement

The U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan: The Perils of Withdrawal

The Trump administration should work with the Afghan government and regional powers to reach a political settlement with the Taliban. But it is unclear whether the United States will succeed, as CSIS Transnational Threats Project director Seth Jones writes in his commentary.

Commentary by Seth G. Jones — October 26, 2018

Photo: Public Domain

Rebuilding Strategic Thinking

A new CSIS report “Defusing the South China Sea Disputes: A Regional Blueprint” presents a workable model agreement to manage the South China Sea disputes, reached by consensus among dozens of top experts from Asia, the United States, and beyond.

Report by Robert Hutchings and Gregory F. Treverton — October 18, 2018

Photo: sdecoret/Adobe Stock

Book Launch: The Great Delusion

The CSIS Transnational Threats Project has cordially invited you to a book launch event for John J. Mearsheimer’s newly released The Great Delusion: Liberal Dreams and International Realities.

Event by Seth G. Jones , John J. Mearsheimer , and Charles Glaser — October 17, 2018

Going on the Offensive: A U.S. Strategy to Combat Russian Information Warfare

Moscow continues to wage an offensive information campaign designed, in the words of the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, to “weaken and divide the United States.” But Washington has been reactive, slow to respond, and focused on defensive measures.

Brief by Seth G. Jones and Adapted from A COVERT ACTION: Reagan, the CIA, and the Cold War Struggle in Poland by Seth G. Jones. — October 1, 2018

Photo: ALEXEI DRUZHININ/AFP/Getty Images

Idlib Province and the Future of Instability in Syria

This brief highlights three major factors that will shape the future of instability in Syria post-Idlib. By focusing on these trends post-Idlib, the United States and the international community must develop a new approach to Syria moving forward.

Brief by Maxwell B. Markusen — September 21, 2018

Photo: AAREF WATAD/AFP/Getty Images