Jason Blazakis
I am the Executive Director (and Professor) of the Middlebury Institute's Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism. I am sanctioned by Vladimir Putin and once headed up the State Department's counterterrorism sanctions office.
- As always great work by CTEC’s senior researcher, Isabela Bernardo. Give her latest report a read!
- CTEC just released a new report, Seeds of Extremism, by Isabela Bernardo. It examines how ecofascist ideas can intersect with accelerationist culture—and what that means for prevention and policy. Thanks to the Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative for support. www.middlebury.edu/institute/ac...
- Appreciated the chance to join late last week @msnownews.bsky.social to discuss the tragic attack in DC. I was very clear that we lacked any evidence that this was “terrorism” - a far too often used word to describe violence.
- Appreciated the chance to speak with the @washingtonpost.com about recent terrorist-related policy decisions made by the Trump Admin. I can’t recall a time when 4 FTOS were added to the list and not one death has been attributed to them. That is bonkers. That is politics.
- BLUF: The Trump admin will add 4 European “violent Antifa” groups US FTO list on 20 November. CTEC Director @jason-blazakis.bsky.social notes, for @washingtonpost.com, the groups “don’t have one fatality associated with their activity.” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
- I joined NPR’s Kera News to discuss the Prairieland ICE shooting and what the DOJ’s case could mean for future “#Antifa” prosecutions. The violence was real—but linking it to a centralized Antifa structure is a stretch. We need more evidence, not more labels. 🔗 www.keranews.org/criminal-jus...
- Reposted by Jason BlazakisNew from CTEC, our Director, @jason-blazakis.bsky.social , is featured on NPR discussing the controversial topic of whether #antifa should be designated as a terrorist organization. His expertise adds critical context to this evolving discussion. Listen to the segment: www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
- I spoke with NPR's Morning Edition about the latest debate over designating #Antifa as a foreign terrorist organization. If pursued, the impact will be profound. Listen here: www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
- I appreciated the chance to join @ajepodcasts.bsky.social - The Take - to discuss the recent Trump Admin focus on Antifa. You can find the convo at YT, Apple, and Spotify YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DYE... Apple pods: podcasts.apple.com/.../why-is...... Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/5RRk...
- My latest for @latimes.com. Simply put, Trump’s recent order on domestic terrorism is more about politics than national security. www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
- Appreciated the time that @keranews.org @npr.org took to examine the underlying motives behind this deadly attack against a DHS ICE facility. Check it out 👇
- Recently, CTEC Exec Director @jason-blazakis.bsky.social spoke with @keranews.org @npr.org about the recent attack against an ICE facility in Texas. TLDR of it is this, pinning the attack on ideology misses the mark: www.keranews.org/news/2025-10...
- Reposted by Jason Blazakis🚨OUT NOW🚨 Trump keeps talking about cracking down on “left wing terror networks” in the US. This appears like a blatant move to crackdown on his enemies – so what is the real state of domestic terrorism in America? @jason-blazakis.bsky.social & @jacobjarvis.bsky.social discuss 👉 linktr.ee/bunker_pod
- Reposted by Jason Blazakis🚨 New Op-Ed in the @inquirer.com Inquirer 🚨by CTEC Exec. Director @jason-blazakis.bsky.social . Trump’s new order labeling #Antifa a “domestic terrorist organization” isn’t about public safety — it’s about political power. Read Here: www.inquirer.com/opinion/comm...
- Thanks to @oyousef.bsky.social for capturing why a terrorist designation of #Antifa shouldn't be in the cards and why such a maneuver by #Trump would be illegal. I wrote about this in detail for @slate.com in 2020. Read my Slate piece and the great article below by NPR... slate.com/news-and-pol...
- President #Trump recently said he will designate #Antifa as a terrorist group. @npr.org ran a great article on this topic with words from our Executive Director, @jason-blazakis.bsky.social , on why this is not an easy task. Read why: www.npr.org/2025/09/19/n...
- Congrats Olivia! Looking forward to seeing the results of your research.
- We are thrilled to announce that Olivia Kilborn is CTEC’s Michael Donnelly Fellow for Fall 2025. She’ll study the rhetoric connecting eco-fascist subcultures and far-right European parties—work with real implications for counter-extremism practice. Read more: www.middlebury.edu/institute/ac...
- Will #neverforget.
- CTEC Exec Director, @jason-blazakis.bsky.social, joined @npr.org on All Things Considered to reflect on the 24th Anniversary of #9/11 and how the counterterrorism mission of the USG has evolved. He joined @colinpclarke.bsky.social & @oyousef.bsky.social www.npr.org/2025/09/11/n...
- Reposted by Jason BlazakisNew CTEC publication: "Hermetic Hatred" demonstrates how antisemitism survives by adapting its narrative architecture—from theology to politics to today’s platforms. Maps key tropes, transmission routes, and practical takeaways for policy & T&S. www.middlebury.edu/institute/ac...
- The latest by @ctecmiis.bsky.social maps the transmission routes that allow for the spread of #antisemitism. 📖👇🏻
- New CTEC publication: "Hermetic Hatred" demonstrates how antisemitism survives by adapting its narrative architecture—from theology to politics to today’s platforms. Maps key tropes, transmission routes, and practical takeaways for policy & T&S. www.middlebury.edu/institute/ac...
- Check out the latest paper from @middleburycollege.bsky.social @ctecmiis.bsky.social that explores intersections between violent misogyny and antisemitism. 📖👇🏻
- New from CTEC: Binary Breeding Grounds: How the Manosphere Manufactures Modern Antisemitism. A review on how misogynist online ecosystems braid antisemitic frames via recommender systems & influencer escalation—and what platforms, researchers, and educators can do. www.middlebury.edu/institute/ac...
- Very excited to be working with @universitypress.cambridge.org on this forthcoming book, Terror Disrupted, which examines, amongst other things, countering the financing of groups like ISIS, al-Qa'ida, and the extreme far right. Preorder: www.amazon.com/Terror-Disru...
- CTEC's founding Executive Director, @jason-blazakis.bsky.social, has a forthcoming book coming out that examines counterterrorist financing. Terror Disrupted, published by@universitypress.cambridge.org, will hit bookshelves and online market places in early 2026.
- Fantastic piece by Paula Granger featured by @ctecmiis.bsky.social. Give it a read👇🏻
- New from CTEC: Paula Granger’s “Crowdsourced Political Violence.” Online spaces lower barriers to mobilization—fostering leaderless resistance. Literature review with practical takeaways for researchers, platforms and policymakers: methods, gaps, next steps. Read: www.middlebury.edu/institute/ac...
- Today @ctecmiis.bsky.social published a guest author essay by @djrosenthal.bsky.social that examines the importance of strategic reconciliation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Check out this must read at: www.middlebury.edu/institute/ac...
- Reposted by Jason BlazakisCTEC Exec. Director @jason-blazakis.bsky.social just published for @justsecurity.org a piece looking at #Trump Admin decisions recently to delist HTS as an FTO in #Syria. Check it out at: www.justsecurity.org/117191/trump...
- As always, appreciate the chance to work with @justsecurity.org
- The Trump administration has delisted Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. @jason-blazakis.bsky.social writes that while the move is not without its risks, considering HTS’s terrorist lineage. www.justsecurity.org/117191/trump...
- Key points, amongst many, include that HTS is still listed as a terrorist group per US law. As is jawlani, per state dept EO 13224 designation, and of course HTS and jawlani still listed at the UN. HTS not out of the woods yet.
- CTEC Exec. Director @jason-blazakis.bsky.social just published for @justsecurity.org a piece looking at #Trump Admin decisions recently to delist HTS as an FTO in #Syria. Check it out at: www.justsecurity.org/117191/trump...
- Sadly, the #Trump Admin is sleeping on the transnational far-right threat. Active Clubs on the rise - in places like #Sweden - and they have links to U.S. based violent extremists. Groups like the Nordic Resistance Front remain a threat and are circumventing State Dept #sanctions. Read more below 🔽
- Recently, CTEC Executive Director, @jason-blazakis.bsky.social, spoke with @wired.com about the threat posed by Active Clubs and how the State Department designated #terrorist group, Nordic Resistance Movement, has adapted to #sanctions. Read more at: www.wired.com/story/socal-...
- I am heading back to states today and was sure to add this to my photo library.
- Also, the CT Bureau at State Dept is losing amazing people to the "reduction in force" the process or "early retirements" (who can blame someone for retiring early from a chaotic administration). This will take years of rebuilding post Trump Admin. It will also make the US less safe.
- Recently, CTEC Exec Director, @jason-blazakis.bsky.social, chatted with @tessowen.bsky.social of the @theguardian.com about recent State Dept. decisions on minimizing the importance of far-right violent extremism as a threat to US national security interests. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
- Worth the read.
- The Steady State's own Paul Rozenzweig: thehill.com/opinion/whit...
- Reposted by Jason BlazakisRecently, CTEC Exec Director @jason-blazakis.bsky.social spoke with Maine's Kennebec Journal regarding the challenge of stochastic violence and the spillover in schools across the United States: www.centralmaine.com/2025/04/20/h...
- The #socialmedia companies have to do much better. Last year, the Houthis paid for a blue check from X….
- The situation in #Yemen remains tense. Recently, @jason-blazakis.bsky.social, CTEC's Executive Director, spoke with Kharon regarding the use of social media by the State Department designated #terrorist group, the #Houthis. Check it out: www.kharon.com/brief/houthi...
- Great to join @colinpclarke.bsky.social on this piece for the @latimes.com. Bottom line - you cant ignore any form of ideological terrorism. The latest intel threat assessment by the IC misses the mark, likely b/c of political appointees driving the process. www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
- Latest opinion piece for @latimes.com by @middleburycollege.bsky.social CTEC Ex. Director @jason-blazakis.bsky.social (co-author @colinpclarke.bsky.social) on the dangers of politicizing intelligence. Check it out: www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
- One of my former grad researchers - Michael Burton - is trying to complete his Russian language studies and needs your help! Michael is extremely talented and among the strongest grad students I've worked with. He also would make a great hire! www.gofundme.com/f/completing...
- Wrote recently for @lawfare.bsky.social on the situation in #Syria and what it would take for HTS to be removed from the #terrorist list. The recent surge of violence in Syria which, to me, reinforces the need to be cautious about delisting HTS. More at: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what...
- Overall - major shift of focus of USG's #counterterrorism policy - to western hem. There will be more SST listings, starting with Venezuela, in the days/weeks/months ahead. Trump can't executive order that, just as w/ the cartel terror designations. It requires a distinct action by the State Dept.
- Recently, CTEC Executive Director @jason-blazakis.bsky.social spoke with @politico.com about the USG's State Sponsor of Terrorism Regime, #Cuba, and the need to update USG CT laws. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
- Likely a lot of disagreement with me on this one, but my latest for @wsj.com on the downsides of Trump's decision today to designate the Mexican drug cartels and a two criminal gangs as 'terrorists'. www.wsj.com/opinion/the-...
- If you look fast I was on Fox News briefly (as in seconds..) to talk about the one small benefit of the FTO designation of the Mexico cartels as terrorists. Of course lots more to it than that! www.foxnews.com/video/636904...
- State Dept FTO actions on #Mexicandrugcartels as terrorists pre-published in the FRN (attached). MS-13 and TdA also listed as FTOs. Very interesting on MS-13 given it was founded in the US and State Dept hasn't designated a group with such a clear US nexus before.
- Did you forget that #Valentine's Day gift for that loved one? It still isn't too late for your mea culpa. Look no further than this book on #finance and #crime! Nothing says love better, right? Use the check out code: SPG25 to save bundles! www.rienner.com/title/The_Me...
- Appreciated the opportunity to chat with @vanityfair.com on the focus areas of the Trump Admin w/r/t #counterterrorism policy. www.vanityfair.com/news/story/f...
- Latest report by @middleburycollege.bsky.social @ctecmiis.bsky.social authored by @amycooter.bsky.social w/amazing research by our grad researchers. Check out⬇️⬇️⬇️
- Check out our newest report, an in-depth examination of Moms for Liberty's exclusionary rhetoric and how the organization aligns with two different understandings of extremism. By @amycooter.bsky.social and Middlebury graduate and undergraduate students. www.middlebury.edu/institute/ac...
- Happy to share my latest for the @theconversation.com on a far-right terrorist designation by the USG theconversation.com/biden-target...
- Appreciated the chance to chat with NPR recently about the pros/cons of a Mexico drug cartel designations as terrorist groups. www.npr.org/2025/01/24/g...
- Appreciated the chance to speak with the British Broadcasting Corp (Mundo) about the looming possibility of terrorist designations for the Mexican drug cartels: www.bbc.com/mundo/articl...
- Appreciated the chance to chat with @nytimes.com about the #Trump idea of designating the #Mexicandrugcartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations: www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/u...
- Pleased to share my latest on #cuba for the @theconversation.com theconversation.com/bidens-move-...
- Appreciated chatting with The Hill about the implications for CT strategy and countering ISIS in the wake of the #NewOrleans attack. Check it out: thehill-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/thehill....
- At the CRS many moons ago I wrote their first report on the use of drones for domestic purposes. That report is now 20 yrs old now. Yet, being from New Jersey (:-), I still think a lot about drones.So I was really excited when Jyllands-Posten contacted me to chat. jyllands-posten.dk/indland/ECE1...
- Appreciated the chance to recently speak with the economist regarding the terrible attack in New Orleans. --- www.economist.com/united-state...
- Netflix pre-game for Xmas day games is cringey. #football #christmas
- Enjoyed sharing my views in this very interesting piece in @forbes.com that explodes the word of anti-woke venture capitalists. nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
- Reposted by Jason BlazakisInternational #counterterrorism efforts have not really focused on a cohesive response to transnational far-right #REMVE groups. @jason-blazakis.bsky.social and I wrote earlier about the need for a multilateral response: www.lawfaremedia.org/article/inte...
