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
Filter by
Book Launch: Rules for Rebels
Event by Seth G. Jones and Max Abrahms — December 5, 2018

The Islamic State and the Persistent Threat of Extremism in Iraq
Brief by Maxwell B. Markusen — November 30, 2018

The Evolution of the Salafi-Jihadist Threat
Report by Seth G. Jones , Charles Vallee , Clayton Sharb , Hannah Byrne , Danika Newlee , and Nicholas Harrington — November 20, 2018

The Rise of Far-Right Extremism in the United States
Brief by Seth G. Jones — November 7, 2018

Prevent to Protect: From Counter-Radicalization to Disengagement
Event by Seth G. Jones and Muriel Domenach — October 26, 2018

The U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan: The Perils of Withdrawal
Commentary by Seth G. Jones — October 26, 2018

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

Book Launch: The Great Delusion
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
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

Idlib Province and the Future of Instability in Syria
Brief by Maxwell B. Markusen — September 21, 2018
