Consultant Political Analyst, Communicator &
PhD Researcher.

Tom P. J. Parkin is a consultant, writer, and doctoral researcher at the University of Sheffield’s School of Journalism, Media and Communication. His PhD examines the role of religious leaders as peacebuilders in post-conflict Northern Ireland.

Through his writing, research and teaching, Tom uses his background in International Relations to examine the role of faith in governance and diplomacy, and its potential as a stabilising force and a catalyst for change in a rapidly globalising world.

Tom offers his skills as a speechwriter, public speaking coach, foreign affairs adviser, teacher in International Relations and political communication, conference host, interviewer, book reviewer, and political commentator.

Tom has had journal articles and reviews published in the Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, Review of Religious Research, and The British Journal of Sociology.

Want to get in touch? Email him at tpjparkin1@sheffield.ac.uk.

Academic Memberships

Hub for the Study of Hybrid Communication in Peacebuilding (HCPB)

International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR)

BA (Hons)

International Relations and Politics BA (Hons), First Class (Sheffield)

MA

International Public and Political Communication MA, Distinction Scholarship (Sheffield)

PhD (Pending, Viva May 2026)

School of Information, Journalism and Communication, Scholarship (Sheffield)

A Strong Academic Background

Tom Parkin is an expert in political communication, conflict management, and post-conflict governance. His work focuses on the intersection of diplomacy, religious leadership, and sustainable peacebuilding in fractured societies.

In May 2026, Tom successfully defended his PhD thesis, “A study of the role of Christian religious leaders as peacebuilders in post-conflict Northern Ireland.” His research involved extensive executive interviews with senior British politicians, diplomats, and high-ranking clergy, offering unique insights into how informal actors influence formal governance and stability.

With a first-class academic foundation from the University of Sheffield, Tom’s career bridges the gap between high-level research and practical application:

  • Governance & Strategy: Specializing in post-conflict stability and the role of non-state actors in political transitions.
  • Knowledge Exchange: Experienced as a Fellow and consultant, translating complex geopolitical data into actionable insights for peer-reviewed journals and industry stakeholders.
  • Education: From 2023 to 2025, Tom taught post-graduate MA courses in Global Journalism and Political Communication at the University of Sheffield.

Tom’s expertise is underpinned by a global perspective, with specialized research into Australian politics and international public relations.

Tom runs a free newsletter on Substack called Power Lines. Here, Tom posts short reflections, essays and articles. Click the link and subscribe FREE.

Book Reviews

Tom is a keen reviewer of historical non-fiction, biography and autobiography, letters, sociology, religion and international relations.

Want a review? Email tpjparkin@sheffield.ac.uk.

Parkin, T.P.J. (2025), Civil Repair By Jeffrey C. Alexander, Cambridge, Polity Press, 2024. 224 pp. £24.95 (paperback), $24.95 (paperback), $69.95 (hardback). ISBN: 9781509506446. Br J Sociol. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-4446.70049

Parkin, T. P. J. (2025). Book Review: Why God Needs War and War Needs God. Review of ReligiousResearchhttps://doi.org/10.1177/0034673X251394259