A Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence led by the University of Maryland

A consortium of researchers dedicated to improving the understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism

START Director William Braniff gives lecture on “A Tale of Two Caliphates” (Photo Gallery)


START Director William Braniff gives lecture on “A Tale of Two Caliphates” (Photo Gallery)

March 7, 2019Alexa Cottman-Robinson

On Thursday, March 7, START Director William Braniff discussed the similarities and differences of the Islamic State’s vision for the caliphate with that of al-Qa’ida’s senior leadership. He said that while al-Qaida enabled the global jihadist community to mobilize, the Islamic Sate aimed to create a destination that was inspiring, accessible and appropriate for the moment.

William Braniff gives a lecture at START
START Director William Braniff gives a lecture for interns and researchers. 

START students and reaserchers attend a lecture at START
Interns take notes on Braniff’s ”A Tale of Two Caliphates” lecture.

William Braniff delivers a lecture at START
START Director William Braniff explores the differences between al-Qaida and the Islamic State.