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Jonathan Boff

@jfb1066.bsky.social

2.2K followers 260 following 2.7K posts

Military Historian. Writing a book on Economic Statecraft and Money as a Weapon of War (OUP, 2025?). Next: Strategy. Author of 2 award-winning books on the First World War. Professor at University of Birmingham.

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Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 3h

The grocery industry would be much more profitable if only it didn’t have to pay farmers for supplies

The Verge @theverge.com · May 26

Nick Clegg says asking artists for use permission would ‘kill’ the AI industry

Nick Clegg says asking artists for use permission would ‘kill’ the AI industry

Paul McCartne, Elton John and others signed an open letter.

Reposted by Jonathan Boff

Dr Aimée Fox @draefox.bsky.social · 1d

Only a month 'til the publication of “Framing the First World War: How Divergent Views Shaped a Global Conflict”, edited by me, @mpmfinch.bsky.social & @dmorganowen.bsky.social!

US readers: get 30% discount (code: FRAMINGWWI) & free shipping if you order direct from @univpressofkansas.bsky.social

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 1d

My father was a grocer.
Said Lord Sainsbury

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 1d

Great plan. Good luck with that

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

I hope his back has got better

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

The thing with bubbles is that they can always get bigger. Until they burst.
And they do all burst in the end.

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

If only the USSR hadn’t been so woke it would have won lots more wars

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

Yes. Like leaking. A slight problem for a submarine. After the war even the Soviets thought they were death traps and refused to use the ones they’d captured

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

Your Top Trump point is key @alanallport.bsky.social Having the longest range and thickest armour on your tank was as you say no good if a) the bloody thing wouldn’t start; b) the bridge wouldn’t take the weight or c) if you were fighting at 100 yards range in bocage or the Rhineland

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

But also including the sexier ones: eg P-51, B-29, and indeed the atom bomb. Which was not inferior tech or mass produced. The Allies were better at _everything_ that’s why they won. in 1941 the T-34 was better than any German tank…

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

Enjoyed hearing your dulcets on Tim Harford the other day btw

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

And that’s not even the one that’s making me angry just now!

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

. There are PhDs I would like to read enough that I would gladly examine them for free; and there are colleagues and friends whom I would very happily oblige, ditto.
And indeed I’m increasingly thinking that might just be easier all round than this ridiculous tail-chasing for peanuts

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

Yes. Quite. There is a university from which I have 2 degrees and on the payroll of which I once was which made me jump through those hoops. For £150, which o am still waiting for 6 months on.

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

And, by the way, there’s a huge discrepancy in fees paid (why?). I have been offered anything from £150 to £350.
Even that top end figure grossly undervalues the work involved. If you can even get the money out of the beggars at all.
And then we say we prize good academic citizenship….

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

I am used to universities making it not straightforward to claim fees and expenses when I examine PhDs for them.
It’s a disgrace but everyone does it.
The most recent instance, however, seems to be crossing the line into deliberate obstruction.
HE is a place of perverse incentives.

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

Answers on a postcard please to
Sir K Starmer
10 Downing Street
London
SW1 HMG

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

A propos of nothing, especially not Fellows’ meetings:
“An extraordinary affair. I gave them their orders and they wanted to stay and discuss them"

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 2d

Congratulations

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 4d

He knew better than to try

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 4d

I will gladly serve as external examiner on your Bluesky account

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 5d

War is the continuation of politics by other means.
Both sides need to have a political objective for it to qualify as a war.
Selling more dope is not a political objective.
No politics, no war

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 6d

I do like Irish whiskey but I think the barman’s brain might have exploded

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 6d

‘Scotch, please’
‘Jack Daniel’s?’
🤔

Jonathan Boff @jfb1066.bsky.social · 6d

Boohoo not eligible it appears.
Shame I spent the money already on Cristal Rosé