Dr Thomas Phillips talked about Ocalan’s theory of Democratic Confederalism as an alternative to capitalism; the Kurdish ecological movement and human rights; the extent to which Turkey is or might become a democratic party. 

He also touched about the ruling AKP party’s approach to political prisoners and the importance of Abdullah Ocalan to a future peace process.

Dr Thomas has a particular interest in the rights of Kurdish populations residing in Turkey, Iraq and Syria.

He has spoken on that subject at several conferences, including the first ever international conference held at the University of Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

He has also contributed to legal processes beyond his scholarly activities. For example, he recently provided expert evidence in a court case concerning the prevalence of torture and other human rights abuses against members of pro-Kurdish political parties in Turkey; and he recently travelled to Turkey in order to monitor the trial of HDP former co-chair Selahattin Demirtas. Dr Thomas Phillips joined LJMU's Law School in 2018.