O. H. Mahometes-Nathoo
@omar-nathoo.bsky.social
19th century historian (cultural and intellectual history of European public law). Latin-loving, theatre-going book goblin from London, UK. Currently finishing my PhD in Auckland, NZ (previously at University College Utrecht and McGill University).
Pinned
Follows seem to have slowed, so I've probably peaked. I'm guessing most people are following me through starter packs? I do history stuff. Submitted my PhD on jurisprudential cultures and the balances of power in 1820s Britain. So looking for postdocs/jobs! (1/3)
Shit-for-Brains Shivani strikes again! Might be misogyny and jealousy, but privately* several Leicester City councillors insist Raja was only selected as a candidate because her husband has business interests with more senior Tories.
timesofindia-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/timesofi...
timesofindia-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/timesofi...
United Kingdom: Diwali celebrations in Leicester virtually cancelled; Hindu MP Shivani Raja speaks out - The Times of India
Leicester's Diwali festival, known as the largest celebration outside India, faces significant reductions this year due to safety issues, prompting reactions from community leaders and Leicester East ...
timesofindia-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org
September 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Shit-for-Brains Shivani strikes again! Might be misogyny and jealousy, but privately* several Leicester City councillors insist Raja was only selected as a candidate because her husband has business interests with more senior Tories.
timesofindia-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/timesofi...
timesofindia-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/timesofi...
youtu.be/xPt65FTMXk8?...
So happy to hear @rory-stewart.bsky.social discuss the problem with the practices of some universities! I have tutored students at UK universities, and I am appalled at the standards of some postgraduate courses (and the students were openly disinterested in the education).
So happy to hear @rory-stewart.bsky.social discuss the problem with the practices of some universities! I have tutored students at UK universities, and I am appalled at the standards of some postgraduate courses (and the students were openly disinterested in the education).
Britain's Immigration Issue - What’s the Solution?
YouTube video by The Rest Is Politics
youtu.be
June 13, 2025 at 10:06 AM
youtu.be/xPt65FTMXk8?...
So happy to hear @rory-stewart.bsky.social discuss the problem with the practices of some universities! I have tutored students at UK universities, and I am appalled at the standards of some postgraduate courses (and the students were openly disinterested in the education).
So happy to hear @rory-stewart.bsky.social discuss the problem with the practices of some universities! I have tutored students at UK universities, and I am appalled at the standards of some postgraduate courses (and the students were openly disinterested in the education).
Reposted by O. H. Mahometes-Nathoo
One of the worst effects of successive govts' rhetoric on Higher Ed is that it's 'training for a job'. So 18yos get themselves (and are pressured) onto narrow technical courses. Yet employers are crying out for ppl who can read, think, write, speak! I've never met an employer who said different.
April 17, 2025 at 9:42 AM
One of the worst effects of successive govts' rhetoric on Higher Ed is that it's 'training for a job'. So 18yos get themselves (and are pressured) onto narrow technical courses. Yet employers are crying out for ppl who can read, think, write, speak! I've never met an employer who said different.
British Steel's turnover (2023) £1.26 billion - Votes at risk! Red Wall! Urgent legislation!
UK universities' combined turnover (2023/4) £57.2bn - Central to innovation and the industrial strategy. Educating a dumbed down nation. Silence.
Yes, let's save steel, but for heavens sake help unis too!
UK universities' combined turnover (2023/4) £57.2bn - Central to innovation and the industrial strategy. Educating a dumbed down nation. Silence.
Yes, let's save steel, but for heavens sake help unis too!
April 12, 2025 at 9:10 AM
The “trilma” (trilemma?) reflects deeply neoliberal assumptions about higher education. If universities are going to survive at all, they need to be funded properly. But that also means they have to behave like places of learning (rather than businesses). So there are other options:
The core trilma here remains the same - the govt needs to accept one of three things: high student migration, higher domestic student fees (or higher taxes to fund universities) or university bankruptcies. Those are the only options, given where we are. Pick one.
The UK government is proposing to finally finish off its universities by further tightening the terms of the graduate visa route. The stupid fools. Playing with dangers they don't even understand. www.ft.com/content/f441...
April 8, 2025 at 11:19 AM
The “trilma” (trilemma?) reflects deeply neoliberal assumptions about higher education. If universities are going to survive at all, they need to be funded properly. But that also means they have to behave like places of learning (rather than businesses). So there are other options:
Ran the Rutland Spring Half Marathon this morning. Been having some niggling issues with my knee, so super happy with the time. Weather conditions were amazing, and Rutland Water (as always) was beautiful.
April 6, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Ran the Rutland Spring Half Marathon this morning. Been having some niggling issues with my knee, so super happy with the time. Weather conditions were amazing, and Rutland Water (as always) was beautiful.
Reposted by O. H. Mahometes-Nathoo
Arjun Appadurai and Sheldon Pollock on boards of trustees: “Who actually runs Columbia University?” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
April 1, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Arjun Appadurai and Sheldon Pollock on boards of trustees: “Who actually runs Columbia University?” www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by O. H. Mahometes-Nathoo
In a new episode of the BBC History Extra podcast, the Society's President, Lucy Noakes, considers the state of history in UK higher education today bit.ly/4cwSiaJ
Lucy discusses the impact of cuts, restoring a student numbers cap, and history's contribution to national culture #skystorians 1/2
Lucy discusses the impact of cuts, restoring a student numbers cap, and history's contribution to national culture #skystorians 1/2
April 1, 2025 at 7:00 AM
In a new episode of the BBC History Extra podcast, the Society's President, Lucy Noakes, considers the state of history in UK higher education today bit.ly/4cwSiaJ
Lucy discusses the impact of cuts, restoring a student numbers cap, and history's contribution to national culture #skystorians 1/2
Lucy discusses the impact of cuts, restoring a student numbers cap, and history's contribution to national culture #skystorians 1/2
Reposted by O. H. Mahometes-Nathoo
🚨 EMERGENCY DEMO – US EMBASSY, LONDON 🚨
🛑 Stop Putin – Stop Trump
🇺🇦 Stand by Ukraine
🌍 Europe, wake up!
📅 Wed 5 March ⏰ 5:30–7 PM
📍 US Embassy, 33 Nine Elms Lane, SW11 7US (Vauxhall)
Called by USC, Ukrainian orgs & @johnmcdonnellmp.bsky.social Be there with us! ✊ #StandWithUkraine
🛑 Stop Putin – Stop Trump
🇺🇦 Stand by Ukraine
🌍 Europe, wake up!
📅 Wed 5 March ⏰ 5:30–7 PM
📍 US Embassy, 33 Nine Elms Lane, SW11 7US (Vauxhall)
Called by USC, Ukrainian orgs & @johnmcdonnellmp.bsky.social Be there with us! ✊ #StandWithUkraine
March 2, 2025 at 12:43 PM
🚨 EMERGENCY DEMO – US EMBASSY, LONDON 🚨
🛑 Stop Putin – Stop Trump
🇺🇦 Stand by Ukraine
🌍 Europe, wake up!
📅 Wed 5 March ⏰ 5:30–7 PM
📍 US Embassy, 33 Nine Elms Lane, SW11 7US (Vauxhall)
Called by USC, Ukrainian orgs & @johnmcdonnellmp.bsky.social Be there with us! ✊ #StandWithUkraine
🛑 Stop Putin – Stop Trump
🇺🇦 Stand by Ukraine
🌍 Europe, wake up!
📅 Wed 5 March ⏰ 5:30–7 PM
📍 US Embassy, 33 Nine Elms Lane, SW11 7US (Vauxhall)
Called by USC, Ukrainian orgs & @johnmcdonnellmp.bsky.social Be there with us! ✊ #StandWithUkraine
Reposted by O. H. Mahometes-Nathoo
États-Unis & Europe, histoire de sécurité ? ⚔️🛡️
4 épisodes ! Le Cours de l'histoire tous les jours en direct à 9h @franceculture.fr @radiofrance.fr puis podcast
Quasi-guerre
Sauve-moi si tu peux !
"America first"… déjà en 1941
Est-ce toujours l'Otan des copains ?
www.radiofrance.fr/francecultur...
4 épisodes ! Le Cours de l'histoire tous les jours en direct à 9h @franceculture.fr @radiofrance.fr puis podcast
Quasi-guerre
Sauve-moi si tu peux !
"America first"… déjà en 1941
Est-ce toujours l'Otan des copains ?
www.radiofrance.fr/francecultur...
March 2, 2025 at 3:56 PM
États-Unis & Europe, histoire de sécurité ? ⚔️🛡️
4 épisodes ! Le Cours de l'histoire tous les jours en direct à 9h @franceculture.fr @radiofrance.fr puis podcast
Quasi-guerre
Sauve-moi si tu peux !
"America first"… déjà en 1941
Est-ce toujours l'Otan des copains ?
www.radiofrance.fr/francecultur...
4 épisodes ! Le Cours de l'histoire tous les jours en direct à 9h @franceculture.fr @radiofrance.fr puis podcast
Quasi-guerre
Sauve-moi si tu peux !
"America first"… déjà en 1941
Est-ce toujours l'Otan des copains ?
www.radiofrance.fr/francecultur...
This is an attempt to balance powers. In 19thC, Metternich sacrificed Poland to keep Russia against France. In the 20thC, the West betrayed Poland to the Soviet Union. Short-term gains that hampered long-term aims.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article... (I refuse to cite the original Brietbart article)
www.bloomberg.com/news/article... (I refuse to cite the original Brietbart article)
Rubio Says US Can’t Let Russia Become China’s ‘Junior Partner’
Secretary of State Marco Rubio mapped out US strategy for managing Russia’s close relationship with China, saying Washington wants to dilute ties without sowing division between the nuclear-armed neig...
www.bloomberg.com
February 27, 2025 at 8:29 AM
This is an attempt to balance powers. In 19thC, Metternich sacrificed Poland to keep Russia against France. In the 20thC, the West betrayed Poland to the Soviet Union. Short-term gains that hampered long-term aims.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article... (I refuse to cite the original Brietbart article)
www.bloomberg.com/news/article... (I refuse to cite the original Brietbart article)
I've marked essays written by AI... I’m not concerned about code doing a better job than any decently trained historian. I am, however, worried about fad-driven VCs trying to replace academics with AI. That there is human stupidity. Countries should do the sensible thing: ban all AI.
Mark Humphries argues that with the release of deep research tools, historians can no longer afford to ignore AI in the hope that it'll go away.
Instead, they need to engage, scrutinize, and direct the development and use of these tools. 🗃️
open.substack.com/pub/generati...
Instead, they need to engage, scrutinize, and direct the development and use of these tools. 🗃️
open.substack.com/pub/generati...
Is this the Last Generation of Historians?
OpenAI’s Deep Research is a strange and shockingly powerful agentic AI research assistant that offers a clear glimpse of the future. But where do we fit in?
open.substack.com
February 14, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I've marked essays written by AI... I’m not concerned about code doing a better job than any decently trained historian. I am, however, worried about fad-driven VCs trying to replace academics with AI. That there is human stupidity. Countries should do the sensible thing: ban all AI.
Reposted by O. H. Mahometes-Nathoo
ON THE BLOG: Parliament during the Brexit process
Meg Russell's contribution to a new @ukandeu.bsky.social report examines the role of parliament in the withdrawal process and calls on MPs to work to restore and strengthen parliament's traditional scrutiny role
Meg Russell's contribution to a new @ukandeu.bsky.social report examines the role of parliament in the withdrawal process and calls on MPs to work to restore and strengthen parliament's traditional scrutiny role
The role of parliament during the Brexit process
Constitution Unit Director Meg Russell is one of the authors of a new UK in a Changing Europe report, The Brexit Files: From Referendum to Reset, which was published today. In this post, Meg examin…
constitution-unit.com
February 3, 2025 at 7:00 AM
ON THE BLOG: Parliament during the Brexit process
Meg Russell's contribution to a new @ukandeu.bsky.social report examines the role of parliament in the withdrawal process and calls on MPs to work to restore and strengthen parliament's traditional scrutiny role
Meg Russell's contribution to a new @ukandeu.bsky.social report examines the role of parliament in the withdrawal process and calls on MPs to work to restore and strengthen parliament's traditional scrutiny role
Great article from David Gauke!
My piece for ConHome on why Farage’s flirtation with economic populism should warn centre right voters to steer well clear.
conservativehome.com/2025/01/13/d...
conservativehome.com/2025/01/13/d...
David Gauke: Farage's flirtation with economic populism should warn centre-right voters to steer well clear | Conservative Home
From Reform’s perspective, there is a strong case for moving to the left on economic issues: most of the seats they can hope to pick up will be from Labour.
conservativehome.com
January 13, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Great article from David Gauke!
Ran 9km in honour of the victims of Soviet aggression against Lithuania (and in solidarity with the victims of continued Russian aggression against Ukraine) yesterday.
January 13, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Ran 9km in honour of the victims of Soviet aggression against Lithuania (and in solidarity with the victims of continued Russian aggression against Ukraine) yesterday.
Managed to sneak another parkrun in Leicestershire (in -4°C) before returning to London this afternoon. Doing the ‘Road of Life and Death’ tribute run at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park tomorrow morning (www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tribute-ru...)
January 11, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Managed to sneak another parkrun in Leicestershire (in -4°C) before returning to London this afternoon. Doing the ‘Road of Life and Death’ tribute run at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park tomorrow morning (www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tribute-ru...)
Reposted by O. H. Mahometes-Nathoo
"Roy’s book is a brilliant piece of scholarship, indispensable for any study of the connections between British India and Nazi Germany, specifically Nazi Germany’s efforts to influence Indian public opinion."
thewire.in/books/how-th...
thewire.in/books/how-th...
How The Nazis Worked With Indian Organisations Like Arya Samaj to Spread Propaganda
A well researched new book brings to light the strategies the Nazis used to disseminate their message during British rule.
thewire.in
January 8, 2025 at 6:46 AM
"Roy’s book is a brilliant piece of scholarship, indispensable for any study of the connections between British India and Nazi Germany, specifically Nazi Germany’s efforts to influence Indian public opinion."
thewire.in/books/how-th...
thewire.in/books/how-th...
1) Foreign criminals are deported (see UK Borders Act 2007, ss.32-39).
2) Sorry, when did we legalise paedophilia and child sexual exploitation? As far as I am aware, the perpetrators of the various scandals are in prison.
3) I’m glad Jenrick is an advocate of the rule of law.
2) Sorry, when did we legalise paedophilia and child sexual exploitation? As far as I am aware, the perpetrators of the various scandals are in prison.
3) I’m glad Jenrick is an advocate of the rule of law.
We know Jenrick is both a shameless opportunist and an overt racist/ethnonationalist.
But the test is now for Badenoch.
Ted Heath, to his great credit, immediately sacked Enoch Powell.
Does she have the same moral courage?
But the test is now for Badenoch.
Ted Heath, to his great credit, immediately sacked Enoch Powell.
Does she have the same moral courage?
January 5, 2025 at 12:28 PM
1) Foreign criminals are deported (see UK Borders Act 2007, ss.32-39).
2) Sorry, when did we legalise paedophilia and child sexual exploitation? As far as I am aware, the perpetrators of the various scandals are in prison.
3) I’m glad Jenrick is an advocate of the rule of law.
2) Sorry, when did we legalise paedophilia and child sexual exploitation? As far as I am aware, the perpetrators of the various scandals are in prison.
3) I’m glad Jenrick is an advocate of the rule of law.
Parkrun this morning. Still recovering from December, but had the bonus of beating my brother (I’ll be back in London next week, so it was my last chance). Made some sourdough crumpets topped with thermidor sauce and lobster as a reward.
January 4, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Parkrun this morning. Still recovering from December, but had the bonus of beating my brother (I’ll be back in London next week, so it was my last chance). Made some sourdough crumpets topped with thermidor sauce and lobster as a reward.
Reposted by O. H. Mahometes-Nathoo
What I don’t understand is that with the withering away of humanities and social sciences on US campuses where is all this free speech meant to take place? In Business Studies? Computer Science?
I suddenly remembered this NYTs op-ed. Haven’t they been lecturing academics about this for like five years?
January 3, 2025 at 7:08 AM
What I don’t understand is that with the withering away of humanities and social sciences on US campuses where is all this free speech meant to take place? In Business Studies? Computer Science?
Events in Syria show how international civil wars are: resurgence of HTS a direct consequence of weakening Iran/Hezbollah (which is good), and preoccupation of Russia in Ukraine. Neither had same capacities as in 2015. Syria is an indicator of complexities maintaining a multipolar balance of power.
Not an expert (don't speak Syrian), but worked in ME during the Arab Spring. Assad regime falling is good because it was a brutal dictatorship and Russian ally. But I remember the first Egyptian Revolution—democratic elections won't necessarily produce govts that respect intl legal norms and rights.
Wow. The current scene outside the Russian Embassy in London.
Syrians gathering to celebrate the imminent fall of the Assad regime.
They have been chanting: “Freedom for Syria, down with Assad, down with Putin.”
#Syria 🇸🇾
(🎥Credit: Idlibie)
Syrians gathering to celebrate the imminent fall of the Assad regime.
They have been chanting: “Freedom for Syria, down with Assad, down with Putin.”
#Syria 🇸🇾
(🎥Credit: Idlibie)
December 8, 2024 at 8:08 AM
Events in Syria show how international civil wars are: resurgence of HTS a direct consequence of weakening Iran/Hezbollah (which is good), and preoccupation of Russia in Ukraine. Neither had same capacities as in 2015. Syria is an indicator of complexities maintaining a multipolar balance of power.
Not an expert (don't speak Syrian), but worked in ME during the Arab Spring. Assad regime falling is good because it was a brutal dictatorship and Russian ally. But I remember the first Egyptian Revolution—democratic elections won't necessarily produce govts that respect intl legal norms and rights.
Wow. The current scene outside the Russian Embassy in London.
Syrians gathering to celebrate the imminent fall of the Assad regime.
They have been chanting: “Freedom for Syria, down with Assad, down with Putin.”
#Syria 🇸🇾
(🎥Credit: Idlibie)
Syrians gathering to celebrate the imminent fall of the Assad regime.
They have been chanting: “Freedom for Syria, down with Assad, down with Putin.”
#Syria 🇸🇾
(🎥Credit: Idlibie)
December 8, 2024 at 8:06 AM
Not an expert (don't speak Syrian), but worked in ME during the Arab Spring. Assad regime falling is good because it was a brutal dictatorship and Russian ally. But I remember the first Egyptian Revolution—democratic elections won't necessarily produce govts that respect intl legal norms and rights.
Reposted by O. H. Mahometes-Nathoo
This Saturday in Berlin, I’ll be delivering a keynote address at the #TruthToJustice conference on how Russian disinformation hurts Africa, threatens Europe, and demeans the West. I’ll expose the global reach of Russian disinformation tactics. Stream here:
www.youtube.com/live/9pvp03i...
www.youtube.com/live/9pvp03i...
December 3, 2024 at 6:52 PM
This Saturday in Berlin, I’ll be delivering a keynote address at the #TruthToJustice conference on how Russian disinformation hurts Africa, threatens Europe, and demeans the West. I’ll expose the global reach of Russian disinformation tactics. Stream here:
www.youtube.com/live/9pvp03i...
www.youtube.com/live/9pvp03i...
As historians, we need to make a better case directly to politicians about the importance of history (& other traditional humanities). Join a political party and be critical from within. This is especially necessary within Labour which seem more hostile to the humanities than Conservatives.
A large number of History posts at Britain's universities have already gone, and many more are under threat. In my view we could lose nearly a third of posts. The @royalhistsoc.bsky.social has prepared a toolkit for colleagues at risk, which is here: blog.royalhistsoc.org/2022/05/24/s...
Supporting History teaching and research in UK universities: a toolkit | Historical Transactions
blog.royalhistsoc.org
December 2, 2024 at 4:23 PM
As historians, we need to make a better case directly to politicians about the importance of history (& other traditional humanities). Join a political party and be critical from within. This is especially necessary within Labour which seem more hostile to the humanities than Conservatives.