Tom PJ Parkin
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tompjparkin.bsky.social
Tom PJ Parkin
@tompjparkin.bsky.social
PhD Candidate and Teaching Associate, University of Sheffield Journalism Department. Researching religion, peacebuilding, security and conflict diplomacy in Northern Ireland. tomparkin.org
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I've joined Blusky! I'm a #PhD researcher and Teaching Associate at the University of Sheffield. I research the role of faith leaders as peacebuilders in post-conflict Northern Ireland.
Follow for posts on broad area of faith and globalisation, #peacebuilding, security, and #conflict #diplomacy.
Yesterday, I presented some of my PhD findings into how high-profile cases of non-recent child sexual abuse have altered religious-state partnerships, and public trust in religious institutions. Thanks to the CSA Centre for putting this workshop/conference together @londonmetuni.bsky.social .
May 1, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Last week, I presented some of my doctoral research to students from the University of Sheffield. I focus on the peacebuilding role of Northern Irish religious leaders—a topic that is still challenging + important for those of us interested in researching conflict resolution and sustainable #peace.
April 1, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Even if AI models were able to do this, readers buy #books as much to connect with the personality of the author (real or imagined) than the book itself.

Human authenticity is irreplaceable, and #AI can’t replicate it. #ChatGPT

www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
ChatGPT firm reveals AI model that is ‘good at creative writing’
As tech firms battle creative industries over copyright, OpenAI chief Sam Altman says he was ‘really struck’ by product’s output
www.theguardian.com
March 12, 2025 at 10:51 PM
www.youtube.com/playlist?lis... Check out this YouTube series of short videos, introducing some of the core theories of international relations.
The Core Theories of International Relations - Short Intros - YouTube
A clear and engaging series for non-specialists, interested in better understanding the trends 📈, connections 🔗and possible outcomes of global events 🌍 and t...
www.youtube.com
February 3, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Away on annual leave, I had the chance to read through Jon Alexander’s book “Citizens”, and I am very pleased I did. Here, Jon presents three different types of stories (frames) we see the world: as Subject, as Consumer, and as Citizen.
January 14, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Reposted by Tom PJ Parkin
🤔Thinking of doing a #PhD?
Here are 8 lessons I've learnt at the end of my second year.

I'm forever indebted to the support, advice, and generosity of others, and so I am keen to summarise what I have learnt (so far) in the hope others may find it useful. tomparkinwrites.medium.com/8-tips-for-n...
8 Tips for New or Aspiring PhD Researchers (From Someone Doing One Now)
I have just finished my second of three years as a full-time PhD candidate at The University of Sheffield. Since starting my research…
tomparkinwrites.medium.com
December 28, 2024 at 12:19 PM
🤔Thinking of doing a #PhD?
Here are 8 lessons I've learnt at the end of my second year.

I'm forever indebted to the support, advice, and generosity of others, and so I am keen to summarise what I have learnt (so far) in the hope others may find it useful. tomparkinwrites.medium.com/8-tips-for-n...
8 Tips for New or Aspiring PhD Researchers (From Someone Doing One Now)
I have just finished my second of three years as a full-time PhD candidate at The University of Sheffield. Since starting my research…
tomparkinwrites.medium.com
December 28, 2024 at 12:19 PM
Reposted by Tom PJ Parkin
Gentle reminder to journalists flooding into the Syrian capital Damascus for the first time in more than a decade (an undeniably riveting opportunity): Any documents you come across are the property of the Syrian people & crucial evidence. It’s not finders keepers.
December 10, 2024 at 6:15 PM
Britain's national conversation around #universities, their funding, and use in boosting economic growth is too narrowly focused on #STEM.

What about the arts, humanities, languages, and social sciences?
December 1, 2024 at 8:58 PM
Reposted by Tom PJ Parkin
An interesting piece by Janan Ganesh for the @financialtimes.com.

I don’t fully buy his argument on China and the piece doesn’t name the culprit chiefly responsible (David Cameron) for blowing up the UK’s golden hand.

That said, the UK was in an unquestionably better position a decade ago.
“In 2014, the UK was in the EU but not in the euro or Schengen borderless zone. It had, if not a special, then a close relationship with an open and trading US. Most tantalisingly, Britain was well placed to become the link between the north Atlantic world and China.”
How Britain squandered the best hand in the world
Having had three friends in high places — the US, the EU and China — the UK contemplates life with none
www.ft.com
November 23, 2024 at 10:08 AM
An absolutely fascinating article by @davidteiner.bsky.social, who has used interviews to better understand the leadership of #UN peace operations.

Open access too!
Happy to see so many people are escaping Twitter and reconnecting here! I hope you find my latest article in International Peacekeeping of interest. I address how professional experiences influence the leadership practices of SRSGs as heads of UN peace operations.
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Persistent Practices? Understanding Continuity and Change in SRSGs’ Leadership of UN Peace Operations*
In UN peace operations, the special representatives (SRSGs) as heads of mission take on a range of complex, sometimes unfathomable, tasks. This article addresses the question of how individuals inf...
www.tandfonline.com
November 23, 2024 at 10:17 AM
Reposted by Tom PJ Parkin
🎉🎉🎉 Our new book 'United Nations Peacekeeping and the Politics of Authoritarianism' with @oisintansey.bsky.social, @kseniyaoksamytna.bsky.social, and Sarah von Billerbeck is now available for pre-order and will be open access with Oxford University Press from February 2025 🎉🎉🎉 (1/5)
November 22, 2024 at 10:03 AM
I've joined Blusky! I'm a #PhD researcher and Teaching Associate at the University of Sheffield. I research the role of faith leaders as peacebuilders in post-conflict Northern Ireland.
Follow for posts on broad area of faith and globalisation, #peacebuilding, security, and #conflict #diplomacy.
November 22, 2024 at 5:07 PM
Yesterday, I watched Soundtack to a Coup d'Etat in cinemas. It was beautiful, horrifying, painful and compelling.

The film looks at the role American jazz musicians played in Africa during the Cold War and is centred on the death of Congolese PM Lumumba.
www.theguardian.com/film/2024/no...
Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat review – superb study of how jazz got caught between the cold war and the CIA
Johan Grimonprez’s fascinating documentary uses the assassination of DRC prime minister Patrice Lumumba to launch a dizzying look into the politics of jazz in the 1950s and 60s
www.theguardian.com
November 22, 2024 at 4:49 PM
I've joined Blusky! I'm a #PhD researcher and Teaching Associate at the University of Sheffield. I research the role of faith leaders as peacebuilders in post-conflict Northern Ireland.

Follow for posts on broad area of faith and globalisation, #peacebuilding, security, and #conflict #diplomacy.
November 22, 2024 at 10:59 AM