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. Daniel Byman, 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
- Associate Fellow, 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

Photo: Luke Sharrett/Getty Images
The Tech Revolution and Irregular Warfare: Leveraging Commercial Innovation for Great Power Competition
Brief by Seth G. Jones — January 30, 2025

Improving U.S. Intelligence Sharing with Allies and Partners
Report by Daniel Byman — January 28, 2025

Deterring Russia: U.S. Military Posture in Europe
Brief by Seth G. Jones and Seamus P. Daniels — January 27, 2025

Jihadist Terrorism in the United States
Brief by Alexander Palmer, Skyeler Jackson, and Daniel Byman — January 21, 2025

One Question Looming Over Israel-Hamas Truce Deal—Why Now?
Commentary by Daniel Byman — January 15, 2025
All Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program Content
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Forward Defense: Strengthening U.S. Force Posture in Europe
Report by Seth G. Jones, Seamus P. Daniels, Catrina Doxsee, Daniel Fata, and Kathleen McInnis — March 11, 2024
“Forward Defense: Strengthening U.S. Force Posture in Europe”: Audio Brief with Seth Jones
Podcast Episode by Seth G. Jones — March 11, 2024

China Outpacing U.S. Defense Industrial Base
Report by Seth G. Jones and Alexander Palmer — March 6, 2024
Seth G. Jones in The Wall Street Journal: Ditching Ukraine Would Help China and Iran
Commentary by Seth G. Jones — February 21, 2024
Asked and Answered: Global Terrorism Threat Assessment 2024
Commentary by Catrina Doxsee and Lauren Adler — February 9, 2024
Global Terrorism Threat Assessment 2024
Report by Catrina Doxsee, Alexander Palmer, and Riley McCabe — February 8, 2024
“Global Terrorism Threat Assessment 2024”: Audio Brief with Catrina Doxsee
Podcast Episode by Catrina Doxsee — February 8, 2024

U.S. Strikes Back
Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Seth G. Jones — February 6, 2024

Daniel Byman in Foreign Policy: Biden Walks a Fine Line With Airstrikes on Iran-Backed Militants
Commentary by Daniel Byman — February 2, 2024
“God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America” with Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware
Event — January 31, 2024