Brian J. Phillips
@brianjphillips.bsky.social
Terrorism, conflict, crime. @uniessexgov.bsky.social. Via Ohio, Camp Lejeune, PGH, CDMX. Co-authored book: "Insurgent Terrorism." https://sites.google.com/site/brianjphillips/home
Pinned
Who Are the Terrorism Researchers? A Study of Scholars in an Evolving Field, 1970–2019
Debates rage about diversity and representation. How diverse is terrorism studies? How has it changed over time? This article analyzes data on the nearly 2,000 terrorism scholars in the Web of Scie...
doi.org
Who creates terrorism research? Which countries produce the most? How have these things changed over time? Check out my recent article.
doi.org/10.1080/1057...
doi.org/10.1080/1057...
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
A corollary to this principle is that finding a single hallucinated citation should lead to an automatic rejection. Automatic. This should be a matter of policy.
And this is one of easier AI-related problems for our journals!
And this is one of easier AI-related problems for our journals!
Journal editors: I suggest manually clicking on DOI links in the references section of submitted manuscripts. You may be surprised by what you see.
Gen AI has lots of uses, and one of them is generating fraudulent citations.
Gen AI has lots of uses, and one of them is generating fraudulent citations.
December 27, 2025 at 5:54 AM
A corollary to this principle is that finding a single hallucinated citation should lead to an automatic rejection. Automatic. This should be a matter of policy.
And this is one of easier AI-related problems for our journals!
And this is one of easier AI-related problems for our journals!
Out of office message
December 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Out of office message
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
"One of the suspects was charged separately with terrorism offenses that include conspiracy to commit murder for the Islamic State, and providing cryptocurrency to the group."
This includes a rare terrorist financing charge in Canada (83.03)
globalnews.ca/news/1158483...
This includes a rare terrorist financing charge in Canada (83.03)
globalnews.ca/news/1158483...
Three Toronto men arrested for hate-motivated attacks, ISIS-related terrorism | Globalnews.ca
Waleed Khan has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder for the benefit of a terrorist group.
globalnews.ca
December 20, 2025 at 10:58 AM
"One of the suspects was charged separately with terrorism offenses that include conspiracy to commit murder for the Islamic State, and providing cryptocurrency to the group."
This includes a rare terrorist financing charge in Canada (83.03)
globalnews.ca/news/1158483...
This includes a rare terrorist financing charge in Canada (83.03)
globalnews.ca/news/1158483...
“Can this man finally defeat Mexico’s cartels?” Solid profile of security chief Harfuch
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/w...
Can This Man Finally Defeat Mexico’s Cartels?
www.nytimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:05 PM
“Can this man finally defeat Mexico’s cartels?” Solid profile of security chief Harfuch
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/19/w...
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
In this story, I reported how counter-terror police warned the Palestine Action ban was creating "a lot of noise in the system that risks detracting from our core mission"
New stats show it drove terror arrests up from 248 to 1,886 in the last year
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/w...
New stats show it drove terror arrests up from 248 to 1,886 in the last year
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/w...
Ban a Pro-Palestinian Group? The U.K. Government Thought Few Would Care.
www.nytimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:12 AM
In this story, I reported how counter-terror police warned the Palestine Action ban was creating "a lot of noise in the system that risks detracting from our core mission"
New stats show it drove terror arrests up from 248 to 1,886 in the last year
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/w...
New stats show it drove terror arrests up from 248 to 1,886 in the last year
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/w...
One more for 2025… the US government just designated another criminal group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. A Colombian drug cartel.
That makes 15 criminal groups added to the FTO list this year. Massive expansion and transformation of counter-terrorism.
That makes 15 criminal groups added to the FTO list this year. Massive expansion and transformation of counter-terrorism.
December 17, 2025 at 8:59 PM
One more for 2025… the US government just designated another criminal group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. A Colombian drug cartel.
That makes 15 criminal groups added to the FTO list this year. Massive expansion and transformation of counter-terrorism.
That makes 15 criminal groups added to the FTO list this year. Massive expansion and transformation of counter-terrorism.
Check it out! Great instructors, great students, and lovely location in Wivenhoe Park.
Our 59th Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis returns in 2026! Applications open: January 2026
📅29 June – 14 August 2026
✅New courses
✅In-person, hybrid & online delivery
✅Scholarships for Women in Political Methodology & Global South PhD students. Applications open: February 2026
📅29 June – 14 August 2026
✅New courses
✅In-person, hybrid & online delivery
✅Scholarships for Women in Political Methodology & Global South PhD students. Applications open: February 2026
December 17, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Check it out! Great instructors, great students, and lovely location in Wivenhoe Park.
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
NEW: U.S. Military Willing to Attack “Designated Terrorist Organizations” Within America, General Says
“That is one of the concerns with the administration asserting that the President essentially has a license to kill outside the law,” says expert.
theintercept.com/2025/12/16/t...
“That is one of the concerns with the administration asserting that the President essentially has a license to kill outside the law,” says expert.
theintercept.com/2025/12/16/t...
U.S. Military Willing to Attack “Designated Terrorist Organizations” Within America, General Says
“If I had no concerns and I was confident in the lawful order, I would definitely execute that order.”
theintercept.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:58 PM
NEW: U.S. Military Willing to Attack “Designated Terrorist Organizations” Within America, General Says
“That is one of the concerns with the administration asserting that the President essentially has a license to kill outside the law,” says expert.
theintercept.com/2025/12/16/t...
“That is one of the concerns with the administration asserting that the President essentially has a license to kill outside the law,” says expert.
theintercept.com/2025/12/16/t...
“trump and obama are the same”
December 15, 2025 at 8:45 PM
“trump and obama are the same”
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
“Meta appears to selectively enforce its policy on hateful content, removing some Nazi references while leaving other forms of hatred on the platform.”
Overt Nazi and fascist content on Instagram, especially if it’s not in English, has become increasingly easy to find in the last year or more…
Overt Nazi and fascist content on Instagram, especially if it’s not in English, has become increasingly easy to find in the last year or more…
Meta removed a few Nazi posts — but left influencers with millions of followers free to push misogyny, racism, and white supremacist content. Instagram is still hosting creators who monetize hate. The platform isn’t moderating extremism — it’s amplifying it.
Read more:
Read more:
After GPAHE Reporting, Meta Removes Antisemitic Content But Leaves Misogyny and Anti-Black Racism Unchecked
GPAHE’s investigation forced Meta to remove some antisemitic and neo-Nazi content — but the platform continues to host rampant misogyny, anti-Black racism, and other extremist propaganda from major in...
globalextremism.org
December 15, 2025 at 8:09 PM
“Meta appears to selectively enforce its policy on hateful content, removing some Nazi references while leaving other forms of hatred on the platform.”
Overt Nazi and fascist content on Instagram, especially if it’s not in English, has become increasingly easy to find in the last year or more…
Overt Nazi and fascist content on Instagram, especially if it’s not in English, has become increasingly easy to find in the last year or more…
Check it out! Sign up for the workshop series on multilingualism, conflict, and conflict resolution in Africa.
📣We're launching the MCCRA research workshop series!
🎓The inaugural talk, 27 January at 2pm UK time, will be by Prof. Kristian Gleditsch.
✏️Sign up below to get invited to our monthly online research talks on armed conflict and/or language in African countries.
forms.office.com/e/k16YaHVH1U
🎓The inaugural talk, 27 January at 2pm UK time, will be by Prof. Kristian Gleditsch.
✏️Sign up below to get invited to our monthly online research talks on armed conflict and/or language in African countries.
forms.office.com/e/k16YaHVH1U
Microsoft Forms
forms.office.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Check it out! Sign up for the workshop series on multilingualism, conflict, and conflict resolution in Africa.
The deadliest mass shooting in Australia since 1996, and the deadliest terrorist attack in the country’s modern history.
A Hanukkah event targeted, killing at least 11 people. Sadness for and solidarity with Jewish people worldwide, and Australia.
A Hanukkah event targeted, killing at least 11 people. Sadness for and solidarity with Jewish people worldwide, and Australia.
December 14, 2025 at 1:45 PM
The deadliest mass shooting in Australia since 1996, and the deadliest terrorist attack in the country’s modern history.
A Hanukkah event targeted, killing at least 11 people. Sadness for and solidarity with Jewish people worldwide, and Australia.
A Hanukkah event targeted, killing at least 11 people. Sadness for and solidarity with Jewish people worldwide, and Australia.
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
Things we learn:
1. Bovino's existence is the result of chain migration, which MAGA wants to ban
2. His family arrived legally under an immigration law MAGA wants to repeal
3. His father killed a woman while driving drunk, a crime for which MAGA aims to deport immigrants
And much more. Read it.
1. Bovino's existence is the result of chain migration, which MAGA wants to ban
2. His family arrived legally under an immigration law MAGA wants to repeal
3. His father killed a woman while driving drunk, a crime for which MAGA aims to deport immigrants
And much more. Read it.
Greg Bovino’s the star of Trump’s deportation show. We trace his roots.
As a boy, the Hollywood movie “The Border" set the course for his life. He couldn’t believe the Border Patrol agents in the movie were the bad guys. Now that he’s in charge of deportation efforts caus...
chicago.suntimes.com
December 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Things we learn:
1. Bovino's existence is the result of chain migration, which MAGA wants to ban
2. His family arrived legally under an immigration law MAGA wants to repeal
3. His father killed a woman while driving drunk, a crime for which MAGA aims to deport immigrants
And much more. Read it.
1. Bovino's existence is the result of chain migration, which MAGA wants to ban
2. His family arrived legally under an immigration law MAGA wants to repeal
3. His father killed a woman while driving drunk, a crime for which MAGA aims to deport immigrants
And much more. Read it.
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
12 killed, one offender killed and one in custody according to the NSW premier at ongoing press conference. Thoughts are with Australia’s jewish community as they celebrate Hanukkah. The investigation is just beginning - there are things we don’t have answers to.
Just got to the airport and checking news after a few hours offline to see the tragic news of the attack at the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Our thoughts are with the community in Australia and the victims and survivors of this attack. www.smh.com.au/national/nsw...
Bondi Beach shooting live updates: 10 people confirmed dead, two people in custody after dozens of shots fired at Chanukah by the Sea celebration
People have been reporting hearing up to 50 gunshots in the vicinity of Campbell Parade as police advised people to avoid the area.
www.smh.com.au
December 14, 2025 at 11:03 AM
12 killed, one offender killed and one in custody according to the NSW premier at ongoing press conference. Thoughts are with Australia’s jewish community as they celebrate Hanukkah. The investigation is just beginning - there are things we don’t have answers to.
A masked rifleman walked into a classroom, a review session being led by 21-year-old.
Some fascinating, and some chilling, details here. Read this instead of just scrolling social media. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/14/u...
Some fascinating, and some chilling, details here. Read this instead of just scrolling social media. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/14/u...
A Brown University Instructor Hid From Gunfire With His Students
www.nytimes.com
December 14, 2025 at 9:06 AM
A masked rifleman walked into a classroom, a review session being led by 21-year-old.
Some fascinating, and some chilling, details here. Read this instead of just scrolling social media. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/14/u...
Some fascinating, and some chilling, details here. Read this instead of just scrolling social media. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/14/u...
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
Seven German journalism students tracked Russian-crewed freighters lurking off the Dutch and German coast—and connected them to drone swarms over military bases. (Hank Van Ess)
December 12, 2025 at 4:43 AM
Seven German journalism students tracked Russian-crewed freighters lurking off the Dutch and German coast—and connected them to drone swarms over military bases. (Hank Van Ess)
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
Very to the point and timely article, and actuslly a great mini-introduction to the phenomenon of the Muslim Brotherhood
The Muslim Brotherhood still isn’t a terrorist organization. Designating it now has more to do with Trump’s toxic domestic agenda, appeasing rhe radical far right, and paying off regional allies than with truth or actual Middle East interests. New by me.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/10/t...
foreignpolicy.com/2025/12/10/t...
The Muslim Brotherhood Still Isn’t a Terrorist Organization
Naming it one will only bolster repression in the Middle East and the United States.
foreignpolicy.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Very to the point and timely article, and actuslly a great mini-introduction to the phenomenon of the Muslim Brotherhood
With this and New Zealand listing two white supremacist networks Monday (O9A and Terrorgram), it's a big week for terrorist designation/proscription.
And it's more evidence of a divergence between the US and its traditional/former allies regarding who is a "terrorist."
And it's more evidence of a divergence between the US and its traditional/former allies regarding who is a "terrorist."
As of today the Government of Canada has listed 764 and Maniac Murder Cult as terrorist entities. 🤘🔥
www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scr...
www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scr...
December 10, 2025 at 7:19 PM
With this and New Zealand listing two white supremacist networks Monday (O9A and Terrorgram), it's a big week for terrorist designation/proscription.
And it's more evidence of a divergence between the US and its traditional/former allies regarding who is a "terrorist."
And it's more evidence of a divergence between the US and its traditional/former allies regarding who is a "terrorist."
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
As near as I can tell, several years ago the US cancelled the Beyond the Horizon and New Horizons training missions that did a lot of this stuff—vaccinating livestock, providing dental care, building clinics, etc.— throughout a number of Latin American countries. These were low cost wins.
"A Chinese hospital ship quietly docked in hurricane-hit Jamaica this week, projecting soft power into the heart of the Caribbean where a US armada is conducting a controversial anti-narcotics mission targeted at Venezuela."
Chinese Hospital Ship Visits Jamaica as US Gunboats Ply Caribbean
A Chinese hospital ship quietly docked in hurricane-hit Jamaica this week, projecting soft power into the heart of the Caribbean where a US armada is conducting a controversial anti-narcotics mission ...
www.bloomberg.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:52 PM
As near as I can tell, several years ago the US cancelled the Beyond the Horizon and New Horizons training missions that did a lot of this stuff—vaccinating livestock, providing dental care, building clinics, etc.— throughout a number of Latin American countries. These were low cost wins.
Brutalism under a clear blue sky
December 10, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Brutalism under a clear blue sky
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
New terrorism designations just dropped. This time, New Zealand designates Order of Nine Angles
and The Terrorgram Collective.
Complete list is here: www.police.govt.nz/advice/perso...
and The Terrorgram Collective.
Complete list is here: www.police.govt.nz/advice/perso...
gazette.govt.nz
December 10, 2025 at 1:04 PM
New terrorism designations just dropped. This time, New Zealand designates Order of Nine Angles
and The Terrorgram Collective.
Complete list is here: www.police.govt.nz/advice/perso...
and The Terrorgram Collective.
Complete list is here: www.police.govt.nz/advice/perso...
Another subnational government - now Florida, following Texas - getting into terrorist proscription.
Beyond symbolism, it claims to prevent affiliates (or those that materially support group) from getting state jobs, contracts, or benefits.
Seems unlikely to stand up in court, but still.
Beyond symbolism, it claims to prevent affiliates (or those that materially support group) from getting state jobs, contracts, or benefits.
Seems unlikely to stand up in court, but still.
December 9, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Another subnational government - now Florida, following Texas - getting into terrorist proscription.
Beyond symbolism, it claims to prevent affiliates (or those that materially support group) from getting state jobs, contracts, or benefits.
Seems unlikely to stand up in court, but still.
Beyond symbolism, it claims to prevent affiliates (or those that materially support group) from getting state jobs, contracts, or benefits.
Seems unlikely to stand up in court, but still.
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
Whoa … this is really strange.
Federal law enforcement managed to confiscate almost two tons of cocaine, and arrest 3 suspects, without blowing the boat out of the water or killing anyone.
🎁 link ⤵️
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Federal law enforcement managed to confiscate almost two tons of cocaine, and arrest 3 suspects, without blowing the boat out of the water or killing anyone.
🎁 link ⤵️
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
$28 million of cocaine seized off Miami Beach. Three men charged
Coast Guard and CBP seized about 3,715 pounds of cocaine worth $28 million from a 65-foot vessel near Government Cut off Miami Beach; three men were arrested.
www.miamiherald.com
December 7, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Whoa … this is really strange.
Federal law enforcement managed to confiscate almost two tons of cocaine, and arrest 3 suspects, without blowing the boat out of the water or killing anyone.
🎁 link ⤵️
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Federal law enforcement managed to confiscate almost two tons of cocaine, and arrest 3 suspects, without blowing the boat out of the water or killing anyone.
🎁 link ⤵️
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/c...
Check this out, "Organized criminal violence and leadership decapitation in Latin America’s drug wars" by Burke.
I think it's the first cross-national study of leadership removal, studying 6 countries. Finding: leadership targeting triggers more violence. 🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
I think it's the first cross-national study of leadership removal, studying 6 countries. Finding: leadership targeting triggers more violence. 🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Organized criminal violence and leadership decapitation in Latin America’s drug wars
This study examines the effects of arresting or killing leaders of organized criminal groups (OCGs) on drug market violence in six Latin American coun…
www.sciencedirect.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Check this out, "Organized criminal violence and leadership decapitation in Latin America’s drug wars" by Burke.
I think it's the first cross-national study of leadership removal, studying 6 countries. Finding: leadership targeting triggers more violence. 🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
I think it's the first cross-national study of leadership removal, studying 6 countries. Finding: leadership targeting triggers more violence. 🧵
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Brian J. Phillips
Use of mental health medications in the population of Swedish PhD students is 40% higher than a matched sample by the fifth PhD year.
Be kind to PhD students. Don't take up PhD students you can't invest in. Alert prospective students of the reality of a PhD.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Be kind to PhD students. Don't take up PhD students you can't invest in. Alert prospective students of the reality of a PhD.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
December 6, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Use of mental health medications in the population of Swedish PhD students is 40% higher than a matched sample by the fifth PhD year.
Be kind to PhD students. Don't take up PhD students you can't invest in. Alert prospective students of the reality of a PhD.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Be kind to PhD students. Don't take up PhD students you can't invest in. Alert prospective students of the reality of a PhD.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...