BARIS CAYLI messina, PhD
A Social and Cultural CritiC
I believe that research should serve the public by fostering meaningful and positive change. To this end, I try to contribute articles to media outlets, using clear and accessible language to share insights from my research.
I am also open to collaborating with media on topics related to my research and areas of expertise. Below, you will find some examples related to my public scholarship work and media contributions.
I wrote on violence and tried to answer a number of questions that my students often find tricky: Is violence shaped more by place or by perception? Does it erupt from geography, institutions, and material conditions, or does it hinge more on who sees it, names it, and frames it? Why does some pain make headlines while other suffering goes unnoticed? Whose pain counts more, and who gets to decide that? These are uncomfortable but necessary questions—ones that expose the power dynamics behind visibility, justice, and empathy.
The article is available in English.
I wrote my keynote speech for the GLITSS workshop in Palermo regarding the role of civil society in the fight against illicit trade. My keynote speech focuses on the great opportunities but also immense challenges regarding the role of civil society in saving lives, preventing vulnerability, and limiting the activities of organised crime groups. You can read the article by clicking the title or the 'learn more' button below.
I wrote for the Politics and Rights Review. I examine how power structures and economic interests have deepened environmental inequalities, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable communities. I try to show that the ecological crisis is not just an environmental issue but also a political and social one that threatens global stability.
The article is available in English.
I wrote for the Politics and Rights Review on the importance of clear writing to bridge academia with the public. I emphasize the ethical duty of scholars to communicate research effectively, using clarity to inspire change and engage broader audiences. The article is available in English.
For French, please click here
For Spanish, please click here
How repressive state power can tackle
far-right violence
Far-right violence in the UK threatens democracy. I argue for repressive state power to counter this threat. Recognising that democracy is fragile, he calls for action against organisations and people that fuel extremism. Cooperation between state institutions and non-state actors is essential to combat fascist violence and ensure peaceful coexistence
How Sicilians are resetting their social norms to strengthen future generations against mafia influence
I wrote an op-ed based on my longitudinal ethnographic research in Sicily, illustrating how Sicilians combat the mafia. The article highlights that Sicilians have consistently resisted mafia oppression, despite frequent neglect by the Italian state. However, social norm change in communities suffering from collective trauma is a prolonged process. This is particularly true when state inefficiency and oppressive forces converge, impeding lasting social transformation.
Gender roles, crime, and violence
I gave my professional opinion to Intel on the assassination of Claudio Iacono, which was just one in a string of mafia-related killings in the Montreal region, Canada. The particular attention of the media on this case both shows the role of media and requires additional question regarding how the media perceives when women are part of the mafia related activities
Criminalisation of LGBTQ+ activism
I provided expert view for Xtra Magazine regarding the increasing hate crime and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in Turkey. The article shares the experience of queer people in Turkey and takes urgent attention to the alarming situation in the country. The defence of fundamental human rights of queer people has gained more importance in the face of serious discrimination in almost every aspect of social life.
Public Order Bill, Public Trust, and Police Violence
I provided expert view for the BBC Radio Lincolnshire on 12 May 2023 regarding the new Public Order Bill that empowers the police force to suppress social protests. I evaluated the arrest of a bystander, Alice Chapman, by mistake who was attending the coronation event. I highlighted the importance of this law and to what extent may the bill need of revision to restore the trust of public in law enforcement.
Poverty and corruption in Italy at root of crime clans’ chilling turf war
I contributed my expert analysis to The Sunday Post on the ongoing mafia wars in Rome, focusing on the recent spate of suicides among members of rival clans. My insights highlighted how internal conflicts and disagreements over the control and governance of illicit activities have escalated tensions within these criminal networks, leading to tragic outcomes.
Memorising the LGTBQIA+ Giants
I curated this powerful exhibition that brought together students, university admin staff, and academics of the University of Lincoln in celebration of the LGBTQIA+ figures who have shaped history. Through a series of visually striking posters, Memorising the LGBTQI+ Giants showcases the lives and legacies of inspirational individuals, illustrating the richness and diversity of the queer community. Each poster offers a personal reflection on how these trailblazers have influenced contemporary struggles for equality, justice, and visibility. This exhibition is a call to remember, learn, and continue the fight for inclusivity and recognition.
You can have more information by clicking the link.
Fiction, crime dramas, and everyday realities
On October 10, 2022, I provided expert commentary for BBC Breakfast Lincolnshire on the enduring appeal of crime dramas and series. During the segment, I delved into the psychological and cultural reasons behind our fascination with these genres, explaining how they captivate audiences by exploring the darker aspects of human nature, offering a sense of justice, and providing complex narratives that challenge our understanding of morality and law.
Organised Crime and Violence over Time
I was invited by Agos, the renowned Turkish-Armenian newspaper, to provide an expert interview on the evolution of mafia power in Italy over the past century. During the interview, conducted in Turkish by Ferda Balancar on August 25, 2021, I discussed the historical shifts in the influence and operations of Italian mafia organisations, highlighting the social, economic, and political factors that have shaped their role in Italian society over time.
The shared ‘orientalist vision’ of radicalised militants and populist politicians poses a threat to us all
I authored an article for The Loop after the terrorist attacks in France in September 2020 exploring the shared ideological foundations between populist politicians and radical militants. This common ground, rooted in an orientalist perspective, presents significant and widespread threats to society.
Social Riots against the Pandemic
I contributed expert analysis to Infobea, a prominent online news platform in Latin America. I was consulted regarding the relationship between the pandemic and both violent and non-violent social protests globally over recent years. The resulting article is published in Spanish.
Femicide: The long struggle of Turkish women to survive
I authored a blog article to disseminate findings from my research on the Turkish feminist movement's struggle against femicide. Gender-based violence has intensified markedly, with numerous women demonstrating unwavering resistance to male violence in recent years. The recent withdrawal of Turkey from the Istanbul Convention significantly jeopardizes the daily safety and well-being of women in the country.
Technology, Policing, Security, and Democracy
My article, published by Discover Society, uncovers the efficacy of body-worn cameras in law enforcement. I argue that, when utilised effectively, this technology has the potential to significantly enhance transparency within policing practices and hold officers accountable for their use of force. The article examines various dimensions of body-worn camera implementation and its impact on monitoring police conduct, advocating for strategic use to improve oversight and ensure adherence to ethical standards for democratic deliberation.
A Generational Fight: Teaching Young Italians to Defy the mafia
In my article for Rusi, I analyse the ongoing battle of Sicilian society against the mafia. This relentless and prolonged struggle, spearheaded by civil society, places young people at the forefront of efforts to transform cultural norms and establish a culture of lawfulness. Through my ethnographic research, I underscore both the potential for meaningful change and the challenges faced in this enduring resistance
Lemons gave mafia taste for sharp practices
In the article published by The Times, I provided insights into the rise of the mafia as a robust organisation in Sicily, exploring its connections to the island's agricultural economy. I discussed how this phenomenon cannot be divorced from significant political shifts, state neglect and betrayal in Sicily.