Publications

With the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group now in the Caribbean, U.S. strategy toward Venezuela needs more than kinetic options. Maduro's deep unpopularity and repressive crackdowns create opportunities in the information space. Using agentic AI to understand local sentiment, curate Venezuela-specific sources, and deploy strategically timed content can apply pressure while limiting risk to civilians—a smarter approach than military intervention alone.

From The Active Measures Newsletter Podcast with Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson This week, hosts Jim Ludes and Mark Jacobson welcome Erol Yayboke of CSIS and FilterLabs.AI for a conversation about the potential of agentic artificial intelligence to contribute to effective and even ethical offensive information operations. Listen to the full podcast episo de here .

Emperor Augustus Caesar pioneered the effective use of propaganda in ancient Rome. As the grandnephew and successor to Julius, Augustus leveraged information to consolidate power and further ideals of peace and stability, known as the Pax Romana . What made Augustus effective was his ability to create messages that resonated; what made him a pioneer was his ability to time and target the messaging. With the advent of AI tools, the United States finds itself at the start of a

This CSIS report examines how digital connectivity both helps and harms displaced Ukrainians. While technology enables access to aid and information, it also exposes refugees to human trafficking, cybercrime, misinformation, and hate speech. The report recommends fighting these threats through digital literacy training, improved vetting procedures, reducing outdated online information ("digital litter"), and building trust in credible sources through partnerships with Ukraini

Ghana faces escalating climate-driven conflicts including chieftaincy disputes over shrinking resources, farmer-herder tensions as grazing lands recede, and illegal mining destroying farmland. Climate policies exist but lack implementation and resources. Violence risks grow as vulnerable northern communities deal with displacement, livelihood loss, and competition over land and water.

This Commentary argues that technology can address gender inequality in places targeted by the U.S. Global Fragility Act. It highlights how digital tools can promote women's economic inclusion through remote work and skills training, support climate adaptation, enable civic participation, and combat gender-based violence through reporting mechanisms and resource access. We emphasize that success requires closing digital gender gaps and integrating gender data collection into

This CSIS digital report examines migration surveillance tech through two fictional journeys: Ana (Nicaragua to US) and Mariama (Senegal to Spain). Both encounter extensive biometric collection at borders using US/EU-funded systems. Data is shared across countries without informed consent. Technologies include drones, thermal cameras, automated databases (IDENT, MIDAS), and tools from companies like Thales and Veridos. Both are ultimately detained and deported, their biometri

PNG is a US Global Fragility Strategy priority country. Key challenges include weak governance, extreme economic inequality, climate vulnerability, and widespread gender-based violence. With diverse geography (800+ languages, 600 tribes), limited state capacity, and strategic importance amid US-China competition, the US faces unique operational hurdles requiring adaptive planning, local partnerships, and whole-of-government coordination for conflict prevention.

This CSIS report examines how developing countries can leverage innovation and technology for economic growth amid the "fourth industrial revolution." Two-thirds of developing country jobs face automation risk. Nearly half of developing nations now have science/technology/innovation strategies. The US should partner with these countries using its universities, research, and diaspora networks—creating future markets while solving global challenges through expanded innovation c