Critical Threats Project

The Critical Threats Project, also referred to simply as Critical Threats, is a research organization and think tank operated by the American Enterprise Institute. Founded in 2009 by military analyst Frederick Kagan, its primary goals are provide information on threats and conflicts of concern to the United States in order to advise the public, mainstream media, and policymakers. According to Kagan, who serves as the groups director, Critical Threats strives to deliver "intelligence community-type tradecraft and standards" by exclusively utilizing open-source intelligence. The organization is divided into two main analytical teams; one focusing on Iran, including its internal and external affairs, and the other on Salafi jihadist groups, particularly those operating in Africa but also those in the Middle East such as in Yemen, Iraq and Syria. Critical Threats has partnered with the Institute for the Study of War, and jointly delivers updates with it on the Russo-Ukrainian war since 2022.