I know I’ve posted loads about this (sorry!) but there’s nothing quite like the hard copy of something you helped make. Thanks to all contributors!

Hello everyone. After 15.5 years, I will shortly be closing my Twitter account. It's a shame, I've mostly enjoyed using it, but I do not see a path back under the current ownership. I am on bluesky at @georgegilbert.bsky.social Please drop me a DM if you wish to stay in touch.

Me on Twitter/X nowadays. See you in December folks!

Signing in for the first time in a while to promote an event @AndyWillimott is coming to @UosCeees on 16 October to talk about his very innovative and interesting research. Please share to all relevant networks, we have plenty of space for online sign-ups eventbrite.com/e/andy-willim…

Taking a break for a while. Will be on Instagram and via email if you want to get hold of me! Thanks for the messages about book contract and promotion, cheers.

Been obvious for a long time what a divided and unhappy society the UK is. I worry it’s reaching its terminus as one that functions effectively. Why is this? It’s massively polarised with little unity. If a big riot kicked off in London I doubt the police or courts could cope.

There are some interesting people on Twitter and there are pluses, but, in light of recent events, a case for engagement is becoming harder to sustain…

Thoughtful, historically-informed take

As someone who has worked on this in a markedly different context protest politics never draws on uniform support: crowds aren’t homogenous and contain numerous interlocking and sometimes contrasting ideas. Supporters and critics will pick and choose the bits they want to stress.

Quoting this piece by @irgarner in light of last few days. Russian disinfo has fanned tensions in GB causing riots. It isn’t about sowing confusion/true v. false but rather exploiting existing divisions until society falls apart at the seams. Understanding this is so crucial.

I always enjoy reading intelligent commentary I don't agree with. This piece @LRB @TomFStevenson is half the story - more needs to be done to account for Russia's role.

Interesting piece by David Goldblatt on the many problems with the Olympics lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n14/…

Personal news: I'm delighted to say from 1 August 2024 I will be Associate Professor (senior lecturer) at the University of Southampton. Many thanks to my HoD (very supportive during the entire process), and my referees, who all generously supported my application.

Clive has been at the forefront of raising awareness of the climate emergency but hey, he didn’t want to take a fake oath and put his feet on a seat, so must be a bad dude. 🤔

Brand needs to read Orwell’s Politics and the English language (and much else besides tbh)