Expansion and Decline: Al Qaeda's Franchising Strategy and Its Consequences

This presentation seeks to problematize al-Qaeda's franchising strategy. Why did al-Qaeda choose to branch out and what accounts for its decision to enter some arenas and not others? Rather than viewing it as an inevitable expansion strategy, this presentation underscores franchising as just one of several ways transnational terrorist organizations can formally expand. It also analyzes models for formal expansion by examining their political aspects in addition to the operational ones.

Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.