PINT OF JUSTICE 2023/24

As academics, we have always reflected on the issue of the gap between research and the public. Despite dedicated efforts, platforms, forums, social media pages, etc. technical jargon has time and time again stood in the way of access to research knowledge. But now more than ever, there is a need for research knowledge to reach the wider public with the help of all researchers.

With this, we proudly introduce ‘Pint of Justice,’ a monthly series of informal talks about real-world issues presented by leading academics and held at the Cosy Club, Nottingham City Centre. They feature a short informal talk from an expert on a topic followed by a Q&A and open discussions/debates while enjoying a drink. The events are open to the public and are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:00 pm. ‘Pint of Justice’ is designed to break the gap between research and the public and is dedicated to making research truly accessible for all.

Join us on Wednesday 27th of September at the Cosy Club, the Gin Room for our first talk of the second year of Pint of Justice. This talk features Dr Tine Munk, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at Nottingham Trent University. Tine's overarching research interest is cybercrimes and their political context, power, responses and impacts.

Tine's talk is entitled: Ukraine's Memetic War: Pixels, Politics and Power

In the digital age, Ukraine has leveraged political memes as formidable instruments of digital warfare. This ‘memetic war’ has reshaped political discourse, using memes’ virality to influence public sentiment, debunk misinformation, and fortify resilience against Russian disinformation. Amid the complexities of the Russian war against the country, Ukrainian public and private actors innovatively develop and reuse memes that echo current events and champion narratives opposing Russian propaganda and disinformation. These memes, embedded with contemporary events, iconic communications, and pop culture nods, craft a story immersed in national pride, cultural identity, resistance, and humour. Analysing these digital communications reveals a profound grasp of codes and symbols that resonate both locally and globally. Through this, Ukrainian actors and pro-Ukrainian collaborators challenge adversarial narratives and bolster internal morale, demonstrating a harmonious fusion of cultural insight, timely reaction, and digital ability in the face of geopolitical war.

Host or Publisher CRITICAL CRIMINOLOGY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE RESEARCH GROUP