International society, once marked by predictable institutions and norms, is now increasingly marred by violations of international law and uncertainty. Near-daily disruptions, including territorial aggression and economic coercion, are undermining the global equilibrium upon which decades of peace and prosperity depended. The present utility of NATO lies in its ability to salvage the transatlantic bond, ensure cohesion among its members, and Read More…
Tag: Ukraine
Three Russian Threats and How Canada Can Prepare for Them
While Canada might seem an unlikely target of direct threats from the Russian Federation, its engagement in global affairs and commitments to human rights and democracy inevitably put it at odds with Russia’s vision of the world order, drawing it into conflict with Russia’s revisionist foreign policy. With the Trump Administration pursuing an apparent rapprochement Read More…
AI-Powered Mis/Disinformation War
In today’s digital age, mis-and disinformation has become pervasive, fueled by advancements in AI and deep-fake technology, while the centralized nature of social media platforms accelerates its spread, amplifying false narratives to vast audiences with unprecedented speed. NATO recognized this growing threat to democracy during the Washington Summit last summer, emphasizing its critical impact in Read More…
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.
NATO and Conventional Arms Control: Military Transfers to Ukraine
In December 2024, NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) took over the coordination of the provision, transfer, and repair of military equipment critical to Ukraine’s battlefield needs. While it is crucial to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect itself against Russian invaders, equally important is ensuring proper control over the delivered weaponry. The diversion Read More…
A Third Nuclear Age: Russia’s Role in Nuclear Proliferation Since the Invasion of Ukraine
At a Royal United Services Institute event in December 2024, the head of the UK military, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, claimed that the world could be on the brink of a “third nuclear age”. Nuclear weapon proliferation is on the rise, largely driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is important to identify the Read More…
Canada’s Military Assistance to Ukraine in 2024: Key Trends
In 2024, several major developments unfolded in the Russian war on Ukraine, including Ukraine’s offensive in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, which began in August. The Ukrainian Armed Forces intensified drone attacks on Russia’s military and energy infrastructure, targeting more than 30 oil refineries. Additionally, Ukraine has rapidly transformed from receiving military aid to becoming a successful Read More…
NATO and Conventional Arms Control in the Context of the Russian War on Ukraine
One overlooked aspect of NATO’s activities is the alliance members’ commitment to conventional arms control. The NATO 2022 Strategic Concept, adopted at the Madrid Summit, highlights the importance of arms control and disarmament for global security Conventional arms control measures include efforts such as the reduction of troops or even the total abolition of armed Read More…
From Aid to Boots on the Ground: The Russian-North Korean Axis in the Ukraine Conflict
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the two countries have been embroiled in Europe’s largest conventional conflict since World War II, suffering thousands of civilian and military casualties. Since the war began, Ukraine has received substantial aid from NATO and EU members, with EU commitments exceeding $126 billion as of April 30, Read More…
“The Global War Party”: Anti-Western Rhetoric in the 2024 Georgian Parliamentary Elections
This article was originally published as an intern contribution at the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies. Fear of war has long shaped Georgian domestic politics. Conflict between Tbilisi and Russian-backed separatists in the regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) left the country fragmented following the collapse of the Soviet Union. 2008 saw Read More…