Ben Hartley on the importance of diversifying Canadian trade.
Author: Ben Hartley
Ben Hartley was a Research Analyst with the NATO Association of Canada. He hold a BAH from Queen's University, where he worked as a research assistant at the Queen's Centre for International Relations. Ben specializes in international trade and non-proliferation, and completed an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Nexen, CNOOC and the Goal of North American Energy Security
The sale of Nexen has many shades of grey, but does not represent a major strategic pivot towards China, nor will it jeopardize Canada’s relationship with the United States or be deleterious to the goal of North American Energy independence. The Nexen sale is fundamentally about the assets they hold and retaining domestic control over Read More…
The Return of Politics in China
In China, recent discussion of an economic crash masks an unpredictable control mechanism to prevent it: the return of politics.
What’s In an Oath? Suu Kyi and the Political Dilemmas of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar
In recent weeks, Western states have begun easing sanctions as a result of the Myanmar’s increased pluralism, the most notable example being Aung San Suu Kyi’s election to Parliament.
Xi’s Ticket to Ride
By: Ben Hartley While the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) constitutes the basis for single party rule in China, the internal political dynamics that govern succession politics create a balance between diverging opinions within the party that have allowed for China’s long-term stability in governance and economic growth. Set to undergo the first major leadership succession Read More…
Harper Maps a New Canadian Trade Regime
By: Ben Hartley In China this week, Prime Minister Harper is balancing Canada’s two most important trade relationships as he seeks to diversify the Canadian export market. Once understood as an idealistic and Euro-centric state, Canada has turned to the highest bidder for Alberta crude in the Asia-Pacific region after US President Obama’s recent decision Read More…
The Anatomy of US-China Cooperation on North Korea
By: Ben Hartley New leadership in Pyongyang invariably changes the strategic calculus of China and the US on the Korean Peninsula. The appointment of Kim Jong-un as Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army is an important indication of the legitimacy of Jong-un, and points to the ruling military cadre’s interest in maintaining internal stability. Read More…