The Expanding Community program at the NAOC has three aims. First, the program seeks to explore the growth of the NATO alliance, prospective members and relationship with partners. Secondly, it looks at human rights issues and its effects on NATO member and partner countries. Thirdly, it features Canada’s global connections, including our links to other nations on a bilateral basis, and the role Canada plays within international and multilateral institutions. Check back regularly for original articles, as well as links to related news, blog posts and videos from around the world.

David Hunter Diplomatic Relations Energy & Resources Expanding Community Global Governance Peace & Conflict Studies Rights Security Society The Middle East and North Africa Trade

Using Oil as Political Currency: What ISIL’s Capture of the Baiji Oil Refinery Means for Iraq

Following ISIL’s capture of the Baiji oil refinery, David Hunter analyses the possible impact of Iraq’s political crisis on the global oil market.

Asia-Pacific Canada Christopher Cowan Diplomatic Relations Expanding Community International Law & Policy Peace & Conflict Studies Security, Trade and the Economy Trade Western Europe

Li Keqiang’s Visit to the United Kingdom: A Microcosm of West-China Relations

Through China’s relations with the west, Christopher Cowan examines the balance between trade and human rights.

Asia-Pacific Christopher Cowan Diplomatic Relations Expanding Community Peace & Conflict Studies

The “Abe Doctrine”? An Analysis of Shinzo Abe’s Keynote Address at the 2014 Shangri-La Dialogue

Christopher Cowan discusses Shinzo Abe’s keynote address at the 2014 Asia Security Summit and its possible foreign policy implications for Japan.

Diplomatic Relations Eastern Europe and Russia Expanding Community Global Governance Peace & Conflict Studies Zahra Sachedina

Minister-Counsellor at the Russian Embassy to the UK, Alexander Kramarenko, speaks at the Cambridge Union Society

Zahra Sachedina analyzes the Russian perspective on the Russia-West relationship offered by Russian Minister-Counsellor to the UK Alexander Kramarkenko.

Cyber Security and Emerging Threats Expanding Community Sophia Alifirova The Middle East and North Africa

Afghan Runoff Election: Large Turnout Amid Allegations of Corruption and Taliban Violence

Approximately 7 million Afghans voted in the 2nd round of the presidential election amid widespread allegations of corruption, threats of violence from the Taliban and ballot shortages.