Sign in

Xander Kirke

@xanderkirke.bsky.social
295 followers 233 following 27 posts

Assistant Professor in International Relations at Northumbria University. Research: extremism, terrorism, political myth, and ontological security. Also vice Chair of Chelsea Pride, the official LGBTQ+ supporters group for Chelsea FC.

PostsRepliesMedia
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
New publication from me using my framework of political myth to analyse the manifesto of far right terrorist Brenton Tarrant. Took a lot of work and a long process of ethical approval. Really pleased to see it out. doi.org/10.1080/0954...
doi.org
The Great Replacement as Political Myth: Significance, Identity, and Violent Mobilisation in Brenton Tarrant’s Manifesto
The power of far-right terrorist manifestos lies not just in their arguments but in their capacity to provide existential significance to collective anxieties. Drawing on Blumenberg’s concept of th...
010 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
BISA - British International Studies Association @mybisa.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
🎉 Our #BISA2026 call and homepage is OPEN NOW 🎉 Have a look at our call for papers down below - submissions for papers open on the 24th of September 🌟 We are so excited - more here 👉 conference.bisa.ac.uk @visitbrighton.bsky.social @simonrushton.bsky.social @julietdryden.bsky.social
BISA logo, #BISA2026, Brighton, UK, 3-5 June, conference.bisa.ac.uk
31211 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Felix Rösch @felixroesch.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
🚨 CfP: @mybisa.bsky.social @isanet.bsky.social Newcastle Workshop, 10-12 October. Deadline 13 June: www.isanet.org/Conferences/... 📣 Hartmut Behr's and my workshop on "Improvisation, Temporalities, and Political Practice: Improvisation as Action Model in a World of Crises and Uncertainty"
isanet.org
BISA-ISA Joint International Conference 2025, Newcastle
131 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Matt @itsmattagain.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Lady Hale is entirely correct. www.theguardian.com/law/2025/may...
theguardian.com
Court ruling on legal definition of a woman ‘misinterpreted’, Lady Hale says
Speaking at book festival in east Sussex, former supreme court president says reaction to judgment ‘very binary’
0201 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Katherine Kondor @drkondor.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Exciting things ahead! 📢 Working on something connected to culture/cultural production of the far right? Consider submitting a panel or paper to our section 'Everyday Extremism: The Rise and Normalisation of the Far Right'!
095 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Cas Mudde @casmudde.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Hopefully the AfD result will also put an end to all the "Trump/Musk/Vance will boost the far right in Europe" bullshit that has been going around.
421636 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Lewis Goodall @lewisgoodall.com · 23/02/2025
I wonder if this election had been held a week/10 days ago, if the far right AfD might have done better. Big turnout, possibility of some counteraction to the Trump comments/Musk interference. The centre is wounded, but has held.
1521920 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Football v Homophobia @footballvhomophobia.com · 28/01/2025
A response from Football v Homophobia to media enquiries about #comingout in men’s football 👉 www.footballvhomophobia.com/fvh-response... #FvH2025 🩷⚫️ #LGBTQ
Football v Homophobia statement: “David Coote’s sharing of his personal news and the reaction to the story from the media and social media are again putting issues of homophobia and LGBTQ+ mental health in men’s football into sharp focus.

“The annual Month of Action for the Football v Homophobia campaign begins on Saturday, February 1, 2025. FvH exists to raise awareness of the damaging impact caused by anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and by the resultant shame, which can acutely affect gay and bi men in the professional and semi-pro games.

1/3“FvH also offers education, resources and connections, such as through the LGBTQ+ Professionals in Football Collective, that are helping to create more welcoming and inclusive football spaces.

“We hope all those who are affected by this story, such as those in the match officiating community, feel able to access relevant support and information. FvH is here to assist with this provision.

2/3“We invite football clubs, leagues and organisations at all levels of the game to activate the FvH message in February and reaffirm their year-round commitment to ensuring football is for everyone.”

#FvH2025

3/3
01410 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
My trip back from Kiel was less than ideal as my flight got cancelled, meaning I had to stay an extra 24 hours. Still, I got to see a few cool sights in an admittedly freezing and foggy Hamburg!
110 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Elizabeth Pearson @lizzypearson.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
The answer isn’t to broaden what terrorism is - it’s to refer people capable of violence to the right services. Prevent wasn’t the right service in this case.
163 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
Meant to say "went down well" - sleepy me!
000 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
On my way back from Kiel, Germany back to the UK after having an excellent workshop. Presented a paper that seemed to go down but definitely needs work. Great start to 2025!
160 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Dr. Marc-André Argentino @maargentino.com · 19/12/2024
Today i am starting a 5 part series on the twenty five ideological and instructional manifestos of the Com Network I've collected thus far. In this first piece I examine the documents written by Yegor Krasnov, the founder of Maniacs Murder Cult (MKY) 1/ www.maargentino.com/part-1-knive...
maargentino.com
Knives Among the Shadows: The First Manifestos of the Maniacs Murder Cult Under Yegor Krasnov (Part I)
Introduction Over the past several months, I have collected 25 ideological, or attacker manifestos, or instructional materials from The Com Network and its adjacent groups. There is a fair amount of m...
22713 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Football v Homophobia @footballvhomophobia.com · 19/12/2024
Two Liverpool supporters who shouted homophobic abuse at Chelsea fans have been banned from attending matches for 3 years, reports @liverpoolecho.co.uk Merseyside police’s Iain Wyke: “This type of behaviour displayed by these men to be convicted for #hatecrime has no place in football.” #FvH2025
liverpoolecho.co.uk
Liverpool FC fans banned for homophobic abuse at Chelsea match
Police said they hoped the ban would act as a deterrent to others
42713 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Suraj Lakhani @surajlakhani.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
Thrilled to share the cover of the ed. collection @amaramarasingam.bsky.social and I have authored! This book brings together a wonderful lineup of chapters, each offering a sociological lens on the complex issues surrounding violent extremism. Available soon! A thread introducing the chapters...
1013941 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
Looks like an amazing volume. I'm a big fan of Maja's work, so can't wait for this chapter in particular!
010 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Ben Rosher @benrosher.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
Also, if anybody would like to hire me, that would be swell. I’m quite good at research on borders and ontological security.
0235 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Tarik Abou-Chadi @tabouchadi.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
New Gender Update out in @ejpgjournal.bsky.social. With data from the new wave of the EES, I show a strong increase in support for the far right among young voters. Especially the share of young men who consider voting for the far right has exploded. bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/view/journal...
816481 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
Thank you. Oh don't worry I'm bugging the hell out of them 😂. Cool if not I will head to Manchester at some point. Not seen you and Aidan for ages and there's a small Newcastle-friend-of-Xander diaspora in Manchester.
000 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
Oh no I'm so sorry to hear that! I can't say I blame you given how long it was taking. Argh. Hopefully this next place is at least a little more of a straightforward situation.
000 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
Sorry to hear that, sounds super stressful. I'm starting the house buying process next year so may steal you for tips! Hope you at least get some rest time over christmas. And if you are ever in and around Newcaslte let me know. Will have to pop to Manchester when things are easier for you!
000 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Seán Molloy @seanmolloyir.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
www.e-ir.info/pdf/106801 We live in anti-theoretical times. All the more reason to share this short but insightful piece by @HaroKarkour on the value of much maligned IR theory to the contemporary age. #Realism #Trump #Morgenthau #Carr #Niebuhr.
e-ir.info
052 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Matthew Levitt @mattlevitt.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Man—identified Nazi—planned terrorist attack at London law firm to ‘intimidate’ immigrants www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024...
theguardian.com
Man planned terrorist attack at London law firm to ‘intimidate’ immigrants
Cavan Medlock found to have committed act of making a threat to kill and the preparation of terrorist acts
11810 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 06/12/2024
MI5 forced to ‘pare back’ counter-terrorism work due to rogue states, says chief
theguardian.com
MI5 forced to ‘pare back’ counter-terrorism work due to rogue states, says chief
Ken McCallum says service must make ‘uncomfortable choices’ as it faces more aggression from Russia, China and Iran MI5 has had to “pare back” its counter-terrorism focus because of the growing threat from Russia and other hostile states, the security…
914444 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Arthur Webber 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 @bernietranders.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
“Queer supporters are not your EDI photo op. Queer footballers are not a novelty, hypothetical concept. We can do so much better.” 🏳️‍🌈⚽️🏳️‍⚧️ My thoughts on Rainbow Laces and why I think we need a new, stronger campaign 👇 transwrites.world/the-rainbow-...
transwrites.world
The Rainbow Laces campaign isn't enough - Trans Writes
Last week was Rainbow Laces week. Football clubs up and down the pyramid dedicate matches to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Players can choose to wear the accessories in solidarity with LGBTQ+ fans and to signal t...
212832 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
𝙅𝙖𝙘🍩𝙗 𝙉𝙮𝙧𝙪𝙥 @jacobnyrup.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
University of Oslo is hiring 2-4(!) Associate Professors in Political Science. The call is open to candidates from all subfields. Deadline is February 3rd. It comes with amazing colleagues, great work conditions, and lots of snow. Brown cheese, salmon, and cross-country skis can be supplementary.
jobbnorge.no
2-4 Associate Professors in Political Science (271034) | University of Oslo
Job title: 2-4 Associate Professors in Political Science (271034), Employer: University of Oslo, Deadline: Monday, February 3, 2025
5169133 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
James Fitzgerald @jamesfitz2.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
Day 2 at the UN 🇺🇳: Presented expert-level briefing on extremism in gaming spaces. My take: Value of these spaces where people can ‘hang out’ & socialise shouldn’t be discounted and may defuse extremist ideation. We must learn from past mistakes of CT re. misplaced intervention and suspicion.
131 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Kate Starbird @katestarbird.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
In this Conversation piece, Danielle Tomson and I unpack the "participatory" dynamics of the right wing/conservative media sphere, describing them through the lens of "improv" theater: theconversation.com/how-right-wi...
theconversation.com
How right-wing media is like improv theater
Improv theater is known for improvisation, audience participation and riffing on memes and stories circulating on social and traditional media – all hallmarks of right-wing media.
2625799 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Samantha Kutner @ashkenaz89.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
The Proud Boys have not been designated a terrorist organization in America. They have been designated a terrorist organization in #Canada and #NewZealand. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Proud Boys written by me here. 📚 icct.nl/publication/... 1/2
icct.nl
Swiping Right: The Allure of Hyper Masculinity and Cryptofascism for Men Who Join the Proud Boys
Little scholarly research exists on participants in crypto-fascist extremist organizations. In this research paper, Samantha Kutner, MA, communication studies, explores the scripts and narratives that attract a certain demographic of men to join the Proud Boys. She discusses how the broader themes of self-categorization, precarity, and deliberate provocation manifest themselves. These themes are embedded in a fascist agenda and are expressed through the group’s recruitment, communication, and in-group identification.
152 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
Absolute privilege to see my MA students graduate today. They've worked so hard and fully deserve it. Can't wait to hear what they get up to next. Also got a cheeky picture with the Lord Mayor. Very jealous of his robes!
031 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Lee Jarvis @leejarvis.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Delighted to see this now out & open access in EJIS. The article explores what happens when seemingly critical ideas around counterterrorism achieve wider currency. Coauthored with @michaellister.bsky.social, huge thanks to the reviewers & editors. Check it out here: doi.org/10.1017/eis....
02510 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Andy Vitek @avitek.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
Hey folks! So in light of the new followers (love you all <3) and the fact many of you likely followed me because I study extremism and the far-right, let's do a book thread! These are some of the best books for building an understanding of the far-right. Also most are available as audiobooks! 🧵 1/
1410728 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Léonie de Jonge @leoniedejonge.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
📣We are hiring!🔥I'm looking for a PhD & Postdoc. 🔍Research focus on far-right parties, movements & ideologies in int'l perspective, with emphasis on the ways in which the far right is embedded in everyday culture. (2 further positions available, please share!) uni-tuebingen.de/fakultaeten/...
4129101 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Fantastic. A seminar on defining terrorism is definitely worth wading through an arctic blitz for. Did they successfully create a universally applicable definition we can now use?!
100 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
How many did you get in the end? Mine was definitely lower than hoped, but could have been worse.
100 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Statement from us at Chelsea Pride. The abuse Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis have received is beyond the pale. It just shows how far behind football fandom is with LGBTQ+ rights, and why LGBTQ+ supporters groups remain essential. Disappointing, and the fight goes on.
041 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Nicolai Gellwitzki @ngellwitzki.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Following the recent trend on Bluesky and in the hope that more of us will soon join the "good place," I’ve created a starter pack for those studying ontological (in)security in global politics 🤓 go.bsky.app/9v5z4jX
32916 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
This has given me a much needed lift today. Students can be so sweet sometimes! This person did very well during their MA and is graduating in a few weeks. Very proud of them!
060 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
Sarah de Lange @sldelange.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Another week, another thread with online first articles about the far right, extremism, populism, radicalism etc 1. Scrivens et al.: Examining the Persisting and Desisting Online Posting Behaviors of Violent and Non-Violent Right-Wing Extremists www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
tandfonline.com
Examining the Persisting and Desisting Online Posting Behaviors of Violent and Non-Violent Right-Wing Extremists
There is an ongoing need for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to identify and examine the online posting behaviors of violent extremists prior to their engagement in violence offline, b...
57832 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Absolutely - yes do let me know! I am definitely up for it if time allows. Feel free to DM any arrangements if you've made any.
110 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Will be looking to discuss these and many other issues on Bluesky! Feel free to contact me for convos about any of the above, or related things (6/6).
010 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Outside of this, I am passionate about LGBTQ+ inclusion and EDI issues. I am head of EDI for our department, and also vice chair of @chelseapride.bsky.social , the official LGBTQ+ supporters group of Chelsea FC. I play football for an LGBTQ+ inclusive and also a disability team in Newcastle (5/6).
130 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Also done work on how aspects of the Far-Right have sought to appeal to LGBT+ people, but primarily gay men, coining the notion of alter-progressivism with Russell Foster at KCL journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/... (4/6)
journals.sagepub.com
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
100 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Maybe my favourite: my work on Al-Qaeda and the usage of political myth in English-language magazines as a radicalising strategy. I have other papers similar to this lined up. (3/6) academic.oup.com/ips/article-...
academic.oup.com
Violence and Political Myth: Radicalizing Believers in the Pages of Inspire Magazine1
Abstract. Violent Jihadist movements have increasingly produced online English language magazines in order to encourage young Muslims into terrorism. This
100 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
A conceptual piece on ontological security, myth, and existentialism in politics/IR by myself and the fantastic Brent Steele, published in @risjnl.bsky.social. We ask many questions about the intersection between these as part of a special issue on existentialism and IR. (2/6)
cambridge.org
Ontological security, myth, and existentialism | Review of International Studies | Cambridge Core
Ontological security, myth, and existentialism - Volume 49 Issue 5
121 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Since moving from the other place last year, I haven't really introduced myself. I'm an academic, with research interests primarily in extremism, terrorism, myth, and ontological security. I have a few bits of info and publications to share in this thread. (1/6)
190 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Yeah I agree and that's how I'm using them. I actually joined Bluesky back in April 2023, but I just didn't use it much because it was quiet. I think I might have showed it to you! Yes all good here, plenty of fun work on. You? We need to get the old Stronger in Group together again!
110 0
Xander Kirke @xanderkirke.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Definitely agree about taking time. My "X" feed became awful before I left if. For me, starter packs have been extremely useful to find academics with similar research interests, and to locate previous colleagues from the other place. Honestly love the feature.
110 0
Reposted by Xander Kirke
European International Studies Association (EISA) @europeanisa.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
⏰ Just 3 days left to submit workshop proposals for #EWIS2025! 🔗 Details on this year's theme and submission instructions can be found here: buff.ly/3Y53Cnn
EWIS 2025 graphic reads: #EWIS2025. 12th European Workshops in International Studies. Hybrid, Liminal, Ambiguous? International Politics 'In-between'. 2-4 July 2025. Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland.
065 0