About the Counterterrorism Project

The Atlantic Council’s CTP was launched in 2024. CTP seeks to provide a disciplined, consistent analysis of terrorism to help stabilize Washington’s swings from exaggerating it immediately after a major attack, while otherwise neglecting it.

Directed by Jonathan Panikoff and led by Alex Plitsas, the CTP will focus on five key areas: current and emerging threats, state sponsors of terrorism, hostage-taking, financing and supply chains, and technological tactics. A sixth area—women in counterterrorism—will serve as a cross-cutting endeavor that informs and contributes to the other five fields.

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MENASource

Dec 6, 2024

What lies ahead for the Israel-Hamas war—and what the United States should do about it 

By Doug Livermore

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to evolve, the incoming Donald Trump administration will need to adopt a nuanced and forward-looking approach that builds upon prior efforts to avoid further destabilization.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Nov 13, 2024

Integrated strategic competition: A new approach to US national security

By Daniel Elkins

In this evolving landscape, there is a pressing need for a renewed and coherent multi-agency approach that truly integrates the instruments of national power.

China Conflict

MENASource

Nov 7, 2024

Managing counterterrorism foreign liaison relationships in an increasingly competitive world

By Marc Polymeropoulos, Edward Bogan, and James Petrila

Robust investment in foreign liaison relationships enables the fundamental conditions required for an effective global counterterrorism strategy, and not just within the countries where these partnerships are enabled.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Oct 24, 2024

Tragic death of aid worker underscores Gaza’s postwar challenge

By Alicia Nieves

The international community has long been criticized for its inaction as Hamas gradually tightened its control over NGOs and civil institutions.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Oct 23, 2024

Balancing a culture of secrecy and collaboration: Information sharing with hostage families

By Liz Cathcart

US policies enshrine a requirement for intelligence sharing between the US government and hostage families.

China Conflict

MENASource

Oct 10, 2024

From Dushanbe to Berlin: The emerging ISIS-K threat

By Morgan Tadych

Addressing some of these systemic issues may reduce ISIS-K’s ability to recruit from Tajikistan and ultimately decrease the group’s ability to conduct external operations.

Central Asia Conflict

The Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative (SMESI) provides policymakers fresh insights into core US national security interests by leveraging its expertise, networks, and on-the-ground programs to develop unique and holistic assessments on the future of the most pressing strategic, political, and security challenges and opportunities in the Middle East. 

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