Buddhist group on P.E.I. with ties to China at the heart of battle over religion and land According to information obtained by Radio-Canada, the Buddhist group Bliss and Wisdom, which has monasteries on P.E.I., has ties to the Chinese government. The monasteries are already under a provinc...

www.cbc.ca/newsinteract...

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 .

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.

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

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...

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/playlist?lis... Check out this YouTube series of short videos, introducing some of the core theories of international relations.

As I work toward completing my #PhD, I will continue to focus on #citizenship as it applies to conflict resolution, and the engagement of civil society in post-conflict #peacebuilding. For those interested in learning more, this book is a great place to start. #politicalcommunication

Breaking out of our subject and consumer mentalities, where we consider ourselves powerless, impatient, and dependent, can be immensely rewarding personally and professionally.

📑 Since then, I've started a PhD which examines how citizens (specifically, religious leaders) have embraced their role by contributing to peacebuilding in Northern Ireland.

👨‍🏫 I've also taught at The University of Sheffield on political storytelling + strategy to develop my thinking further.

To Win Big At This Election, the Lib Dems Must Focus on the Renewal of Citizenship At election time, the party with the strongest narrative wins. It must be personal, appeal to a wide demographic and relate to a voter’s daily life and sphere of existence. I believe the best polit…

Shortly before the 2019 UK General Election, I wrote a piece explaining why I thought there is an opening for parties willing to focus on the renewal of citizenship.

4+ years later, I believe that opening remains.

👉 tomparkin.org/2019/11/12/t...

The book sets out why and how we can all take action through seven modes: telling stories, gathering data, sharing connections, contributing ideas, giving time, learning skills, and crowdfunding.

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.

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…

🤔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…

The blog also includes links to useful books and videos I used to apply for my #PhD, pass my confirmation review, and finish my second year.

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…

🤔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...

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.

Taxpayers, students, researchers, councils, and central government have every right to ask what their ROI is.

But unless we broaden our understanding of what a "return" on #HE investment looks like, what we can achieve with our universities is limited.

What abt social capital/soft power etc...?

Their own economic contribution is either forgotten/ignored by politicians/press unwilling or unable to see their financial and cultural value.

Too often, politicians seem unable to articulate a plan for universities because they cannot answer a broader question:

What is #education for?

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?

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.

An absolutely fascinating article by @davidteiner.bsky.social, who has used interviews to better understand the leadership of #UN peace operations.

Open access too!

🎉🎉🎉 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)

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.

Another here, Tobias! Many thanks

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

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...

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.