Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program

The Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program (WITT) focuses on the activities and capabilities of countries like China, Russia, and Iran as well as the threat and evolution of paramilitary groups and terrorist networks

Led by Dr. Seth G. Jones, director and Harold Brown Chair, the Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program (formerly known as the Transnational Threats Project) conducts research and analysis on irregular and hybrid warfare, terrorism, and military operations. The program examines Chinese, Russian, and Iranian irregular and hybrid warfare activities, such as covert action, economic warfare, support to non-state partners, cyber operations, disinformation, political warfare, and espionage. It also assesses terrorist and paramilitary activities by such organizations as Lebanese Hezbollah, Shia militias, the Houthi movement (or Ansar Allah), the Islamic State, al Qaeda, and far-right and far-left extremist networks. Finally, the program researches the military capabilities of China, Russia, and other U.S. adversaries and examines how the United States and its allies can best respond.

The Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program conducts fieldwork overseas, builds and analyzes data sets, and utilizes satellite imagery and other types of qualitative and quantitative analysis. It 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, the program translates its research into high-quality videos, podcasts, reports, visualizations, and other products designed to engage audiences and inform policy discussions through objective analysis. The Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program'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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Media Queries

Featured Analysis

Photo: Anwar Amro/AFP/Getty Images

The Coming Conflict with Hezbollah

Since October 7, 2023, there have been over 4,400 attacks by Israel and Hezbollah combined, and the risk of war is high. Hezbollah has also repeatedly violated UN Security Council Resolution 1701 by deploying forces and firing weapons against Israel.

View CSIS Brief

Latest Analysis

Photo: MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: MAHMUD HAMS/AFP/Getty Images

A Region Aflame - October 7 A Year Later

On the anniversary of the October 7 attack, the CSIS Middle East Program and International Security Program hosted a conversation with Dr. Dana El Kurd and Dr. Natah Sachs on the war’s political effects, Israel’s concept of victory, and paths toward de-escalation.

Transcript — October 7, 2024

All Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program Content

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Observations on the War in Ukraine: Impressions from Our Visit

Authors Daniel Byman and Elizabeth Hoffman offer five key takeaways from their recent trip to wartime Ukraine. They explore how Ukrainians are enduring the ongoing war, their perspectives on the future, and what remains to be done.

Commentary by Daniel Byman and Elizabeth Hoffman — September 13, 2024

The Truth of the Matter

Unknown Mideast Redlines

CSIS’ Norm Rule, who served for 34 years in the Central Intelligence Agency, managing significant programs relating to the Middle East, joins the podcast to discuss Iran and what it may do in retaliation for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Norman T. Roule — August 9, 2024

CSIS the truth of the matter
Audio Briefs

Why Iran Will Escalate

An audio version of “Why Iran Will Escalate,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Alexander Palmer. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Alexander Palmer — August 8, 2024

Audio Briefs

Why Iran Will Escalate

Iran has limited options to respond to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, making escalation likely, even if Tehran prefers a return to the status quo.

Commentary by Alexander Palmer — August 8, 2024

Audio Briefs

Ismail Haniyeh’s Assassination: Escalation or an Off-Ramp?

An audio version of “Ismail Haniyeh’s Assassination: Escalation or an Off-Ramp?,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Riley McCabe. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Riley McCabe — August 1, 2024

Audio Briefs

Ismail Haniyeh’s Assassination: Escalation or an Off-Ramp?

Ismail Haniyeh’s death represents a pivotal moment that could plunge the region into a broader and more destructive war or crack open the door for Netanyahu to claim victory against Hamas and eye a path to reduce Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Commentary by Riley McCabe — August 1, 2024

Audio Briefs

NATO and Countering Hybrid Warfare

An audio version of “NATO and Countering Hybrid Warfare,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Daniel Byman. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Daniel Byman — July 19, 2024

Audio Briefs

The Importance of National Resilience: Implications for Taiwan

Please join CSIS experts Dr. Bonny Lin, Jude Blanchette, Dr. Seth Jones, and Dr. Daniel Byman on Wednesday, July 17, at 3:00 p.m. for a virtual conversation on the importance of national resilience, and its implications for the U.S. and Taiwan. 

Event — July 17, 2024