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Finland’s relationship with NATO has a long and complicated history. Despite actively taking part in its activities and offering support for the Alliance, the Finnish government all the same rejects to apply for a membership in the organization in line with popular opinion, while retaining an option of applying in the future. Historical context At Read More…

On April 27, 2010, at least three people were killed and 35 others injured after three separate bomb blasts hit Kandahar City, sliding it into an even deeper violence ahead of NATO’s campaign to launch a major offensive there this summer. The attacks occurred close to an air field and hit a compound run by Read More…

An NATO Council weekly that offers a lighter perspective of global events. By Andrew de Vos About the artist: Andrew de Vos is an Australian artist who has recently moved to Toronto from Melbourne. He is influenced by all types of art, from the traditional to pop culture. He can be contacted at andrewdevos@gmail.com.

By Andrew de Vos A new NATO Council weekly that offers a lighter perspective of global events. About the artist: Andrew de Vos is an Australian artist who has recently moved to Toronto from Melbourne. He is influenced by all types of art, from the traditional to pop culture. He can be contacted at andrewdevos@gmail.com.

The recent ousting of Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has brought yet another new chapter in Kyrgyzstan’s journey towards democracy since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Washington Post claims that the interim government, headed by foreign minister Roza Otunbayeva is attempting to reclaim Kyrgyzstan’s status as an “island of democracy” within Central Asia. Yet looting and violent protests are still occurring in the capital, Bishkek. Amid fears of a civil war, President Bakiyev has fled to Kazakhstan. To date, at least 84 people have died from the violence.

The end of US President Obama’s Nuclear Security Summit on April 13, 2010, brought with it the beginning of a new era of nuclear security as 47 world leaders gathered in Washington D.C. for a two-day summit on how to safeguard nuclear materials from terrorists and non-state actors. A joint declaration from the leaders stated Read More…

The NATO Council’s annual Spring Conference was held on April 8, 2010. This year’s topic was ‘Minimizing Conflict in the Race for Natural Resources: Securing Economic Stability in the 21st Century’, looking at different issues pertaining to energy security from geopolitical, economic and military standpoints. Conference attendees were offered an in-depth look at many different aspects of resource scarcity from an impressive list of speakers from a wide range of industries and professional backgrounds. The speakers provided thorough, informed and detailed discussions that sparked debate and dialogue on how energy security will impact both the public and private sectors and how NATO will define its role in dealing with the increasingly complex security issue.

In trying to facilitate support to its quest to stabilize the AfPak region, NATO is courting the Gulf states to support their mission, with one eye on the horizon and another on the threats the future may bring.

The NATO Council of Canada announces the 2010 undergraduate student essay contest on the subject of natural resources and conflict in the 21st century. Essays received before April 1 will be considered for free admission to the NATO Council of Canada Spring Conference. Essays received by May 15 will be considered for admission to another upcoming academic conference. All winners will also receive a free one year membership to the NATO Council of Canada and have their winning piece published on the NATO Council of Canada’s website.

Parliament Speaker and acting President Bronislaw Komorowski has announced a national week of mourning in Poland following the tragic death of President Lech Kaczynski, first lady Maria Kaczynski and a number of Polish military, economic and civic leaders in a deadly plane crash over the weekend.