Past Events
15 September 2008
Luncheon with David Malone, President of IDRC on "India and Canada: A Study in Contrasts???"
Resurgent Russia: where is it headed now?
November 20-21, 2007
Ottawa
The National Capital Branch presents a major conference on Russia’s rise from the ashes of the communist era Issues will be debated from Russia’s perspective, a view not often heard in Canada, and through the Western lens. This will be a rare opportunity to listen to and interact with some major players and thinkers, both within Russia and in the West. For more information, click here.
Parliamentary Forum on Canada’s Foreign Policy Priorities in the Post 9/11 Era
May 14, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario
A Canadian government confronts a complex world. There are major shifts of power going on. A lot of the rules of the Cold War era don’t apply any longer. Governments are often forced to make trade-offs between desirable objectives. Foreign policy covers a much wider area than before, including economic, social, cultural, environmental, scientific and technological goals. Has our thinking kept pace with these changes? For more information, click here (français ici).
Afghanistan: What is at Stake and What Can be Done About It?
May 9, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario
The aim of this forum was to take a critical look at the current situation and the prognosis for the future, and to consider how better to move forward. The main topics considered were:
How the Canadian Government manages its participation in Afghanistan;
Beyond Kandahar;
The challenge of balancing Canada's commitment to Afghanistan with Canadian public opinion;
The strategic effectiveness of the present approach to Afghanistan and regional stabilization.
To learn more about this forum and to read the final report, click here (français ici).
India Emerging: Implications for Canada
December 1, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario
The rise of major powers in Asia is redefining the conditions for peace and prosperity in the world. India is taking its place as a major influence on the region and globally. This conference will consider India on the world stage, plus assess its internal issues, its assets and liabilities, and how all of this will affect Canadian Policy and our economy. It will provide policy makers with a broad strategic and risk perspective to guide their decision making. For more information, click here.
Polycentric Governance? Subnational Governments and Foreign Policy in an Age of Globalization
June 6-7, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario
This conference examined the changing impact subnational governments have on national foreign policy and international affairs - by examining three realms: trade and investment, culture and communications, and environment and energy. This impact was examined in various countries, in relation to other centers of power generated by non-state actors, with the aim of assessing the implications and lessons learned, including the need for institutional adjustment and the development of new mechanisms and protocols. For more information, click here.
Latin America and the Caribbean: A Critical Look at Neglect and Opportunity ? Where Can Canada Make a Difference?
April 21, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario
Sixteen years ago Canada's entry into the OAS was received with enthusiasm throughout the hemisphere. We had leverage and we exercised it to the general benefit, including our own. In 2006 Canada remains an active player, but there is disappointment that the Canadian focus on the region has declined. Despite rising trade and investment, Canada has reduced influence. This conference brought together high profile speakers to discuss the decline of Canada's influence in the region, trade and investment issues, the growth of populism and social democracy, and non-government views of Canadian policy. For more information, click here.
China Rising: Will China Join the World or Change It?
October 28, 2005
Ottawa, Ontario
The Conference presented a series of papers by experts that are organized around a salient theme and sub-themes. It provided critical analyses and assessments that can assist business organizations and policymakers in their evaluation of trade and investment opportunities and the formulation of a comprehensive policy response to the rise of China as a potential world power. For more information, click here.