How do stories shape domestic articulations of foreign policy? In this special report, Jack Burnham discusses how the narratives surrounding the rise of China and Japan shaped American foreign policy debates.
Articles
From the Internet to Ashes: Disinformation and the Tigray War
What does war in the Tigray region show about the future of disinformation in ethnic and regional conflicts? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the role of gas-lighting and other information warfare techniques in the Horn of Africa’s most recent outbreak of hostilities.
No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy? The Marine Corps’ New Information Warfare Strategy
How does the US Marine Corps (USMC) intend to conduct information warfare over the coming decade? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the USMC’s Force Design 2030 initiative and its focus on countering disinformation and operating in the Indo-Pacific region.
Putin’s War Has United Europe
In this article, Jordan McEwen discusses the European Union’s improved cooperation and how this may have been triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Contrary to those who maintain that Europe’s unity over Ukraine is fading, she argues that member states shared concern for their security may be allowing for better cooperation than ever before.
Did you know? 7 Facts About the Arctic Infographic
there are institutions focused on Arctic issues, and what the threats are to the Arctic.
“A Splendid Little War” Great Power Competition, Disinformation, and the Spanish-American War
What is the relationship between disinformation and great power competition? In this essay, Jack Burnham discusses the legacy of the Spanish-American War and the “yellow press” through the lens of great power politics, and its lessons for contemporary policymakers.
Like Father, Like Son? Disinformation and the Marcos’ Legacy
How did Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s son win power in the Philippines? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the country’s recent presidential election, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s victory, and the role of disinformation in Filipino politics.
Deception, Deceit, and the Dictator’s Dilemma: Russia, Iraq, and Authoritarian Propaganda
Why is the propaganda of authoritarian regimes often so blatantly false? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses Russia’s disinformation campaign surrounding the emerging global food crisis across the Middle East and Africa, Saddam Hussein’s influence operations, and the politics of dictatorship.
Fighting Familiar Wars on Foreign Shores: Disinformation, the American Right, and Uganda
How can disinformation be used to stifle human rights? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the connection between Uganda’s anti-homosexuality laws and the intervention of members of the American evangelical community.
Milgaard, the Hip, and Wrongful Conviction
Milgaard’s case highlighted the need for justice reform in Canada and abroad; his death serves to remind us that this type of reform still hasn’t happened.
House of Cards: The Suspension of the US’ Disinformation Governance Board
Why did the US Disinformation Governance Board fail? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the ill-fated US Department of Homeland Security initiative, and the implications for addressing disinformation within democracies.
Repetition or Rhyming? HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and Disinformation
Nearly forty years on and faced with another public health threat, what is the legacy of HIV/AIDS-related disinformation? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the parallels between the HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 health crises and the proliferation of health-related disinformation during a time of great power competition.
NATO Needs to Act When Member States Curb LGBTQ+ Rights
Hungary frequently discriminates against minority groups, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, violating standards of human rights. In this article, Jordan McEwen and Diana Fodor discuss why NATO should intervene to address Hungary’s rollbacks of LGBTQ+ rights.
Selling Stories by the Side of the Rio Grande: Immigration, Disinformation, and US Border Policy
How effective has the US been in countering falsehoods aimed at migrants from South America? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses how disinformation contributes to immigration northwards, and the Biden administration’s response.
No Child Left Behind? Education, Disinformation, and Media Literacy Classes
Do media literacy classes offer an effective policy solution to disinformation? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the rise of media literacy classes in the US and Canada and their impact on countering the effects of deliberate falsehoods on young people.
The Impact of Increasing Political Instability on Canadian Security
A look at Canada’s rising security issues.
Honesty Truly Is the Best Policy: Public Intelligence Sharing and the Russo-Ukrainian War
How have NATO states adapted to Russia’s use of disinformation? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the West’s strategy of public intelligence sharing and its impact on the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Short Loops and Tall Tales: TikTok, Disinformation, and the New Face of War Reporting
Why has TikTok become a hub for disinformation during the Russo-Ukrainian War? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the rise of the social media platform, its influence on the information space, and how it has reshaped war reporting.
Wolf Warrior-ism, Revisited: Great Power Competition During the Russo-Ukrainian War
What lessons can Russian disinformation campaigns provide for understanding China’s “Wolf Warrior Diplomacy”? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses the Russo-Ukrainian war, Chinese diplomacy, and the value of falsehoods in international relations.
Crossing the Rubicon To Reach Centre Bloc: Grievance Politics, Disinformation, and the Legacy of the “Freedom Convoy”
What threat does the “Freedom Convoy” continue to pose to Canada? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses protests in Ottawa and the role of disinformation in stoking and radicalizing grievance politics.
Another Big Bang? What Sweden’s Entry into NATO Could Mean for Countering Disinformation
What could Sweden’s entry into NATO mean for its fight against disinformation? In this article, Jack Burnham discusses NATO’s recent Madrid Summit and potential role for Sweden’s Psychological Defence Agency within the Alliance.
Rising Right-wing Extremism at Home and Abroad: A Global Perspective to Canada’s Freedom Convoy Protest
In this article, Jordan McEwen highlights the growth of right-wing extremist violence by looking at the Freedom Convoy Protest earlier this year.
Jean Chrétien Offers Up Wit and Wisdom at the NATO Association Gala.
Jean Chrétien, Canada’s twentieth prime minister, had his audience in an effervescent mood on March 15th at the Globe and Mail Centre. As the guest of honour at an event organized by the NATO Association of Canada to recognize Mr. Chrétien’s legacy in Canadian foreign affairs and his contributions to the evolution of NATO, he Read More…
NATO and the Philippines: The First Step Towards a Strategic Partnership
As tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific, the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, has turned his attention to realigning with the United States and allies. This shift in policy from aligning the Philippines with Beijing in 2016- to a complete pivot to Washington- has now opened up possible opportunities for the US and Read More…
The Power of Women in Peacekeeping and its Promise for Security
It’s no secret that much of the scope of international relations, especially the security sector, is a world dominated by men. In high-level political forums, military zones, negotiation processes – women are still largely outnumbered by men in these spaces. However, the power of women in peacekeeping and peace operations cannot go understated. Women who Read More…
To What Extent Is the NATO-Russia Founding Act Being Violated?
The NATO-Russia Founding Act, signed in 1997, established a framework for NATO-Russia cooperation and outlined mutual respect and cooperation principles. This commitment includes recognising the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states in the Euro-Atlantic region (including Ukraine) and refraining from using or threatening to use force against any state actor. In particular, Section Read More…
Who is Responsible for Protecting Canada’s Critical Infrastructure: A Conversation with Imraan Bashir
Imraan Bashir is Partner and National Public Sector Cyber Lead at KPMG in Canada. Prior to joining KPMG, Imraan directed the policy, strategy, implementation, and oversight of Government of Canada enterprise-wide cyber initiatives, including leadership of key programs such as cloud security and digital identity. Imraan was named one of the world’s top 100 most Read More…
The Importance of Cyber Security Vigilance: The Experience of Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine passed its one-year anniversary on February 24th this year, without a clear end to the war in sight. Russia has gained and lost territory, while Ukraine holds Kyiv and is stubbournly defending Bakhmut with the aid of foreign arms and funding. This situation is reminiscent of the conventional wars of the Read More…
A Trans-Balkan Pipeline Is the Next Project for EU’s Accelerated Energy Cooperation with Azerbaijan
Other than Norway, Azerbaijan is amongst the most plausible sources for increased European imports of natural gas in the near future. Therefore, it is little surprise that on April 25, its President Ilham Aliyev attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) with the Read More…
Defending North America: Reflections of a Canadian who served at the heart of NORAD
Canadians may know Canada is a part of NORAD; but why are we involved? The NATO Association’s own Scott Burns spoke with Major-General Ian Patrick, former Director of NORAD Combat Operations from 1989-1992 in order to find out
Have Canadian Pensions Priced In China’s Geopolitical Uncertainty?
Have Canadian Pensions Priced in China’s Geopolitical Uncertainty? Matthew D’Amico examines how Canadian pensions are tied to China.
What’s Up, Doc?: The Viral Spread of the Digital Infodemic
In his speech at the Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated: “we’re not just fighting an epidemic; we’re fighting an infodemic.” Social media platforms are flooded with false information, half-truths, and conspiracy theories, all of which shaped the online environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. This, coupled with post-truth politics, Read More…
Canada’s Relationship with the United States: A National Security Perspective
This article looks at Canada’s proactive measures in the aftermath of 9/11, such as increased national security spending, efforts to protect critical infrastructure, and collaboration with the US, while also addressing the strain on US-Canada relations during the Trump administration