Welcome and thank you for taking a look at my portfolio and CV.
I am a consultant, conflict analyst, writer, and communicator specializing in conflict mediation and post-conflict governance. Through multimedia production and high-level qualitative research, my work bridges the gap between academic rigour and public engagement.
Here, you can find a one-page CV, links to my peer-reviewed journal articles and book reviews, information about my forthcoming limited podcast series on post-conflict peacebuilding in Northern Ireland (Faith Lines), an ongoing non-fiction trade book project, past conference presentations, a list of my teaching experience, and slides from two sample guest lectures I wrote and delivered to MA students in 2024.
Updated: 15 May 2026
One-Page CV
ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS
Parkin, T.P.J. (2026) “Catholic and Protestant Religious Leaders as Peacebuilders in Postconflict Northern Ireland: Three Peacebuilding Roles,” Journal of peacebuilding & development [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/15423166251414984.
Abstract: In postconflict Northern Ireland, religious leaders play a key role engaging with those on the political, economic, and social margins of civil society with whom state actors either cannot or will not engage with themselves. Using data from 26 interviews with senior religious leaders, diplomats, and politicians, this paper argues that through this engagement, religious leaders contribute to the peace process by (1) representing views of the marginalized, (2) holding power accountable, and (3) exemplifying five civil skills; namely, (a) principled leadership, (b) partnership, (c) pity, (d) maintaining privacy, and (e) engaging in persuasion. Knowledge of this new typology and of how religious leaders connect with the margins can enable more effective collaboration between secular and religious peacebuilders. It can also improve our understanding of how religious leaders conceive of their own role and how they navigate a postconflict environment, where disputes are mislabeled as primarily religious as opposed to political.
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 Religious Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/0034673X251394259
PHD THESIS
A Study of the Peacebuilding Role of Christian Religious Leaders in Post-Conflict Northern Ireland.
Practice-element PhD: The University of Sheffield (UK)
Started: February 2023. Submitted: January 2026. Viva: 7 May 2026. Awarded: 21 May 2026.
This thesis explored the self-perceived peacebuilding role of Christian religious leaders in post-conflict Northern Ireland. Having analysed data from interviews with 26 senior Christian religious leaders and state actors, each with experience of working as or with religious leaders, this thesis argued that religious leaders perceive themselves, and state actors perceive religious leaders, as fulfilling three particular peacebuilding roles. I also argued that clerics identified four particular challenges when fulfilling these roles. This study addressed the period 1998-2024 and is the first to explore the peacebuilding role of clerics through the lens of self-perception. Doing so contributes to better understanding narratives of how religious leaders worked to keep the peace once the top-level negotiators and key political figures had travelled home from the GFA talks.
Funding for this PhD research was provided by the University of Sheffield’s Department of Journalism Studies through a competitive academic scholarship (2023–2026).
Skills: Project Managment, Executive Interviewing, Ethical Processes and Considerations, Budgeting, Podcasting and Marketing, Information Synthesis and Public Speaking.
Tangible Outputs: 1 x PhD Thesis, 5 x episode podcast series, 1 x conference presentation, 1 x single-author journal article, and 1 x single-author journal article in drafting stage.
TRADE BOOK: KEEP THE FAITH (WORK IN PROGRESS)
- Genre: Non-Fiction / Global Politics & Religion
- Status: Manuscript in development. Seeking literary representation.
Overview: Keep the Faith examines the vital role religious institutions and their leaders can play in building sustainable peace in post-conflict societies. While religion is often framed as a root cause of violence, this book argues that including religious leaders, institutions, and ideas is essential for the conflict resolution work of secular states.
Drawing on high-level, sensitive interviews with top-tier diplomats and senior politicians, Keep the Faith provides a roadmap for a new era of global diplomacy. It demonstrates that in an increasingly fractured world, secular efforts alone are no longer enough to heal the deep scars of war. Simply put, religion should not be viewed as a problem to avoid, but as a vital part of the solution.
Interested in this project? Contact me for inquiries regarding representation, publishing, or speaking engagements.
MEDIA PROJECTS: Podcasts, YouTube Videos, Political Risk Newsletter, and PhD “How-To” Guide
Power Lines:
A newsletter analysing the political risk sector: what’s hard, what’s new, and what comes next.
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.
Each edition offers sharp, structured analysis of the industry itself — its emerging opportunities, structural challenges, and the business models reshaping how political risk is produced, priced, and delivered. From the rise of AI‑enabled research workflows to the evolution of subscription‑based advisory services, Power Lines tracks the forces transforming the field.
Whether you work in consulting, policy, academia, or simply want to understand how power operates under conditions of uncertainty, Power Lines provides clear thinking for a complex world.
- “We Let the Data Do the Work”: How a New Generation Is Seeking To Rewire Geopolitical Forecasting
(15 June 2026)
A 1600-word profile piece on Downstream Intelligence, a new AI-driven geopolitical forecaster.
- Why Political Risk Is Losing Weight and Gaining Speed
(26 May 2026)
A strategic assessment of how AI continues to reshape geopolitical risk. This publication examines the potential displacement of legacy risk agencies by lean, tech-enabled boutique firms using AI for macro data aggregation. I also evaluate the limitations of algorithmic forecasting—specifically automated confirmation bias and the loss of cultural nuance—and highlight how decentralised expert networks that deliver rapid, ethically sourced human analysis are becoming a premium.
Faith Lines (Limited Podcast Series)
Developed as part of my PhD in Conflict Studies and Peacebuilding, Faith Lines explores the pivotal role of Christian clerics in post-conflict Northern Ireland (1998–2024). The project documents their work as witnesses to decommissioning, mediators between political and paramilitary leaders, and advocates against poverty and sectarian violence. Drawing on original interview audio with former cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and NGO executives, Faith Lines offers a unique contribution to the oral history of a complex, yet hopeful, chapter in Northern Ireland’s story.
The JETREG Podcast (Limited Podcast Series)
This 2023 podcast is about a knowledge exchange event that took place at the University of Sheffield, organised by Dr. Lada T. Price on behalf of The Journalism Education Trauma Research Group (JETREG). The event highlighted current research into trauma, emotion and resilience in journalism and media work; psychological and emotional safety of journalists/media workers, pedagogical approaches and best practice to trauma literacy in journalism education/training and the various experiences of trauma, emotional labour or (un)happiness in journalism/media. The JETREG Conference also sought the perspectives of scholars from different disciplines, practicing journalists/freelancers/editors on coping strategies and/or newsroom support. For more information: https://player.sheffield.ac.uk/events/jetreg-podcast
The Core Theories of International Relations
(YouTube, 2023)
A clear and engaging series for non-specialists, interested in better understanding the trends, connections and possible outcomes of global events and the news headlines they generate. Undergraduate students of politics and international relations may also find these summary videos useful.
Since creating and sharing these resources at the beginning of my PhD studies in Spring 2023, I have further developed my teaching practice, delivering seminars and guest lectures to MA students in the University of Sheffield’s School of Information, Journalism, and Communication (IJC).
The PhD Playbook
The PhD Playbook is a blunt, 42 page roadmap written by someone who actually survived the pressure cooker and passed the Viva with minor corrections. No fluff. Just the real-world skills, scripts, and boundary-setting strategies you actually need to cross the finish line.
The PhD Playbook is for:
- New & Early-Stage PhDs trying to figure out how the system works before the clock starts ticking.
- Stuck or Overwhelmed Students drowning in archives and needing to rescope an unrealistic project mid-way through.
- Candidates Prepping for the Viva who need an actionable game plan to defend their work and finish strong.
The guide is free. Just enter your email and have a copy sent directly to you.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Alongside my PhD research, I have taught seminars and guest lectures across six modules on two MA courses at the University of Sheffield’s School of Information, Journalism and Communication (formerly the Department of Journalism Studies).
This experience has been invaluable to my professional growth. I find it incredibly rewarding to engage students with new, complex topics while maintaining a clear focus on the practical skills they can apply in their future careers.
🏛️Tutor and Mentor, Public Communication, Civility and Polarisation, GEC Academy (Online, UK) (July 2022). Led seminars. Module lead: Prof. Stef Pukallus (Sheffield, UK).
🏛️Graduate Teaching Assistant, Research Methods (JNL6210), International Public and Political Communication (IPPC) MA, School of Journalism, Media and Communication, University of Sheffield (Autumn Semester 2023/24). Led seminars, guest lectured, and marked assignments.
🏛️Graduate Teaching Assistant, Journalism, Technology and Globalisation (JM7F1018), Global Journalism MA, School of Journalism, Media and Communication, University of Sheffield (Spring Semester 2023/24). Led seminars and marked assignments.
🏛️Graduate Teaching Associate, Journalism in Britain (JNL6036), Global Journalism MA, School of Journalism, Media and Communication, University of Sheffield (Autumn Semester 2024/25). Led seminars and marked assignments.
🏛️Graduate Teaching Associate, Introduction to Political Communication (JNL6303), IPPC MA, School of Journalism, Media and Communication, University of Sheffield (Autumn Semester 2024/25). Led seminars and guest lectured, and marked assignments.
🏛️Graduate Teaching Associate, The Weaponisation of the Media (JNL409), Global Journalism MA, School of Journalism, Media and Communication, University of Sheffield (Spring Semester 2024/25). Led seminar workshops.
🏛️Graduate Teaching Associate, Media, Society and International Crises (JNL6041), IPPC MA, School of Journalism, Media and Communication, University of Sheffield (Autumn Semester 2025/26). Led seminars.
Sample Lectures
🧑🏫Stunts and Storytelling: The Making of Political Strategy
(Autumn 2024, IPPC MA, Sheffield)
Below is the first of two guest lectures I delivered on the MA module Introduction to Political Communication in Autumn 2024. Just weeks before the 2024 US presidential election, students and I discussed the form and purpose of political stunts, and I set out a five-step process I had devised to support them in considering how best to design and execute political campaigns. Students then applied this five-step process to election campaigns in Brazil, Taiwan, France, Germany, and the United States. In the lecture, I also highlighted the relationships candidates must have with donors, and the opportunities and costs that AI can bring to election campaigning and political communication more broadly.
🧑🏫Scrambling for A Narrative: What to Do When Campaigns Go Wrong
(Autumn 2024, IPPC MA, Sheffield)
Below is the second of two guest lectures I delivered for the MA module Introduction to Political Communication in Autumn 2024. Building on the previous session, this lecture explored a five-step strategic process for candidates and campaigns to utilize when facing political adversity. The session was highly interactive; we analyzed the successes and failures of Covid-19 communication strategies from leaders in Canada, Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and the UK. To conclude, students were presented with two real-world scenarios and tasked with devising response plans from the perspective of a campaign manager.
AWARDED FUNDING AND SCHOLARSHIPS
🚀 Department of Journalism Studies PhD Scholarship (£41,551.50)
📍The University of Sheffield (UK) | February 2023 – 2026
🚀 University of Sheffield, Sheffield 100+ Scholarship Award (£10,000)
📍The University of Sheffield (UK) | September 2021 – 2022
🚀 Postgraduate Researcher Publication Scholarship Award (£5,000)
📍The University of Sheffield (UK) | January 2026
🚀 Faculty Research Support Scheme for Postgraduate Researchers (£1,170)
📍The University of Sheffield (UK) | October 2023
🚀 Social Research Internship Scheme, Faculty of Social Sciences (£1,000)
📍The University of Sheffield (UK) | April – July 2022
Total Academic Funding: £58,721.50
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Visual Strategies of the “Disinformation Dozen” on Twitter
📍Hub for the Study of Hybrid Communication in Peacebuilding (HCPB) | May 2023
Examined the use of visual imagery by key anti-vaccination influencers to spread disinformation and influence public discourse during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Redefining Sacred Space: Digital Church Activity Post-COVID-19
📍Archbishop Desmond Tutu Centre for War and Peace Studies, Liverpool Hope University | June 2023
Explored how digitalization has blurred the boundaries of religious communities. This presentation analysed the challenges and opportunities for building social capital and promoting peaceful co-existence through digital sacred spaces.
Perspectives on Asylum-Seekers: Challenges, Misconceptions, and Integration
📍PGR Conference, University of Sheffield | June 2024
Presented findings from a research project which explored testimonials from refugees, local residents, and officials in the UK to identify barriers to integration within current migration and border regimes.
A Study of the Role of Religious Leaders and British State Actors in Post-conflict Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland: Peacebuilding Challenges for Religious Institutions
📍Centre for Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, Working Conference. London Metropolitan University | April 2025
Discussed how I navigated the issue of non-recent, historic child sexual abuse which emerged during the course of my interviews with clerics, politicians, diplomats, and NGO leaders. I sought advice on how best to communicate this issue with clarity and sensitivity to a public audience in the podcast series that formed the practice-based component of my PhD.
Feedback from expert panel is provided below:
CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
📜 Building Relationships with Donors, Open University (B625_2), (Completed: January 2025, 6hrs of Study).
The following training was undertaken at The University of Sheffield:
📜 Facilitating discussion-based learning (Completed: March 2025)
📜 French Post-Beginner (MLT151) (Completed: January 2025: Merit)
📜 Experiences of doing emotionally demanding research (Completed: June 2024)
📜 How to engage work in the non-academic sector (Completed: May 2024)
📜 Introduction to teaching in small groups (Completed: March 2024)
📜 Introduction to lecturing (Completed: February 2024)