National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START)

I'm excited to teach the third iteration of "Misinformation, Conspiracy Theories, and the Radicalization of Modern Societies" this Winter 2026! This course is part of the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START)'s Global Terrorism Studies Minor program (cross-listed with University of Maryland, Department of Communication). In this course, we explore: 🧠 The psychology behind conspiracy beliefs and why misinformation spreads 💥 Foundational conspiracy belief types and their connection to violent extremism 🫆 The role of social identity and media in spreading dangerous ideologies 💭 Critical thinking skills like spotting media manipulation and logical fallacies 🔍 Knowledge creation, types of evidence, and what's really happening in online comment sections Whether you're tired of holiday dinner debates or want to better understand the information landscape we're all navigating, this course offers evidence-based insights into one of the most pressing challenges of our time. #HigherEducation #MediaLiteracy #CriticalThinking #Misinformation #Disinformation #TerrorismStudies #UniversityOfMaryland #OnlineLearning College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Maryland University of Maryland - College of Arts and Humanities University of Maryland

How can we disentangle complexity to solve “wicked problems” like democratic erosion, climate change, and asymmetric threats? I’m hopeful that our CISSM Global Forum this week will provide some helpful inspiration. Dr. Bob Lamb of UMD's National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) will share results from a two-year study on the methods available for navigating complex social dynamics—work with implications for policy research, wargaming, AI, modeling & simulation, and decision making across global challenges. He’ll also introduce a new conceptual field he calls “Socioinformatics” to help expand our understanding of social complexity. Join us Thursday, December 4, 12–1:15pm at Thurgood Marshall Hall, Room 0102 (University of Maryland School of Public Policy). All welcome! https://lnkd.in/eJp9kkaY #complexity #policyresearch #systemsanalysis #AI #PolicyTerps #UMD

Giving Tuesday is tomorrow, and we invite you to START giving today. As we celebrate 20 years of START, we are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported our mission since 2005. Your support fuels everything we do, including: ▶️ Delivering rigorous, impartial data and analysis to leaders and communities nationwide ▶️ Collaborating with hundreds of researchers across the globe ▶️ Building nearly 100 partnerships that expand our reach and impact ▶️ Creating hands-on learning opportunities for thousands of students ▶️ Advancing public understanding of terrorism through accessible research Every gift, whether big or small, strengthens START’s future. Give today: go.umd.edu/2547 #GivingTuesday #GivingTuesday2025 #SupportEducation #SupportResearch #InvestInKnowledge

In honor of National Military Family Month, START is proud to recognize the strength and resilience of military families and share a series of micro-learnings developed with support from We the Veterans and Military Families (WtV). These accessible infographics and short videos empower families, peers, and organizations with practical, research-informed tools to support and strengthen veteran communities. Explore the micro-learnings here: https://go.umd.edu/TVPVMFC #MilitaryFamilies #Veterans #PreventingViolence #CommunityResilience #MilitaryCommunity #VeteranSupport

Giving Tuesday is coming up soon, and YOU can make a difference by supporting START at the University of Maryland! Your generosity fuels our research and hands-on student training. Beginning at midnight on December 2, 2025, join the movement this #GivingTuesday and #DoGoodUMD by making your gift and supporting our Terp community. A contribution of any size makes an impact: go.umd.edu/2547

Tonight! Join START for a virtual info session to learn how our graduate programs can advance your expertise in security and terrorism studies. Ask questions, get program details, and explore flexible options that fit your schedule. 💻 Join our online info session: go.umd.edu/24pk Learn more about the programs: go.umd.edu/GradSTART Questions? Email us: education-start@umd.edu #GradSchool #SecurityStudies #NationalSecurity #TerrorismResearch #InsiderThreat

Congratulations to Alexandra Atherton on being named a 2025 Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar. This recognition honors the University of Maryland’s most accomplished seniors and the faculty and K–12 educators who have guided their academic journeys. As part of the program, Alexandra selected Dr. Amy Pate, START’s Director, as her faculty mentor. Alexandra is a senior completing a double degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJS) and Government and Politics (GVPT), along with a minor in START’s Global Terrorism Studies. She is also a former START intern, and her achievements reflect the academic excellence and intellectual curiosity of UMD’s undergraduate community. We extend our congratulations to all scholars and mentors selected for this year’s cohort. More information is available in UMD Today’s announcement: https://go.umd.edu/24th Photo credit: Office of Undergraduate Studies (2025 Merrill Scholars Luncheon). University of Maryland - Department of Government and Politics #UMD #MerrillScholars #TerrorismStudies #Mentorship #START #GlobalTerrorismStudies

Advance Your Understanding of Tomorrow’s Security Challenges START, through the University of Maryland - The Graduate School, offers fully online graduate programs for scholars and professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of security, terrorism, and insider threat issues. 🔹 MPS in Security and Terrorism Studies Explore the complex social, political, economic, and psychological underpinnings of terrorism and asymmetric security threats through a synchronous, online master’s program. 🔹 Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis Gain advanced insights into domestic and international terrorism through a flexible, research-informed certificate program. 🔹 Graduate Certificate in Insider Risk Management and Mitigation Learn to assess and respond to insider risks and insider threats with this specialized online certificate. Learn more and apply: go.umd.edu/GradSTART 💻 Join our live online info session on November 17 to learn more about the programs and ask your questions: go.umd.edu/24pk #GraduatePrograms #SecurityStudies #TerrorismAnalysis #InsiderRisk

Today, we honor our nation’s veterans who have dedicated themselves to protecting our country and communities. At START, we are also grateful for the veterans who strengthen our work and for the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with them through our research, training, and education programs that advance national security, resilience, and the prevention of targeted violence. Their experience, leadership, and commitment to service continue to inspire our mission and contribute to the safety of our nation. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served. #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #NationalSecurity #EducationForImpact

START Journeys: Alumni in Focus | Carimaxy Benitez Carimaxy Benitez demonstrates how operational experience and academic insight can work together to build a strong foundation in security and leadership. After eight years in Special Operations with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, she pursued START’s MPS program to deepen her understanding of terrorism and security. Now a Program Manager with the U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms, Carimaxy credits START for sharpening her analytical, research, and strategic thinking skills—tools that continue to guide her professional growth. She encourages others to be intentional about balancing practical experience with academic learning and to embrace opportunities beyond their comfort zone. Read more about Carimaxy’s journey and insights: https://go.umd.edu/24kc #SecurityStudies #UMD #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerPathways #AlumniSpotlight #PublicService #LeadershipDevelopment