Nathaniel Borins Society, Culture, and Security

An Explanation of Western and Russian Interests and Aims in the Francophone West African “Coup Belt”

Since 2020, there have been seven coups in six French-speaking West African countries. Many of them have involved conflicts between military groups or established governments supported by France, and by extension the West and NATO, and rebel groups or juntas supported by Russia. France’s role as the main patron of established power in these countries Read More…

Security, Trade and the Economy

A Breakdown of the United States’ $61 Billion Aid Package to Ukraine and Lessons for Canada

Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine has been a significant recipient of aid from the United States and dozens of other NATO member states, including Canada. This past April, after a six-month delay in Congress, the United States’ legislature voted to pass a much-anticipated $61-billion dollar aid package to Kyiv, its most extensive contribution to date. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Read More…

Indo-Pacific and NATO Katherine Todd

Canada’s Need For A Comprehensive Arctic Strategy Amid Russian And Chinese Threats

On August 26, 2022, NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about Russia and China’s investments and intentions to build military, commercial, and industrial capacities in the Arctic. This is not new information. Russia and China made their Arctic strategies publicly available in 2009 and 2018, respectively. News articles frequently detail their interests and successes in the region. Despite this, Canada has Read More…

Indo-Pacific and NATO Jake Rooke

Rogue Allies: A Partnership of Desperation, Russia and North Korea

As Russia experiences growing isolation since its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has sought to deepen its relationship with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). This relationship, which had previously collapsed with the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991, has witnessed a prominent resurgence. The new relationship is marked by secrecy and mutual assistance aimed at Read More…

Nathaniel Borins NATO and Canada

International and Security Benefits of an Active Canadian Role in Venezuela

Many Venezuelans are eagerly hoping the election July 8, 2024 can be used to restart the rule of law and democratic norms in their country. Why should Canada actively support this process? Under socialist President Nicolas Maduro, during the 2010s, Venezuela became known internationally as the most left-wing country in Latin America, with the exception Read More…

Clara Lachman Society, Culture, and Security

The Polycrisis: Behind the Buzzword

Last year, a new buzzword gained significant traction across the international community. Referred to as the “polycrisis,” this key term started circulating across media publications and research institutes before finding its way to the Swiss Alps, where it took center stage. At the 53rd World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held in Davos—a flagship conference dedicated Read More…

Clara Lachman Society, Culture, and Security

Continuing Navalny’s fight: towards a Democratic Russia.

It’s been over two months since Alexei Navalny died in prison. Internationally recognized as Vladimir Putin’s leading critic, Navalny led a bold and courageous journey of challenging the corruption of the Kremlin. In 2011, he founded the Anti-Corruption Foundation to expose the government’s deceitful activities and actively led protests rallying against Putin’s regime. Navalny believed Read More…

Gleb Adamovych Society, Culture, and Security

Afghanistan: Not Buried Yet

In April of 2021, the United States government announced its withdrawal from what was at the time the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Twenty years of combat, 3609 dead NATO troops, and trillions of dollars later, Allied forces withdrew, and left the country vulnerable for the Taliban to seize control once again, like they had thirty Read More…

Clara Lachman Society, Culture, and Security

Forever Putin? The Greater Implications of Russia’s Election Results.

A fifth term secured in power. Another six years claimed as the country’s head of state. On track to becoming the Kremlin’s longest serving leader since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Welcome to the world of Mr. Vladimir Putin. Last month, Russia held its eighth presidential election, although it was predetermined who would emerge victorious. Yet, Read More…