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.
Contact Information
- Riley McCabe
- Program Manager and Research Associate, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program
- rmccabe@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- aschwartz@csis.org
- Samuel Cestari
- Media Relations Coordinator, External Relations
- 202.775.7317
- scestari@csis.org
Latest Analysis
A Region Aflame - October 7 A Year Later
Transcript — October 7, 2024
Escalating to War between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran
Brief by Daniel Byman, Seth G. Jones, and Alexander Palmer — October 4, 2024
Lessons from Israel’s Last War in Lebanon
Commentary by Daniel Byman — October 2, 2024
Daniel Byman in Foreign Policy: Pinpoint Israeli Intelligence Enabled Strike on Nasrallah in Lebanon
Commentary by Daniel Byman — September 28, 2024
Observations on the War in Ukraine: Impressions from Our Visit
Commentary by Daniel Byman and Elizabeth Hoffman — September 13, 2024
All Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program Content
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“Why Hamas Attacked When It Did”: Audio Brief with Dan Byman
Podcast Episode by Daniel Byman — December 20, 2023
Hamas’s October 7 Attack: Visualizing the Data
Commentary by Daniel Byman, Riley McCabe, Alexander Palmer, Catrina Doxsee, Mackenzie Holtz, and Delaney Duff — December 19, 2023
Why Hamas Attacked When It Did
Commentary by Daniel Byman and Mackenzie Holtz — December 6, 2023
Hamas’ October 7 Attack: The Tactics, Targets, and Strategy of Terrorists
Event — November 7, 2023
Hamas’ October 7 Attack: The Tactics, Targets, and Strategy of Terrorists
Transcript — November 7, 2023
“The Israel-Hamas War Has Entered a ‘New Phase.’ Here’s What to Expect”: Audio Brief with Dan Byman
Podcast Episode by Daniel Byman — November 3, 2023
“Experts React: Assessing the Israeli Intelligence and Potential Policy Failure”: Audio Brief with Daniel Byman
Podcast Episode by Daniel Byman — October 27, 2023
Experts React: Assessing the Israeli Intelligence and Potential Policy Failure
Commentary by Jessica Davis, Tricia Bacon, Emily Harding, and Daniel Byman — October 25, 2023
The Outlook for Israel’s Military Campaign against Hamas
Event — October 23, 2023
“What’s Next for Hamas and Israel?”: Audio Brief with Alexander Palmer
Podcast Episode by Alexander Palmer — October 19, 2023