Through his rhetoric and actions, United States (US) President Donald Trump has created political space for a reversion of Western-Russian relations to their pre-2014 state, underpinned by the implicit assumption that strained relations since that year have resulted from flawed Western foreign policy. In this article, Simon Waring argues that Russian aggression against Ukraine since 2014 and hostility towards the West is consistent with centuries of Russian foreign policy, and that a thaw in US-Russia relations today cannot change the fundamental antagonism between Russian and the Western world.
Tag: Canada
Canada’s Struggle to Combat Information Disorder
In an age where digital information disorder spreads faster than ever, Canada faces mounting challenges in regulating the flow of misleading content. As a NATO member, its battle against MDM (misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation) is not just a domestic issue—it is an integral part of the alliance’s broader efforts to combat hybrid warfare. The struggle Read More…
Canada’s Defense Spending Crisis: A Fight at Two Fronts
Decades of relative peace have led Canadians to believe that defense spending is unnecessary. However, external threats are looming towards our southern border and the Arctic, leaving Canada unprepared and unprotected.
Conscription in NATO Countries: Why Do Some Have It and Others Don’t?
In his latest article, James Lautens explores the discussion around military conscription as a means of deterrence in global security. By comparing conscription policies in NATO countries, he outlines the cultural, political, geographic, and historical factors behind conscription policies and argues that, in an increasingly unstable world, Canada should consider all options – including conscription – to strengthen its defences.
Canadians: Why NATO Matters to You
Does NATO really matter to us as Canadians? In this article, Simon Waring explains NATO’s purpose as a stabilizing presence in Europe, and how international wars and crises affect us here at home.
Clear Gold: The Role of Fresh Water in Canada’s Global Strategy
What role will fresh water play on the global stage? More specifically, how will the scarcity of freshwater affect strategic decision-making, especially in Canada? With the dangers of climate change looming in everyday life – wildfires that devastated parts of Los Angeles are one prime example – it is important for countries to think about Read More…
Navigating Turbulent Waters: The Canada-India Rift and Its Implications for Trade, Security, and the Canadian Economy
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada, long characterized by shared traditions of democracy, pluralism, and strong interpersonal connections have hit rock bottom. This turmoil has sent ripples across critical domains, from trade and security to economic stability. The recent falling out stems from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assertion of “credible intelligence” linking the Indian Read More…
Mis/Disinformation and Polarization Online: Protecting Canada’s Democracy in the Digital Age
This is an era where information warfare is evolving at an unprecedented pace. The digital landscape, marked by rapid shifts, such as the acquisition of Twitter (now X), the Cambridge Analytica scandal, and targeted disinformation campaigns, has exposed the increasing vulnerability of democracies, particularly in the Global North. NATO distinguishes between “misinformation”—false or inaccurate information Read More…
How Canada Can Reach 2%: Learning from Allies
For decades, NATO has maintained a clear benchmark for defence spending: 2% of a nation’s GDP. This figure signifies a commitment to collective security. However, as of 2024, Canada spends only about 1.4% of its GDP on defence. With increasing pressure from NATO allies and a shifting global security landscape, Canada faces the pressing question: Can Read More…
Special Report: The MAS Gap, Canada Falls Behind as Allies Adopt Maritime Autonomous Systems
This is Part One of a two part series on maritime autonomous systems. Introduction As the geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly complex, with rising global competition and evolving security threats, Canada must take decisive steps to enhance its maritime capabilities by adopting Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS). While our allies, including the United States, France, and NATO Read More…