Counterterrorism Project

Following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, a widespread assumption emerged that international terrorist threats had been eliminated; but you cannot kill an ideology with bombs and bullets. It takes a sustained effort to address international terrorism and its root causes. The Counterterrorism Project (CTP) is committed to doing just that.

About the Counterterrorism Project

The Atlantic Council’s Counterterrorism Project aims to review trends in terrorism and to expand the dialogue on effective counterterror policymaking. Twenty-five years after the September 11th, 2001 attacks, CTP advisors are sharing a wide range of views and suggestions on how to address these evolving threats and how to best protect Americans and the homeland from terrorism. This effort is meant to expand the debate on counterterrorism in the United States and around the world.

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.

Past Events

Online Event Tue, March 24, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

The future of Iran’s axis of resistance

Experts assess the long-term impact of the Iran war on the regime, its arsenal, and its regional proxies.

Iran Iraq Israel Lebanon

Read our coverage

Dispatches

May 12, 2026

Dispatch from Libya: Why the US needs a renewed counterterrorism commitment in Africa

By Alex Plitsas

A recent visit to Sirte with US Africa Command reveals why Washington should treat Africa as a strategic priority.

Libya North Africa

Dispatches

Mar 26, 2026

Israeli settler terrorism demands a tougher US response

By Cleary Waldo

The United States should draw on a key counterterrorism tool: the designation of perpetrators as specially designated global terrorists.

Crisis Management Israel

Dispatches

Mar 25, 2026

How ISIS and its affiliates might capitalize on the Iran war

By Morgan Tadych

ISIS is poised to exploit the ongoing regional instability in the Middle East and US policymakers must closely monitor the threats it poses.

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

Sep 30, 2025

ISIS has its sights set on a new potential ally—Uyghur jihadi groups

By Morgan Tadych

The burgeoning ISIS-K and Turkestan Islamic Party partnership is likely to further threaten Chinese interests.

China Extremism

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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