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 is always willing to offer 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.
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 Candidate
School of Information, Journalism and Communication, Scholarship (Sheffield)
A Strong Academic Background
Tom holds a first-class BA (Hons) in International Relations and Politics (Sheffield), and a scholarship MA in International Public and Political Communication (Sheffield), where he specialised in Australian politics.
He is currently completing a PhD entitled: A study of the role of religious leaders and British state actors in building sustainable peace in post-conflict Northern Ireland. This involves gathering qualitative data by interviewing senior British politicians and diplomats, as well as clergy serving in Northern Ireland.
Alongside his research, Tom teaches post-graduate students on MA Global Journalism and MA International Public and Political Communication at the School of Journalism, Media and Communication (University of Sheffield).
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 ReligiousResearch. https://doi.org/10.1177/0034673X251394259
Tom p. j. parkin 