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.

Expanding Community Krista Burns

WHY NATO NEEDS TO REMAIN COMMITTED TO AFGHANISTAN AFTER 2014

In June 2011, President Barack Obama signalled that the US would begin withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan, transferring security responsibility to the Afghan forces by 2014. According to Obama, Afghanistan no longer represented a terrorist threat and declared that the “tide of war is receding.” This, compounded by budget restraints and mounting internal pressure to Read More…

Expanding Community Peter Charnvarnichborikar Western Europe

On NATO and Democratic Principles

The anger, frustration and heated tensions between Turkish protestors and their  government, led by Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, present an indirect challenge of NATO. From a security standpoint, Turkey is an essential NATO member. Turkey’s location at the intersection between Europe, Asia and the Middle East makes it crucial for NATO operations from a logistical Read More…