About ACCET
Advancing Global Security, Stability, and Resilience
The American Center for Combating Extremism and Terrorism (ACCET) is a U.S.-registered non-profit organization focused on preventing emerging security threats before they escalate into crisis.
We work with governments, institutions, and partners to counter extremism, disinformation, cyber threats, and malign influence through prevention-focused, operationally grounded solutions.
–> Our Vision.
A safer world where threats are addressed early, institutions are resilient, and communities are protected through cooperation and foresight.
We envision a future in which extremism and instability are mitigated before they ignite, where democratic values are upheld through strong institutions and informed societies, and where technology is used to protect—not divide—communities. In this future, local actors are empowered, and global partnerships ensure that no community is left vulnerable to violence, coercion, or disinformation.
–> Our Mission.
To help partners prevent emerging threats, strengthen resilience, and reduce the drivers of instability through early, lawful, and effective action.
ACCET advances this mission by:
• Applying innovation and emerging technologies to modern security challenges
• Addressing threats at their source rather than after escalation
• Strengthening institutions and alliances that uphold democratic values
–> Our Approach.
Prevention-Focused Solutions for Complex Challenges
ACCET designs and implements targeted programs that translate strategy into practice, working alongside governments, civil society, and the private sector.
Our approach emphasizes:
Early Warning and Risk Reduction
Identifying behavioral, digital, and systemic risk indicators to prevent extremism, targeted violence, and instability before crisis response is required.
Technology with Purpose
Applying AI, analytics, and emerging technologies to counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and governance challenges in practical, responsible ways.
Institutional and Economic Resilience
Strengthening governance, transparency, and economic integrity to reduce exploitation by malign actors and support long-term stability.
Partnership-Driven Action
Building trusted alliances that enable coordinated, locally informed responses to evolving threats.
–> Our Impact.
Delivering Results that Strengthen Global Resilience
ACCET is committed to measurable outcomes that strengthen security and resilience across regions, including:
• Community reintegration and stabilization in Syria, reducing extremist influence and supporting pathways to peace
• Counterterrorism innovation in Kosovo, convening government, multi-national, and civil society to analyze AI-driven approaches to detect and disrupt threats early
• Cybersecurity strengthening in Moldova and Kenya, protecting critical infrastructure and digital systems
–> Our Team.
Global Experts Committed to Security, Innovation, and Resilience
ACCET’s work is led by a multidisciplinary team with deep experience across homeland security, counterterrorism, governance, and technology. Our leadership includes former senior government officials, diplomats, and practitioners with decades of experience operating in fragile and high-risk environments.
Arianit Shehu
Executive Director
Arianit Shehu is a senior security and prevention strategist with more than 25 years of experience leading governance, stabilization, and counter-extremism initiatives in high-risk environments across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. As Executive Director of ACCET, he brings senior-level experience from NATO, the National Democratic Institute, and national governments to translate strategy into practical action—strengthening institutional resilience, countering malign influence, and reducing drivers of instability.
Dr. Dwaine Lee
Vice President, Global Programs
Dr. Dwaine Lee is a former senior U.S. Government official and diplomat with more than 25 years of experience designing and leading prevention-focused initiatives that address extremism, political violence, and institutional fragility in high-risk environments. As ACCET’s Vice President for Global Programs, he oversees strategy and program execution that translate policy into early action—strengthening institutional resilience, reducing drivers of instability, and mitigating emerging security threats across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia.