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… about the Arctic? Infographic
How much do you know about the Arctic? In this infographic Kate Todd shares what countriesare Arctic states, where the Arctic is, who lives in the Arctic, which industries are active there, ifthere are institutions focused on Arctic issues, and what the threats are to the Arctic. Download here to view full infographic: Did you Read More…
“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…
Who Will Save the Internet from China?
The Geopolitics of the Internet Threats to an open internet have been increasing over the past decade. China, Russia, and other authoritarian states have stepped up attempts to exert greater global top-down control over the network architecture that enables the data flows internet operations rely on. If authoritarian states shape the future of the internet in Read More…
AI’s Impact on Society and Security
Artificial intelligence is a rapidly advancing technology that influences much of daily life in economically advanced countries. It has the ability to benefit a wide range of industries, from internet-based businesses to weapons manufacturers; however, applications of AI is not without risks.
Canada Urgently Needs a National Security Policy
It has been a busy year for policymakers and strategic thinkers in Canada. Confronting Russian aggression in Europe, balancing the Chinese and Indian relationships, and isolating the Russian economy has proven to be difficult. Domestic unrest due to supply-chain disruptions and exorbitant energy and fuel cost increases has proven to be equally challenging in many Read More…
Canada’s Need for a Comprehensive Arctic Strategy Amid Russian and Chinese Threats
Warming climates, emerging natural resources, and intensifying geopolitical threats have made the Arctic an area of great political tension, but Canada does not yet have a strategy to deal with these challenges. Can the country afford to lag behind other Arctic and “Near-Arctic” states in planning for the future of its security?
Long-lasting Peace and Prosperity is Possible in the Caucasus
Armenia and Azerbaijan have been rivals since long before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and conflict between the two has become a norm. Barış Atakan Kafadar examines how peace and cooperation in the region is possible and sustainable.
Xi Jinping Defiant: Cause for Concern Following China’s 20th Party Congress
Can Canada expect increased friction with Beijing? Following the 20th Party Congress, Canada is right to be concerned about China.
Food Security in Canada’s Arctic
Inequality, legacies of colonialism, and a lack of modern infrastructure cause residents of Canada’s Arctic to experience higher rates of food insecurity than the rest of the country. Canada needs to create a comprehensive Arctic strategy that addresses food insecurity, the factors contributing to it, and the growing international tension in the Arctic.
The Age of Crises? A Primer for the Mid-Twenty-First Century
The British historian Eric Hobsbawm once argued that the nineteenth century had three fundamental periods of change: the “Age of Revolution,” “Age of Capital,” and the “Age of Empire,” which subsequently formed the titles for his magisterial history of that century. His further look at the twentieth century was neatly summarized as the “Age of Read More…
Snow-Washing Dirty Money in Canada
Money laundering is rampant in Canada. The recent Cullen Report exposes the breadth and depth of money laundering in the country and offers potential policy solutions.
A Retrospective Review of Red Storm Rising: Relevant Revival or Russophobic Relic?
Often praised as the father of the ‘techno-thriller,’ Tom Clancy used rigorous attention to detail, combined with meticulous research into political and military affairs, to produce a series of best-selling books in the 1980s and 1990s. One of these, a collaboration with author Larry Bond, was Red Storm Rising (1986), which centred on a hypothetical Read More…