Bücher von Joseph Downing

This book demonstrates that the disciplinary boundaries present within international relations approaches to security studies are redundant when examining social media, and inter- and multi-disciplinary analysis is key. A key result of the analysis undertaken is that when examining the social media sphere security scholars need to ¿expect the unexpected¿. This is because social media enables users to subvert, contest and create security narratives with symbols and idioms of their choice which can take into account ¿traditional¿ security themes, but also unexpected and under explored themes such as narratives from the local context of the users¿ towns and cities, and the symbolism of football clubs. The book also explores the complex topography of social media when considering constructions of security. The highly dynamic topography of social media is neither elite dominated and hierarchical as the Copenhagen School conceptualises security speak. However, neither is it completely flat and egalitarian as suggested by the vernacular security studies¿ non-elite approach. Rather, social mediäs topography is shifting and dynamic, with individuals gaining influence in security debates in unpredictable ways. In examining social media this book engages with the emancipatory burden of critical security studies. This book argues that it remains unfulfilled on social media and rather presents a ¿thin¿ notion of discursive emancipation where social media does provide the ability for previously excluded voices to participate in security debates, even if this does not result in their direct emancipation from power hierarchies and structures offline.

This book demonstrates that the disciplinary boundaries present within international relations approaches to security studies are redundant when examining social media, and inter- and multi-disciplinary analysis is key. A key result of the analysis undertaken is that when examining the social media sphere security scholars need to ¿expect the unexpected¿. This is because social media enables users to subvert, contest and create security narratives with symbols and idioms of their choice which can take into account ¿traditional¿ security themes, but also unexpected and under explored themes such as narratives from the local context of the users¿ towns and cities, and the symbolism of football clubs. The book also explores the complex topography of social media when considering constructions of security. The highly dynamic topography of social media is neither elite dominated and hierarchical as the Copenhagen School conceptualises security speak. However, neither is it completely flat and egalitarian as suggested by the vernacular security studies¿ non-elite approach. Rather, social mediäs topography is shifting and dynamic, with individuals gaining influence in security debates in unpredictable ways. In examining social media this book engages with the emancipatory burden of critical security studies. This book argues that it remains unfulfilled on social media and rather presents a ¿thin¿ notion of discursive emancipation where social media does provide the ability for previously excluded voices to participate in security debates, even if this does not result in their direct emancipation from power hierarchies and structures offline.

Do we pursue our dreams or work a job that provides material success?It's a choice so many of us struggle to make. But Joe Downing knows a secret: we don't have to choose. We can follow our passions and live a life of abundance at the same time. If we give up the illusion of security, take risks and learn from the successes of others, we can all have the lives we were born to live.Drawing from the inspirational stories of artists, writers, entrepreneurs and other nonconformists, both well-known and living quietly next door, The Abundant Bohemian provides the philosophical paradigm and practical tools to live a more inspired life.A better life is calling each of us. Beyond the corporate and institutional world of western culture, the time and the bliss to follow our passions waits for us.