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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…

Security, Trade and the Economy

How Canada Can Reach 2%: Learning from Allies

For decades, NATO has maintained a clear benchmark for defence spending: 2% of a nation’s GDP. This figure signifies a commitment to collective security. However, as of 2024, Canada spends only about 1.4% of its GDP on defence.  With increasing pressure from NATO allies and a shifting global security landscape, Canada faces the pressing question: Can 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

Special Report: The MAS Gap, Canada Falls Behind as Allies Adopt Maritime Autonomous Systems

This is Part One of a two part series on maritime autonomous systems. Introduction As the geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly complex, with rising global competition and evolving security threats, Canada must take decisive steps to enhance its maritime capabilities by adopting Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS). While our allies, including the United States, France, and NATO 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…

Olena Kryzhanivska Society, Culture, and Security

NATO and Conventional Arms Control in the Context of the Russian War on Ukraine

One overlooked aspect of NATO’s activities is the alliance members’ commitment to conventional arms control. The NATO 2022 Strategic Concept, adopted at the Madrid Summit, highlights the importance of arms control and disarmament for global security Conventional arms control measures include efforts such as the reduction of troops or even the total abolition of armed Read More…

Energy Security

Using NATO Partnership to Strengthen Strategic Autonomy for Azerbaijan and Central Asia in Rare-Earth Mining and Supply Chain

Robert M. Cutler, Director of the Energy Security Program, is represented NAOC at the Academic Conference on the 30th Anniversary Of Azerbaijan’s Joining NATO’s Partnership For Peace Programme, being held in Baku on 26–27 November 2024. This is an advance copy of his invited remarks. Executive Summary: NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) program can expand Read More…

Cyber Security and Emerging Threats Jeremy Ofwono

From Aid to Boots on the Ground: The Russian-North Korean Axis in the Ukraine Conflict

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the two countries have been embroiled in Europe’s largest conventional conflict since World War II, suffering thousands of civilian and military casualties. Since the war began, Ukraine has received substantial aid from NATO and EU members, with EU commitments exceeding $126 billion as of April 30, Read More…