Author: Isabelle Ava-Pointon

Isabelle Ava-Pointon is a history and international relations student in the University of British Columbia-Sciences Po Paris Dual Degree program. Prior to writing for NAOC, Isabelle reported in both French and English for the Foreign Affairs section of Sciences Po’s The Sundial Press. For the past three years, she has represented the Vimy Foundation at World War One commemorations, and has contributed to several public exhibitions about the First World War. After two years in France, Isabelle is entering her third year at UBC to continue her studies and improve her Spanish and Ukrainian. Her research interests include the weaponization of historical memory, counterinsurgency and contemporary Eurasia, especially Ukraine. Isabelle’s career goals include serving in the Canadian Armed Forces and diplomatic corps, and becoming an academic. Isabelle tweets @i_aletheia and you can contact her at iavapointon@gmail.com.
NATO and Canada NATO Operations Uncategorized

Why Operation Unifier Still Matters

Operation Unifier, both a symbol and practical tool of Ukrainian-Canadian military cooperation has been active since 2015. In this article, Isabelle Ava-Pointon argues that this mission, due to end in March 2019, should clearly be extended, due to increasing tensions in the area, upcoming election in Ukraine and a need for greater shows of solidarity and cooperation around the world.
Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Security and Emerging Threats Isabelle Ava-Pointon Security, Trade and the Economy

A New Front Emerges: Russia, the Kerch Bridge and the Azov Sea

In this article, Isabelle Ava-Pointon examines the recent incident in the Sea of Azov. This timely and complex event will provide valuable insight into the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict over the fate of Crimea.

Canadian Armed Forces Isabelle Ava-Pointon

The Canadian Armed Forces Commemorate the Last Hundred Days of WWI

As the centenary of the First World War draws to a close, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of Defence have stepped up their programs of remembrance. Commemoration is a political act that signals to partners and competitors that Canada remembers its past military successes engages with its heritage, and is ready to serve again in the future if necessary.
Canadian Armed Forces Isabelle Ava-Pointon

Divvying Up the Caspian Sea

The recently-signed Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea has the potential for far-reaching effects, both in the region and throughout Europe. The way this decades-old dispute was solved With security, energy, legal and economic issues at play, it is important to understand what has been resolved, and what is still at stake.

Canadian Armed Forces

Bilingualism in the CAF: Legal, Historical, and Operational Perspectives

In her most recent article, Isabelle-Ava Pointon discusses bilingualism in the Canadian Armed Forces. With increased legislation and heightened cultural significance, bilingualism within the CAF appears to be increasing. Despite this, barriers still remain towards achieving a completely bilingual military.