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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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
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