The NAOC’s Cyber Security and Emerging Threats Program features an in-depth analysis of latest trends, developments, and threats in international security. New security concerns are always on the horizon and our program seeks to examine these domains including global warming, natural resources, drones, urban conflicts, and cyberspace.
The program’s mandate is to keep Canadians informed on these rapidly developing and increasingly pivotal realms that are integral to all aspects of security.
Cyberspace has become the new realm for battles to be waged, where state/non-state-sponsored groups are exploiting cyber vulnerabilities to control critical state sectors. Cyberattacks have escalated beyond espionage and financial theft to actions that constitute acts of war, endangering national and global security. Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon, People’s Republic of China (PRC) sponsored cybergroups, Read More…
The dynamics of the international order are evolving, with rising levels of Great Power competition and aggressorsincreasingly challenging NATO’s defences. These changes are making it increasingly important that the Canadian government prioritizes building up domestic defence capabilities to prove itself as a reliable NATO ally and contributor to collective security. In June 2025, NATO allies renewed their Read More…
During Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the world was given yet another case to underscore how cyberspace has become a battlefield. In January 2022, researchers uncovered Whisper Gate, a virus that corrupted the master boot record on targeted computers. Following on to February, another malware, Hermetic Wiper, erased data hours before the Russian invasion. Banks, ministries Read More…
This year was a big moment for science and technology (S&T) within NATO. On July 1, 2025, the Alliance designated Steen Søndergaard as its new Chief Scientist, taking over from Dr. Bryan Wells in order to bring a fresh approach to NATO’s S&T efforts. At the 2025 NATO Summit at The Hague, the Allies agreed Read More…
In January, U.S. President Donald Trump urged NATO members to lift defence spending from the long-standing 2 per cent goal to 5 per cent of GDP. This was met with sharp criticism in Europe, and NATO officials dismissed the idea as unrealistic. No ally, including the United States, spends anywhere near 5 per cent; only Read More…
The idea of military participation in responses to natural disasters is not new. Canadian and other militaries have often played a role in responding to natural disasters in Canada and abroad. However, the increase in the frequency and impact of natural disasters in the context of climate changes requires a new, bold response. The concept Read More…
This special report provides an objective overview of the newly elected minority Liberal government’s plans regarding defence and discusses proposals from other opposition parties.
In today’s digital age, mis-and disinformation has become pervasive, fueled by advancements in AI and deep-fake technology, while the centralized nature of social media platforms accelerates its spread, amplifying false narratives to vast audiences with unprecedented speed. NATO recognized this growing threat to democracy during the Washington Summit last summer, emphasizing its critical impact in Read More…
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2014, Moscow’s aggression against its neighbour has gone through several significant phases, from the annexation of Crimea, to mounting insurgency in the Donbas, to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine proper in 2022 and a subsequent seesaw of back-and-forth offensives. With the Trump Administration in full swing, the Read More…
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…