James Barnett
@james-barnett.bsky.social
Researcher and PhD candidate studying conflict and political transitions in Africa (Nigeria and the Horn). Fieldwork fanatic, interdisciplinary inclinations
Various affiliations, but all views my own.
Various affiliations, but all views my own.
Reposted by James Barnett
"A military intervention premised on the wrong diagnosis would not save Nigerian Christians," @james-barnett.bsky.social writes. https://wapo.st/3LPioMs
Opinion | Nigeria’s crisis runs deeper than just a war on Christians
The Trump administration is dangerously misreading the conflict and its causes.
wapo.st
November 9, 2025 at 8:04 PM
"A military intervention premised on the wrong diagnosis would not save Nigerian Christians," @james-barnett.bsky.social writes. https://wapo.st/3LPioMs
Reposted by James Barnett
On a deadly serious note, the President cannot rely on external, private sources to fund spending as an end-run around Congress’ constitutional power of the purse. If he can, we no longer have a republic.
October 25, 2025 at 3:53 PM
On a deadly serious note, the President cannot rely on external, private sources to fund spending as an end-run around Congress’ constitutional power of the purse. If he can, we no longer have a republic.
Reposted by James Barnett
The scorched-earth tactic has been used as a war tactic since ancient times. And it is still used in modern warfare. Senior Researcher at DIIS, Peer Schouten, has just received a grant from the Independent Research Fund Denmark to map how the tactic is used today in a three-year project 🎉
October 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The scorched-earth tactic has been used as a war tactic since ancient times. And it is still used in modern warfare. Senior Researcher at DIIS, Peer Schouten, has just received a grant from the Independent Research Fund Denmark to map how the tactic is used today in a three-year project 🎉
Reposted by James Barnett
Diarra will comply. This is the power of embargoes: not just an instrument of warfare but also a massively effective instrument of governance. We have a major bus company accepting the ruling of a jihadist group, making wonder who governs Mali
October 18, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Diarra will comply. This is the power of embargoes: not just an instrument of warfare but also a massively effective instrument of governance. We have a major bus company accepting the ruling of a jihadist group, making wonder who governs Mali
Reposted by James Barnett
News on Trump boat bombings --> Now that SouthCom Commander Alvin Holsey has resigned, likely over the bombings, ranking Armed Services Dem Adam Smith tells me committee Ds will demand Holsey's sworn testimony and press Rs to join them.
Smith spoke to us on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2019...
Smith spoke to us on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2019...
Trump Boat Bombings Take Darker Turn as Top Official Suddenly Resigns
As the head of the military’s Southern Command steps down, Adam Smith, the top Armed Services Committee Democrat, sheds new light on the departure—and on Trump’s appalling secrecy about the bombings.
newrepublic.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:41 AM
News on Trump boat bombings --> Now that SouthCom Commander Alvin Holsey has resigned, likely over the bombings, ranking Armed Services Dem Adam Smith tells me committee Ds will demand Holsey's sworn testimony and press Rs to join them.
Smith spoke to us on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2019...
Smith spoke to us on the pod:
newrepublic.com/article/2019...
Reposted by James Barnett
New Jihadology Guest Post: Who Are Nigeria’s “Newest” Jihadist Militants? by @james-barnett.bsky.social and @vincentfoucher.bsky.social jihadology.net/2025/10/15/g...
GUEST POST: Who Are Nigeria’s “Newest” Jihadist Militants?
jihadology.net
October 15, 2025 at 5:42 PM
New Jihadology Guest Post: Who Are Nigeria’s “Newest” Jihadist Militants? by @james-barnett.bsky.social and @vincentfoucher.bsky.social jihadology.net/2025/10/15/g...
Reposted by James Barnett
It’s the 111th anniversary today of the birth of Harry Rée, who was a teacher and conscientious objector when the Second World War broke out, and by the time it ended, when he was 31, had invented ‘blackmail sabotage’ and got a DSO, an OBE, a Croix de Guerre, and a Medaille de la Resistance
October 15, 2025 at 8:29 AM
It’s the 111th anniversary today of the birth of Harry Rée, who was a teacher and conscientious objector when the Second World War broke out, and by the time it ended, when he was 31, had invented ‘blackmail sabotage’ and got a DSO, an OBE, a Croix de Guerre, and a Medaille de la Resistance
Reposted by James Barnett
Breaking News: Raila Odinga, a former prime minister and a towering figure of Kenyan politics, died at 80. Read more: nyti.ms/42D5BT9
October 15, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Breaking News: Raila Odinga, a former prime minister and a towering figure of Kenyan politics, died at 80. Read more: nyti.ms/42D5BT9
Reposted by James Barnett
The new pope is quoting Hannah Arendt. www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...
Pope Leo calls for news agencies to stand as bulwark against "post-truths," lies and manipulation
Pope Leo XIV has encouraged international news agencies to stand firm as a bulwark against the "ancient art of lying" and manipulation.
www.cbsnews.com
October 12, 2025 at 1:17 PM
The new pope is quoting Hannah Arendt. www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...
Reposted by James Barnett
Chicago priest Fr. Larry Dowling describes procession to ICE facility: “No one had the courage to speak directly to us. No one from Homeland Security could stand in the presence of the Monstrance holding the Blessed Sacrament. No wonder. Evil is repelled, recoils in the presence of Christ.”
October 11, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Chicago priest Fr. Larry Dowling describes procession to ICE facility: “No one had the courage to speak directly to us. No one from Homeland Security could stand in the presence of the Monstrance holding the Blessed Sacrament. No wonder. Evil is repelled, recoils in the presence of Christ.”
Reposted by James Barnett
The deportation order derives from the crime of which he has now been exonerated.
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
He was wrongfully imprisoned for 43 years. Moments after being released, ICE took him
Subramanyam “Subu” Vedam now faces deportation.
www.miamiherald.com
October 12, 2025 at 12:26 PM
The deportation order derives from the crime of which he has now been exonerated.
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
www.miamiherald.com/news/local/i...
Reposted by James Barnett
Fukuyama debunks the AI abundance myth: we can't feed or clothe all not due to a lack of smarts, but priorities and resources.
The world simply can't sustain the abundant lifestyle AI proponents promise, lacking even the electricity to run the very AI they favor.
The world simply can't sustain the abundant lifestyle AI proponents promise, lacking even the electricity to run the very AI they favor.
October 12, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Fukuyama debunks the AI abundance myth: we can't feed or clothe all not due to a lack of smarts, but priorities and resources.
The world simply can't sustain the abundant lifestyle AI proponents promise, lacking even the electricity to run the very AI they favor.
The world simply can't sustain the abundant lifestyle AI proponents promise, lacking even the electricity to run the very AI they favor.
Reposted by James Barnett
What a story
Restitution row: how Nigeria’s new home for the Benin bronzes ended up with clay replicas
The public display of artefacts looted by British colonial forces at the new Museum of West African Art was supposed to be the crowning glory of a decades-long restitution effort. What went wrong?
www.theguardian.com
October 12, 2025 at 6:59 AM
What a story
Reposted by James Barnett
George was just trying to get to work.
ICE pepper-sprayed him, dragged him from his car, locked him in a detention center, and placed him on suicide watch. He even missed his young daughter’s birthday in the process.
This man is a veteran and American citizen. Don't look away.
ICE pepper-sprayed him, dragged him from his car, locked him in a detention center, and placed him on suicide watch. He even missed his young daughter’s birthday in the process.
This man is a veteran and American citizen. Don't look away.
"They put me on suicide watch and they put me in the cell, I'm naked, in like a hospital dress and just a concrete bed with like a mattress, like a thin mattress and, they leave the light on 24/7."
@timmiller.bsky.social talked to a veteran who ICE wrongly detained and brutalized
@timmiller.bsky.social talked to a veteran who ICE wrongly detained and brutalized
October 10, 2025 at 7:02 PM
George was just trying to get to work.
ICE pepper-sprayed him, dragged him from his car, locked him in a detention center, and placed him on suicide watch. He even missed his young daughter’s birthday in the process.
This man is a veteran and American citizen. Don't look away.
ICE pepper-sprayed him, dragged him from his car, locked him in a detention center, and placed him on suicide watch. He even missed his young daughter’s birthday in the process.
This man is a veteran and American citizen. Don't look away.
Reposted by James Barnett
The anguish of migration is the context of Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film, but in the foreground is a breathless sequence of shoot-outs, rooftop flights and car chases, powered by a fiery soundtrack
“One Battle After Another” wins the war
Paul Thomas Anderson gives a masterclass in making a political film
econ.st
October 9, 2025 at 12:40 PM
The anguish of migration is the context of Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film, but in the foreground is a breathless sequence of shoot-outs, rooftop flights and car chases, powered by a fiery soundtrack
Reposted by James Barnett
repost this if an editor has ever saved you from yourself
An actual hot take: Too many authors are afraid of editors watering down their voice or whatever and not afraid enough of editors letting you put any old slop on the page.
October 8, 2025 at 10:44 PM
repost this if an editor has ever saved you from yourself
Reposted by James Barnett
Here’s the term card for the Northeast Africa Forum in Oxford, a research seminar focused on the broader East Africa region. We meet on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., and most sessions are also held in hybrid format. @jasonmosley.bsky.social @mwangimwaura.bsky.social @terrefebiruk.bsky.social
October 7, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Here’s the term card for the Northeast Africa Forum in Oxford, a research seminar focused on the broader East Africa region. We meet on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., and most sessions are also held in hybrid format. @jasonmosley.bsky.social @mwangimwaura.bsky.social @terrefebiruk.bsky.social
Reposted by James Barnett
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government’s claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed.
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
Attorney for woman shot by Border Patrol claims officer said 'Do something b-----' before shooting
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government's claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed. A judge ordered Martinez and a co-defendant released pending trial.
trib.al
October 6, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Body-camera video appears to contradict the government’s claim that Marimar Martinez, 30, drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her late Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney claimed.
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
trib.al/9Sxu9IN
Reposted by James Barnett
If U.S. states have any degree of sovereignty, if there’s any states’ rights at all, it is the right not to be invaded by the armed forces of another U.S. state.
October 6, 2025 at 12:36 PM
If U.S. states have any degree of sovereignty, if there’s any states’ rights at all, it is the right not to be invaded by the armed forces of another U.S. state.
Reposted by James Barnett
Over the weekend, Trump's deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller repeatedly attacked judges, calling them part of an "organized terrorist attack" on the US government....
On Saturday, the home of a judge who ruled against Trump, went up in flames
time.com/7323442/sout...
On Saturday, the home of a judge who ruled against Trump, went up in flames
time.com/7323442/sout...
House of South Carolina Judge Criticized by Trump Administration Set Ablaze
Authorities are investigating a fire at the home of a South Carolina judge who had reportedly received death threats in what could be the latest incident of political violence across the country.
time.com
October 6, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Over the weekend, Trump's deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller repeatedly attacked judges, calling them part of an "organized terrorist attack" on the US government....
On Saturday, the home of a judge who ruled against Trump, went up in flames
time.com/7323442/sout...
On Saturday, the home of a judge who ruled against Trump, went up in flames
time.com/7323442/sout...
Reposted by James Barnett
🚨 #MOGADISHU
Al-Shabaab militants stormed Godka Jilicow, a high-security spy agency prison near #Somalia's presidential palace.
The attack began with car bomb, followed by gunmen. Reports say 8 attackers: 4 killed, 4 still fighting inside. Elite Gaashaan forces deployed.
Al-Shabaab militants stormed Godka Jilicow, a high-security spy agency prison near #Somalia's presidential palace.
The attack began with car bomb, followed by gunmen. Reports say 8 attackers: 4 killed, 4 still fighting inside. Elite Gaashaan forces deployed.
October 4, 2025 at 4:47 PM
🚨 #MOGADISHU
Al-Shabaab militants stormed Godka Jilicow, a high-security spy agency prison near #Somalia's presidential palace.
The attack began with car bomb, followed by gunmen. Reports say 8 attackers: 4 killed, 4 still fighting inside. Elite Gaashaan forces deployed.
Al-Shabaab militants stormed Godka Jilicow, a high-security spy agency prison near #Somalia's presidential palace.
The attack began with car bomb, followed by gunmen. Reports say 8 attackers: 4 killed, 4 still fighting inside. Elite Gaashaan forces deployed.
Reposted by James Barnett
I spoke to a Venezuelan woman who was arrested in this raid and later released with her 4yo son. She said agents broke down their door, pointed guns at them and made sexualized remarks about Venezuelan women. When she returned to her apartment it was boarded up and all her possessions were gone.
US Border Patrol raid sweeps in citizens, families as Chicago crackdown intensifies, w/ @reneehickman.bsky.social @kristinacooke.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
US Border Patrol raid sweeps in citizens, families as Chicago crackdown intensifies
U.S. Border Patrol agents deployed to Chicago led a late-night raid on an apartment building this week, rappelling from helicopters onto rooftops and breaking down doors in an operation authorities said targeted gang members but which swept up U.S. citizens and families.
www.reuters.com
October 4, 2025 at 2:30 PM
I spoke to a Venezuelan woman who was arrested in this raid and later released with her 4yo son. She said agents broke down their door, pointed guns at them and made sexualized remarks about Venezuelan women. When she returned to her apartment it was boarded up and all her possessions were gone.
Reposted by James Barnett
🚨 #SOMALIA
President Hassan and Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe are set to meet in Kismaayo, even as courts in Mogadishu & Kismaayo pursue treason cases against both.
Neither case has been dropped — underscoring how Somalia's judiciary is used as a political tool.
President Hassan and Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe are set to meet in Kismaayo, even as courts in Mogadishu & Kismaayo pursue treason cases against both.
Neither case has been dropped — underscoring how Somalia's judiciary is used as a political tool.
October 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
🚨 #SOMALIA
President Hassan and Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe are set to meet in Kismaayo, even as courts in Mogadishu & Kismaayo pursue treason cases against both.
Neither case has been dropped — underscoring how Somalia's judiciary is used as a political tool.
President Hassan and Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe are set to meet in Kismaayo, even as courts in Mogadishu & Kismaayo pursue treason cases against both.
Neither case has been dropped — underscoring how Somalia's judiciary is used as a political tool.
Reposted by James Barnett
Russian drones struck two passenger trains in northern Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least one person and injuring dozens of others in the region of Sumy, Ukrainian officials said.
Russian Drones Hit 2 Passenger Trains, Ukraine Says
The drone strikes killed at least one person and injured dozens of others, officials said. The attack came amid rising alarm about the status of a nuclear plant relying solely on generators.
nyti.ms
October 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Russian drones struck two passenger trains in northern Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least one person and injuring dozens of others in the region of Sumy, Ukrainian officials said.