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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

My profile piece on DOWNSTREAM INTELLIGENCE - a startup trying to make geopolitical analysis something measurable. No mystique, no think‑tank theatre. #politicalrisk #politics #dataanalysis tomparkin.substack.com/p/we-let-the...

tomparkin.substack.com

"We Let the Data Do the Work": How a New Generation Is Seeking To Rewire Geopolitical Forecasting

Why Downstream Intelligence Thinks Geopolitics Needs a New Operating System

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Reposted by Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin

ian bremmer @ianbremmer.com · 22/06/2026

china did it with rare earths. iran did it with the strait of hormuz. use a critical chokepoint once and the world starts building around you. @gzeromedia.com

youtube.com

Trump’s ineffective pressure campaign on Iran and China | Ian Bremmer’s Quick Take

YouTube video by GZERO Media

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Reposted by Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin

Andrew Farrand @afarrand.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

"High energy prices and initiatives to slash fuel use are not popular. But until supplies normalise, the risk of shortages leaves govts with few painless options. It is in many cases, after all, the price of failing to invest adequately in energy security and the green transition in the 1st place."

ft.com

The energy shock is not over yet

Even with a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, supplies will take time to normalise

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

My new post looks at how the political risk world is changing — why the old model is getting lighter, faster, and a bit shaken up. 8 changes that represent massive upsides, but also risks in their own right. tomparkin.substack.com/p/why-politi...

tomparkin.substack.com

Why Political Risk Is Losing Weight and Gaining Speed

Why speed, local judgment, and ethical provenance now outrank scale in political risk.

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Power Lines is a #newsletter dedicated to making sense of the fast‑changing political risk sector. It examines how organisations gather intelligence, assess uncertainty, and build resilience in a world where information moves faster than institutions can adapt. tomparkin.substack.com

tomparkin.substack.com

Power Lines | Tom Parkin | Substack

Analysis of the political risk sector: what’s hard, what’s new, and what comes next. Click to read Power Lines, by Tom Parkin, a Substack publication. Launched 4 years ago.

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

If you work in #strategy, #security, #ESG, or #corporateaffairs, these shifts are already reshaping what clients expect. I’d love to hear from those working in this space — what changes are you seeing?

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

Long time since I've been on here: I've written a piece on the opportunities and costs for #politicalrisk firms (those in the business of explaining now #geopolitics messes with corporate balance sheets). It's a big and growing #business with much to learn. tomparkin.substack.com/p/why-politi...

tomparkin.substack.com

Why Political Risk Is Losing Weight and Gaining Speed

Why speed, local judgment, and ethical provenance now outrank scale in political risk.

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

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 .

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

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.

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

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...

theguardian.com

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

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

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

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

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

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

📑 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.

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

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...

tomparkin.org

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…

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

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.

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

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.

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Reposted by Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin

Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

🤔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...

tomparkinwrites.medium.com

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…

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

tomparkinwrites.medium.com

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…

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Reposted by Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin

Rawya Rageh @rawya.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

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.

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 01/12/2024

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...?

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 01/12/2024

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?

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 01/12/2024

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?

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Reposted by Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin

John Pollock @johnpollock.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

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.

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

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

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Reposted by Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin

Birte Julia Gippert @birtegippert.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

🎉🎉🎉 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)

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

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.

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

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...

theguardian.com

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

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Dr. Tom P. J. Parkin @tompjparkin.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

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