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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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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Press Briefing: Latest Insights on Israel-Hamas War

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) will host a call-in press briefing on Friday, October 13, at 11:00 a.m. ET, to present expert insights on the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas War.

Event — October 13, 2023

The Truth of the Matter

Hamas's Attack on Israel

CSIS's Daniel Byman joins the podcast to discuss the last few days of war between Hamas and Israel and what might come next in the conflict.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Daniel Byman — October 11, 2023

CSIS the truth of the matter

What’s Next for Hamas and Israel?

Hamas’s recent attack was on a different scale than any it has previously attempted. Why did it strike now? How will Israel respond?

Critical Questions by Alexander Palmer and Daniel Byman — October 10, 2023

In the Shadow of Ukraine

Russian leaders are committed to a reconstitution of the Russian military—especially the Russian army—over the next several years, though achieving this goal will be challenging. In addition, Russia views the United States as its main enemy for the foreseeable future.

Report by Seth G. Jones — September 29, 2023

China's Strategy of Political Warfare: Views from Congress

CSIS recently released the most comprehensive analysis to date of Chinese political warfare activities. On Thursday, September 28, Rep. Rob Wittman joins CSIS expert Seth G. Jones for a deep dive into how Congress is addressing China’s unprecedented campaign.

Event — September 28, 2023

China's Strategy of Political Warfare: Views from Congress

CSIS released the most comprehensive analysis to date of Chinese political warfare activities. On Thursday, September 28, 2023, Rep. Rob Wittman joined CSIS expert Seth G. Jones for a deep dive into how Congress is addressing China’s unprecedented campaign.

Transcript — September 28, 2023

The Jacksonville Shooting

The recent shooting in Jacksonville shows how deadly white supremacist violence remains and why both resourcing and politics must change, writes CSIS's Daniel Byman.

Critical Questions by Daniel Byman — August 29, 2023

The Truth of the Matter

Prigozhin's Demise

CSIS’s Catrina Doxsee joins the podcast to discuss the alleged death of Yevgeny Prigozhin and its impact on the future of the Wagner Group and Russia's foreign policy.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Catrina Doxsee — August 25, 2023

CSIS the truth of the matter