Two mornings after the momentous election night, there’s now more opportunity to reflect on the seismic shift in British electoral politics. The Labour Party has ascended to power with a substantial mandate for change, having witnessed the routing of the Conservatives, who suffered their worst electoral result in a century. However, it’s crucial to note…… Continue reading The Intricacies of Labour’s Political Revival
Tag: Society
Brexit Fallout: Tories on the Brink
The Brexit vote campaign and its subsequent outcome have had far-reaching consequences for the United Kingdom, particularly for the Conservative Party. The then-Prime Minister David Cameron’s attempt to appease the Eurosceptic wing of his party and fend off the threat of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) initially triggered the campaign, which ultimately led to a…… Continue reading Brexit Fallout: Tories on the Brink
Britain at a Crossroads: The High Stakes of the 2024 Election
As British voters prepare to render their verdict on 4 July, they find their nation arriving at a pivotal crossroads after a tumultuous 14 years under Conservative rule. A likely Labour victory presents an opportunity for seismic change but also injects tremendous uncertainty into the country’s trajectory on issues ranging from economic policy to social…… Continue reading Britain at a Crossroads: The High Stakes of the 2024 Election
Dissent at Risk: UK’s New Extremism Definition
The UK government’s new definition of extremism, unveiled with the noble intention of combating intolerance and hate, has raised serious concerns among civil liberties advocates, activists, and members of targeted communities who fear it could have severe unintended consequences for free speech and democratic dissent. The definition’s vague and broad nature risks encompassing a wide…… Continue reading Dissent at Risk: UK’s New Extremism Definition
Call for Chapters
Dear Colleague I’m reaching out to let you know about an exciting opportunity to contribute to The Routledge International Handbook on Social Exclusion and Radicalisation, edited by myself, Dr. Lianne Vostermans, and Dr. Richard McNeil-Willson. This groundbreaking handbook will examine the relationship between social exclusion and radicalisation on a global scale, using multidisciplinary perspectives. It…… Continue reading Call for Chapters
The Old Oak: A film review
THE OLD OAK is a touching reminder of our shared humanity at a time of crises that affect individuals and communication due to local, national, and international challenges of identity, status, and belonging. The holiday this time of year provides stacks of opportunities to try and not do very much and, in some cases, find…… Continue reading The Old Oak: A film review
Inequality, Conflict, and Hope: Reviewing a Turbulent 2023
As 2023 draws to a close, I provide a reflection on the turbulence and conflicts that have emerged over the past year. Ranging from economic instability and widening inequality to geopolitical tensions heightened by the war in Ukraine and the flare-up of violence between Israel and Palestine, these crises have exacerbated polarisation, radicalisation, and ethno-religious…… Continue reading Inequality, Conflict, and Hope: Reviewing a Turbulent 2023
Fragmented Societies and the Dangers of Exclusive Nationalism
The rise in popularity of majoritarian nationalism, populism, authoritarianism, and nativist jingoism in national politics has occurred recently not only in South America (with Argentina) but also in Europe (with recent examples in Italy and the Netherlands). These concerns add to the ongoing debate over how to address issues of pluralism, diversity, and inclusion, despite…… Continue reading Fragmented Societies and the Dangers of Exclusive Nationalism
The Vicissitudes of Dutch Electoral Politics
The results of yesterday’s snap parliamentary elections in the Netherlands have sent shockwaves across Europe. With 37 seats in the 150-seat chamber, the far-right, anti-immigration Party for Freedom (PVV), run by the controversial Geert Wilders, has emerged as the dominant force. This outcome raises the alarming prospect of an extremist party dictating policy in one…… Continue reading The Vicissitudes of Dutch Electoral Politics
Countering Exclusion, Countering Radicalisation
There has been a pronounced rise of anti-Muslim sentiment across Europe in recent years, with roots dating back to the 1990s that were sharply accelerated after the events of 9/11. This pervasive Islamophobia stems from lingering post-colonial Orientalist attitudes that fundamentally view Muslims as problematic outsiders threatening European identity. Anti-Muslim perspectives are deeply ingrained in…… Continue reading Countering Exclusion, Countering Radicalisation