A list of authors, past and present

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.

Cyber Security and Emerging Threats Jeremy Ofwono

Securing Canadian Interests Under the Second Trump Administration: The Need for An Attitude Adjustment

On January 20th, 2025, Donald Trump was officially sworn in as the President of the United States for his second term after winning the 2024 US election. With this, a new age of global politics is in the offing. Trump’s policies during his first administration were largely guided by an “America First” agenda, reflecting a Read More…

Alexander Martin Cyber Security and Emerging Threats

Blockchain in the Trump Era: Shaping the Future of Global Economy and Security

As the global landscape shifts under the Trump Administration, it is characterized by increasing political polarization, a focus on deregulation, and a growing interest in digital currencies and blockchain technologies. As a result, attention is now being paid to how these innovations could reshape the global economy and national security. The rising interest in digital Read More…

Alexander Martin Cyber Security and Emerging Threats

The Digital Battlefield: How China’s Cyber Program Is Reshaping National Security

On Sunday, January 19th, TikTok, the app that has captivated millions, was expected to shut down its operations in the U.S. This follows a sweeping federal ban sparked by a new law demanding that ByteDance, the Chinese company behind TikTok, divest from the app. Canada, too, is stepping up its scrutiny, forcing TikTok to close Read More…

Olena Kryzhanivska Society, Culture, and Security

NATO and Conventional Arms Control: Military Transfers to Ukraine

In December 2024, NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) took over the coordination of the provision, transfer, and repair of military equipment critical to Ukraine’s battlefield needs. While it is crucial to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect itself against Russian invaders, equally important is ensuring proper control over the delivered weaponry. The diversion Read More…

Alexander Martin Cyber Security and Emerging Threats

Mis/Disinformation and Polarization Online: Protecting Canada’s Democracy in the Digital Age

This is an era where information warfare is evolving at an unprecedented pace. The digital landscape, marked by rapid shifts, such as the acquisition of Twitter (now X), the Cambridge Analytica scandal, and targeted disinformation campaigns, has exposed the increasing vulnerability of democracies, particularly in the Global North. NATO distinguishes between “misinformation”—false or inaccurate information Read More…

Society, Culture, and Security Tristan Price

A Third Nuclear Age: Russia’s Role in Nuclear Proliferation Since the Invasion of Ukraine

At a Royal United Services Institute event in December 2024, the head of the UK military, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, claimed that the world could be on the brink of a “third nuclear age”. Nuclear weapon proliferation is on the rise, largely driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is important to identify the Read More…

NATO and Canada Olena Kryzhanivska

Canada’s Military Assistance to Ukraine in 2024: Key Trends

In 2024, several major developments unfolded in the Russian war on Ukraine, including Ukraine’s offensive in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, which began in August. The Ukrainian Armed Forces intensified drone attacks on Russia’s military and energy infrastructure, targeting more than 30 oil refineries. Additionally, Ukraine has rapidly transformed from receiving military aid to becoming a successful Read More…