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Check FAQAbout Joseph
Dr Joseph Downing is author of “French Muslims in Perspective” (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-16103-3) and “Social Media and Security” (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-20734-1). He is senior lecturer in politics and IR at Aston University. Previously he was fellow in nationalism in the European Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, and Marie-Curie fellow at the Laboratoire méditerranéen de sociologie, CNRS, Université Aix-Marseille Marseille and the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He is an expert on French politics and security and social media and politics. Joseph Downing received his PhD from the European Institute, London School of Economics in 2014. His thesis ‘Between Policy, Recognition and Rioting: Analyzing the role of urban governance, historical commemoration and public culture in defining inclusion in Marseille, Paris and Lyon’ involved significant fieldwork in France. He was awarded the AHRC block grant “European Languages and Culture” full scholarship for the 2009-2012 period and taught widely on security, politics, sociology and international relations at the LSE.
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How the Shooting of a Teenager Unleashed Decades of Brewing Discontent in France
Riots erupted in Nanterre, Paris, after the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M., echoing the unrest of 2005 and highlighting unresolved issues of hypermarginalisation, discrimination, and police brutality in French suburbs. Despite President Macron's economic focus, he lacks a coherent policy for the suburbs, and his administration faces criticism for police actions and an inability to engage with decentralized protestors. The Council of Europe condemned French police for excessive force, and Macron's response to Nahel's death, while more conciliatory than former President Sarkozy's during the 2005 riots, still faces scrutiny.
France Violence: The Complex Relationship Between State, Muslims In Recent Unrest
Recent riots in France's poor suburbs have highlighted complex issues of discrimination, social marginalization, and policing philosophy. The French state's Islamophobic policies and discrimination based on ethnicity and residence have exacerbated social mobility challenges. The unrest is not solely due to discontent with state policies, as French society's discrimination problems are deep-rooted. Police brutality in France is a widespread issue, affecting all racial and ethnic groups, and the country's policing philosophy, which is seen as state-centric, contrasts with the UK's community-based approach. French Muslims, who are diverse in their views and social positions, are both victims and enforcers of law and order, with many serving in security forces. The riots have affected Muslim business owners and workers, with some losing their livelihoods. The majority of French Muslims seek the same opportunities as other citizens, desiring jobs, family, and education, and do not condone the unrest or destruction of community resources.
Critical Security Studies in the Digital Age
The book under discussion analyzes the impact of social media on security studies within international relations, emphasizing the need for inter- and multi-disciplinary approaches. It highlights that social media allows users to challenge and reshape security narratives using diverse symbols and idioms, including local contexts and football club symbolism. The book critiques the topography of social media, arguing that it is neither strictly hierarchical nor entirely egalitarian, but rather a dynamic and unpredictable space where individuals can influence security debates. It also addresses the critical security studies' concept of emancipation, suggesting that while social media enables broader participation in security debates, it does not necessarily translate into actual emancipation from existing power structures in the offline world.
French Muslims in Perspective
The article discusses the challenges France faces in integrating its Muslim population into a secular society with a Catholic majority. It critiques the traditional conflict-focused narrative between Muslims and the French state, offering a perspective that considers the intersection of Muslim faith with other identities and the active roles of Muslims in French civil society, politics, and media. The rise of Islamophobic discourse, particularly from Marine Le Pen's far-right Front National party, is highlighted, alongside debates on Islamic clothing. The book 'French Muslims in Perspective' aims to provide a nuanced view of French Muslims' lived experiences and is targeted at academics, policy makers, and practitioners in various fields.
Worked as a translator/fixer/guide/expert on this documentary
A Pressure Cooker Called France
The fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old named Nahel M. in the suburbs of Paris has highlighted deep-seated issues reminiscent of the 2005 civil unrest. Decades of hypermarginalization in French suburbs have led to poor housing, education, and racial discrimination, fostering discontent among youth. President Emmanuel Macron's failure to address these issues, despite his economic focus, has been criticized. Recent police brutality, condemned by the Council of Europe, and the government's reliance on police to quell political unrest without addressing underlying social problems, have exacerbated tensions. The decentralized nature of the protests complicates the government's response, underscoring the need for a comprehensive strategy to address long-standing social challenges and police brutality.
France riots: when police shot a teenager dead, a rumbling pressure cooker exploded
The article discusses the outbreak of riots in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, following the fatal police shooting of a teenager named Nahel M. The author reflects on the historical context of such unrest, linking it to the 2005 riots and the persistent issues of hypermarginalisation, poor living conditions, and racial discrimination in French suburbs. The piece critiques President Emmanuel Macron's lack of a coherent policy to address these issues, despite his economic ambitions for France. It also touches on the problem of police brutality, noting criticism from the Council of Europe and the failure of successive governments to reform policing. The article contrasts Macron's response to the current crisis with that of former President Nicolas Sarkozy during the 2005 riots, acknowledging Macron's attempts to calm the situation despite challenges such as the decentralized nature of the protests.
The European Commission's Digital Services Act: A safer digital space or a threat to freedom of speech?
Joseph Downing discusses the implications of the European Commission's proposed Digital Services Act package, which aims to create a safer digital space by regulating illegal content and misinformation online. The article raises concerns about freedom of speech, the role of unelected officials in setting content standards, and the practical challenges of content moderation. It also highlights the potential commercial impact on social media companies and the difficulties of enforcing such regulations given the ease with which users can migrate to less regulated platforms. Furthermore, the piece touches on the Europeanisation of social media regulation, exemplified by France's compliance with EU legislation despite national resistance. The article questions the effectiveness of the EU's regulatory efforts and the democratic processes within the EU.
Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen will contest the second round of the French presidential election on 24 April
The article discusses the upcoming second round of the French presidential election between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, highlighting how the campaign differs from their previous contest in 2017. Macron, now an incumbent, has a record of managing France through the Covid-19 pandemic and achieving a low unemployment rate. However, his campaign has been criticized as lackluster, and voter abstention could be a significant factor. The war in Ukraine presents a complex challenge for Macron, given Le Pen's past support for Putin and Macron's own diplomatic efforts. Economic issues, particularly inflation, are also a battleground, with Macron's image as a candidate for the rich and his proposed reforms being contentious. Additionally, the candidates' positions on religion and minorities have evolved, with Macron appearing to soften his stance and Le Pen maintaining her hardline views. The article suggests that the election's outcome is uncertain due to these factors and the global crises intersecting with the campaign.
Exciting news: metro.news has merged with metro.co.uk!
Metro Newspaper has announced its merger with metro.co.uk, allowing readers to access content from both platforms in one place. This merger aims to enhance the reader experience by combining the reach of Metro Newspaper with the extensive online audience of metro.co.uk, which boasts 23 million unique visitors a month as of January 2020. Readers can find various features such as Sixty Seconds, Escape, Guilty Pleasures, Connect, and Rush Hour Crush on the new integrated platform. Additionally, the Metro app continues to offer news, celebrity updates, sports, and feature stories, and is available for free on the App Store, Google Play, and the Amazon App Store. For those interested in the traditional format, the Metro newspaper e-edition is also available.
Grenfell Tower fire tragedy reveals ugly flaws of regeneration agenda
The Grenfell Tower fire in London, which resulted in the destruction of 120 homes, highlights the broader issues with the UK's and Europe's approach to social housing and urban regeneration. The author criticizes the policies of successive governments that have led to a depletion and deterioration of housing stock, and the prioritization of profit and regeneration over residents' safety and satisfaction. The recent £8.7m refit of Grenfell Tower, which included the addition of aluminium cladding, is scrutinized for its potential role in the fire's rapid spread. The complexity of accountability structures in urban regeneration schemes is likely to complicate the investigation into the disaster. The author calls for a rebalancing of power towards residents and away from private developers.
One year on, Paris attacks reshape city’s residents and their response to terror
The article reflects on the changes in Paris since the terror attacks on November 13, 2015. It discusses the introduction of 'Operation Sentinelle', a significant military deployment in civilian areas, and the 'Plan Vigipirate' terror alert system. The presence of military personnel in public spaces has become a new normal for Parisians, creating a tense atmosphere. Schools have implemented security measures, allowing students to smoke on premises to avoid being targets outside and instructing them on how to act during an attack. The article also touches on the disparities and increased difficulties faced by poorer suburbs with higher migrant populations, where residents have been unfairly targeted with extra-judicial powers. The author argues that protection should be for all, not just one part of the city, and reminds us of the Muslim victims of terrorism, emphasizing the need for protection from violence for everyone.
Secular France is no stranger to interfaith dialogue – now it is more vital than ever
In response to recent terror attacks and rising antisemitism and Islamophobia in France, the historically active relationship between the state and religious organizations is highlighted as more vital than ever. Despite the secular nature of the French state, local authorities have been engaging with religious groups, demonstrating secularism's flexibility. Interfaith relations, such as the French Council of the Muslim Faith's condemnation of attacks and the Abrahamic Group of Duchère's efforts in Lyon, are fostering peace and understanding. The Marseille Espérance Forum's role in promoting inter-religious unity, supported by the municipal government, underscores the importance of dialogue in maintaining social cohesion amidst religious tensions.
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