Xi Jinping 02, credit: Trong Khiem Nguyen
Indo-Pacific and NATO

Hedging with the Dragon: Mark Carney’s China Visit and Canada’s Search for Strategic Autonomy 

What does Mark Carney’s decision to re-engage China signal about Canada’s strategic options in a more coercive global economy? Tasneem Gedi argues that Ottawa’s limited recalibration with Beijing reflects an unavoidable strategy of hedging amid U.S. unpredictability. While such engagement may expand Canada’s room for maneuver in an increasingly coercive global economy, it carries risks and thus must be pursued narrowly, conditionally and in close alignment with Canada’s alliance commitments.  

Indo-Pacific and NATO

What’s at Stake for Canada in the Indo-Pacific?

At the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressly cited Canada’s pension system as a worldwide benchmark. He highlighted how the durability of these funds originates from disciplined diversification, patient capital, and the ability to absorb shocks that destabilize other institutions. Canada’s public pension schemes are frequently referred to as Read More…

Indo-Pacific and NATO

Rupture and Fury: Can Canada Build a ‘Counter-Power’ Model of Cooperation in a World Reordered? 

What future is there for the ‘middle powers’ in a global order increasingly defined by unilateralism and revisionism? In this article, Joel Sawyer examines Canada’s role in building a new ‘counter-power’ network to define a new model of international cooperation

Indo-Pacific and NATO Maritime Security Peace & Security Security

Coalitions of the Willing: Minilateralism and Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific 

Why is minilateralism viewed as the normative security model by states in the Indo-Pacific? What challenges can multilateralism face within the region, and how can minilateralism circumvent them? In this article, Karissa Cruz highlights why the postcolonial context from which much of the region emerged can create limits for NATO-style security cooperation, and why minilateralism has emerged as the primary framework. 

China Indo-Pacific and NATO Japan

The New Japan: Navigating Nationalist Politics and its Global Implications 

Narayan Srivastava examines Japan’s sharp rightward turn and what it means for NATO and Indo-Pacific stability. As Japan’s long-standing political restraint gives way to nationalism and strategic assertiveness, Tokyo is reshaping regional deterrence, alliance politics, and debates over democracy and security. This article explores how a more polarized Japan strengthens collective defence while also introducing new risks of escalation in international security raising questions for NATO partners and Canada as they navigate an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific order.

Indo-Pacific and NATO

Democracy, Discontent, and the Digital Age: Lessons from Nepal for the World

Narayan Srivastava examines Nepal’s 2025 political upheaval as a warning signal for democracies worldwide.From a sweeping social-media ban to youth-led protests that brought down a government, Nepal reveals how digital connectivity, declining trust in institutions, and demographic pressures are reshaping political power. This article situates Nepal within a broader global pattern from South Asia to Europe where digitally mobilized citizens are challenging elite governance structures. The piece argues that these movements are less about ideology and more about systemic failure, offering critical lessons for democratic resilience, international security, and the future of governance in the digital age.

China Eastern Europe and Russia Indo-Pacific and NATO Maritime Security Russia Taiwan Uncategorized

From Kyiv to Taipei: Why the Russian-Ukrainian War Matters in the Indo-Pacific

Alexander Morrow and Nataliia Dikalchuk explain why Ukraine’s fight matters far beyond Europe. The war is reframing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, prompting Taiwan to prioritize self-reliant defence and pushing China to reassess Western unity. Their analysis highlights how democratic resilience in one region shapes security calculations in another.

China Indo-Pacific and NATO Philippines

The Philippines at a Crossroads: Domestic Politics and NATO’s Indo-Pacific Challenges 

What implications does domestic Philippine politics pose for foreign policy for NATO members? In this article, Karissa Cruz highlights the broader implications posed by the Duterte-Marcos feud over foreign policy direction, what it means for NATO, and how members should perceive these tensions amidst the heightened aggression by China.

India Indo-Pacific and NATO Maritime Security

A Model for NATO Engagement in South Asia: Why Working with India Makes Sense for Britain

What lessons can NATO members learn from the United Kingdom and India’s growing strategic partnership? In this article, Angus MacKellar discusses how London has strengthened its relationship with New Delhi whilst avoiding broader geopolitical commitments in an increasingly fractious South Asian security environment, underlining how India’s position and interests make flexible NATO engagement both feasible and valuable.

China China Indo-Pacific and NATO Maritime Security Uncategorized

Illuminating the Grey Zone: How NATO can help shape the Indo-Pacific’s Pre-Conflict Terrain

What role can NATO play in addressing grey zone coercion in the Indo-Pacific? In this article, Joel Sawyer explores how the Alliance can strengthen regional pre-conflict deterrence and preparedness to reduce the effectiveness of coercive grey zone operations, actions, and activities.