June 28th, 2019 marks 50 years since the Stonewall Uprising, the event that completely changed the the course of the LGBTQ rights movement for generations to come.
Society, Culture, and Security
The NATO Association of Canada’s Society, Culture, and Security program takes a look at the issues that impact Canadians’ every day lives while connecting them to international relations. The program covers a wide range of topics, which include: pop culture, art, film, global events, and socio-political relations. In addition, Society, Culture, and IR aims to examine and provide in-depth analyses that relate international affairs to the interests of Canadian society.
Two Years Later: The Grenfell Tower Fire and the Continuing Dangers of Low-Income Housing
June 14, 2019 marks two years since the shocking Grenfell Tower fire of 2017. A key function of all governments is to protect their citizens, including both international and domestic protection, something which is being tested and tried on a large scale. The Grenfell fire has shown that for several decades, there has been a Read More…
The Modern Lessons of HBO’s “Chernobyl”
As Craig Mazin’s hit new HBO miniseries “Chernobyl” comes to a close, David Lazzam reflects on the continuing implications the nuclear disaster and the stories behind it hold for our modern political system.
From Kabul to London: The Meteoric Rise of Afghan Cricket
A look at the inspiring story of Afghanistan at this year’s Cricket World Cup, and the security implications of sport in international affairs.
Escaping the Canteen: The Rise of Post-Soviet Cuisine
David Lazzam explores the cultural growth that has emerged in Russian cuisine since the fall of the Soviet Union.
Life Imitates Art: The Implications of Ukraine’s “Sitcom President”
With the recent election of Ukrainian president Volodymr Zelensky, David Lazzam considers the relationship between social art and politics.
The Wandering Earth: China’s Cinematic Space Race
The Chinese science fiction film The Wandering Earth (Liu Lang Di Qiu) shattered boxes offices in 2019. Directed by Frant Gwo, the movie follows the Liu family’s post-apocalyptic space mission to save Earth from Jupiter’s gravitational orbit. The film’s thematic statements and successful public reception are a reflection of China’s increasing confidence in its space exploration program.
Biometrics Possibly a Key to Election Integrity
Developing nations often have trouble administering democratic elections, due to poor infrastructure and pervasive voter fraud. Biometrics offers a chance to fix this and may even benefit elections held in mature democracies.
The Role of Arts in Countering Violent Extremism
Kagusthan Ariaratnam explores how the arts can play a part in countering violent extremism.
How Biometrics Helps Refugees Regain Dignity
Refugees often, and understandably, lack the legal documents needed to grant them legal personhood. Biometrics offers a way to change that, and reconnect refugees to vital services while clamping down on aid fraud.