Following the productive 2021 G7 and NATO Summits, Eric Jackson explores two overlapping security issues addressed by the nations and identifies areas for future improvement.
NATO and Canada
Since its inception in 1949, Canada has played an integral role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its numerous military and non-military engagements. As a founding member, Canada’s involvement over the past 70 years has varied from troop deployment and training in Europe during much of the Cold War, to activity abroad in places like Afghanistan and Libya. The articles in the NATO and Canada program examine NATO’s operational history and Canada’s role from a multitude of perspectives. The NATO Association of Canada aims to supply Canadians with a greater insight into the inner workings of this long-standing alliance and its Canadian contributions.
NATO’s Unsteady Southern Flank
Talks between two of NATO’s southernmost members don’t seem to be making progress, as Turkey and Greece seem as far apart as ever. Elliott Simpson examines the latest flare up between these unlikely allies, and its effect on the strength of NATO’s southern flank.
Prepping for 2030: The Young Leaders’ Perspective on NATO’s Future
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is set to outline the NATO 2030 initiative to the 30 NATO member countries next week. In prep, Eric Jackson highlights the NATO 2030 Young Leaders’ recommendations on how to strengthen the Alliance.
France and La Grande Muette
The latest appearance of right-wing extremism in Western militaries threatens norms governing the civil-military relationship in France. Elliott Simpson explores the severity of these events and the dangers of inaction.
Political Accounting: Rethinking NATO’s ‘2 percent’ Rule
Is the ‘2 percent’ rule an effective way to measure a member State’s commitment to NATO? Eric Jackson explores how political manipulation in current defence spending misrepresents a nation’s military readiness and suggests a broader definition for security expenditures.
Tblisi and NATO – Past, Present and an Uncertain Future
Despite Russia knocking at the door, Georgia is seeking to deepen its ties with the West and join NATO. However, to understand the present, and attempt to predict the future of Georgia’s relationship with the alliance, Elliott Simpson examines the events of 2008 and their aftermath.
A Partner in Peace: Ukraine’s Complicated Pathway to NATO Membership
As tensions in Eastern Europe rise and calls for Ukrainian membership in NATO increase, Eric Jackson explores Ukraine’s pathway to NATO accession through the Partnership for Peace programme.
Stockholm’s Decision: Examining Sweden’s Future with NATO
A recent boost in Swedish military spending, growing support by Swedish voters and government to join NATO, and heightened tensions with Russia all point to one question: Will Stockholm join the alliance? In this article, Elliott Simpson presents the case of Sweden and its relationship with NATO.
Defending Canada and Canadian Values: An Analysis of Military Expenditures in Budget 2021
What are the takeaways for Canada’s security in Budget 2021? In this article, Eric Jackson explores the implications of the new federal budget on military spending and Canadian operations abroad.
Top Guns: Canada and NATO Air Task Force Romania
Lessons from Canada’s leadership of NATO’s mission to secure Europe from aerial threats, hosted by the NATO Association of Canada.