James Lautens is an Engagement Coordinator with the NATO Association of Canada. He graduated with High Distinction from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in History and Classical Civilization. He is currently taking a gap year before pursuing a Master in Public Policy/Administration or a Juris Doctorate. James is passionate about government service and a possible career in the civil service. His areas of academic interest are politics and religion in Early Modern Europe as well as the history of military development in Ancient Greece. He is particularly interested in the coordination of provincial and municipal governments in the implementation of policy. In law, James is interested in constitutional law focusing on the intersection of civil rights and emerging technologies. In his spare time James writes book reviews for H-Net War and does occasional contract work for the Critical Minerals Institute, a think tank focused on the mineral supply chain and new green technologies.
Environment, Climate Change, and Security James Lautens

Mineral Mania: Canada’s Critical Mineral Opportunity

At an increasing rate, critical minerals are at the forefront of international relations. Critical minerals are a hot topic not only in the business sphere but also the defence sphere.This is especially true now, with President Donald Trump pushing Ukraine to sign over its critical mineral rights to the United States. This demand is presented Read More…

Security, Trade and the Economy

On Guard with Thee: Why Canada Should Join the European Union

President Donald Trump’s promise to delay imposing tariffs on Canadian goods caused many Canadians to breathe a sigh of relief. With Canada seemingly uniting around the threat that the U.S. poses to our economic well-being, it seems like we are on course to diplomatically deal with this crisis and hopefully resume normal relations. Yet, with Read More…

Security, Trade and the Economy

Bazaar Opportunities: Canada’s Trade Future

Canada is in a precarious position when it comes to international trade. With the recent election of Donald J. Trump to the Oval Office, trade security is being threatened by a long-time ally who misunderstands the norms that govern international trade and the global economy. Trump asserts that he will apply a 25% tariff on Read More…

James Lautens Society, Culture, and Security

Conscription in NATO Countries: Why Do Some Have It and Others Don’t?

In his latest article, James Lautens explores the discussion around military conscription as a means of deterrence in global security. By comparing conscription policies in NATO countries, he outlines the cultural, political, geographic, and historical factors behind conscription policies and argues that, in an increasingly unstable world, Canada should consider all options – including conscription – to strengthen its defences.

Environment, Climate Change, and Security

Clear Gold: The Role of Fresh Water in Canada’s Global Strategy

What role will fresh water play on the global stage? More specifically, how will the scarcity of freshwater affect strategic decision-making, especially in Canada? With the dangers of climate change looming in everyday life – wildfires that devastated parts of Los Angeles are one prime example – it is important for countries to think about Read More…