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Canadian Foreign Policy
Where Do the Conservative Leadership Candidates Stand on International Issues?
- August 6, 2020
The voting for the next head of the Conservative Party of Canada has begun. The winner, to be announced on August 21, will become the Leader of the Official Opposition. In the midst of the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic …
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The Real Lessons of the Security Council Election Campaign
- June 22, 2020
The usual suspects have commented on Canada’s defeat on June 17 in its bid to gain election to the UN Security Council. The external factors in this race have been analyzed adequately, even by those with minimal knowledge of the …
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Canada lost its bid for a UN Security Council seat. That’s a blessing in disguise
- June 20, 2020
A cold shower is a good thing. It has the immediate benefit of bringing one to one’s senses.In that way, Canada benefited this week in full view of the United Nations General Assembly as we lost a long-anticipated vote for …
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Disunited Democracies Cannot Face the Challenge of China
- June 7, 2020
The United States and its allies must agree on an approach to China with a clarity of purpose, resolve, and restraint. Because the China challenge will only grow over time.
After China violated Hong Kong’s legislative autonomy by imposing a …
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Protecting Canada: A Dangerous Justification for Foreign Aid
- May 25, 2020
Two prominent umbrella groups of Canadian development organizations – CCIC and CanWaCH – recently launched a COVID-themed campaign to drum up support for Canadian foreign aid. In doing so, they have embraced a nationalistic, threat-based case for aid that verges …
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Coronavirus Shows Why Canada Must Reduce Its Dependence on the U.S.
- May 6, 2020
Canadian foreign policy has long embraced both a deep continental relationship with the United States and a devotion to liberal internationalism. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the time has come to re-evaluate our approach.
While Canada has been able …
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Teaching the Field of International Relations in Canada: A Focus on Journals
- March 11, 2020
The comprehensive examination is a rite of passage for those seeking PhDs in North America, laying out an intimidating list of the most important works in one’s field of study. The comprehensive examination process is a formative experience in multiple …
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The Impacts of the Feminist International Assistance Policy on Implementing Organizations
- March 10, 2020
Canada’s feminist international assistance policy aims to achieve sustainable development and peace through gender equality, but it has also helped reshape the aid industry itself, at home and abroad. Has it gone far enough?
Launched in 2017, Canada’s feminist international …
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The NPT Turns 50: A Mid-life Crisis?
- March 4, 2020
On March 5, the (Nuclear) Non-proliferation Treaty will turn 50-years old. Whether this will be an occasion for celebration or lamentation is an open question. The NPT’s once-in-five-year review conference will take place at UN HQ, April 27-May 22, and …
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Understanding Canada’s Middle East Policy in a Tumultuous 2020
- March 3, 2020
The new year began with two major crises in the Middle East, both of which have impacted Canadian policy and interests. First, the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani by the US in Iraq precipitating the downing of Ukraine Airlines …
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Canada Must Learn Its Own Lessons from Afghanistan
- December 20, 2019
In 2003, I saw optimism pervading the country. I saw it on the faces of men, women and children. But that is no longer the case. What should Canada learn for future massive-scale aid programs?
Recently, the Washington Post …
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Priority One: Saving the Canadian Foreign Service
- November 28, 2019
The Canadian foreign service is in desperate condition. If the Trudeau government hopes to achieve its foreign policy objectives, its first priority should be a wholesale reform of Global Affairs Canada that focuses on the rejuvenation of the foreign service. …
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