In today’s episode of the Expert Series, we convene three experts to discuss the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.   

Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defence of Democracies, Dr. Thomas Juneau, Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, and Peter Jones, Executive Director of the Ottawa Dialogue at the University of Ottawa, join us to discuss the implications of internal developments in Iran and Israel for the wider regional crisis. 

With the potential of a full-scale regional war looming, discussion warned of the range of actors and conditions that could be the catalyst for its emergence as well as the possibility of an Iranian retaliation and its potential to escalate tensions.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

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In today’s episode of the Expert Series, Xavier Delgado, Research Director of the Washington Forum on the Canadian Economy at the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute, discusses the linkages between the Canadian-American defence and trade relationships.  

Looking at the aftermath of Canada’s announcement of its intent to meet the 2% NATO defence spending benchmark at the 2024 Washington NATO Summit, Mr. Delgado discusses both the feasibility of this and the impacts failing short may have on trade and economic relations in the near-future. With the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) up for review in 2026, it is vital Canada take steps to repair its defence capacity to avoid any possible impact on the renegotiation. 

 As a young leader in the Canada-US policy sphere, Mr. Delgado provides a crucial perspective on the path North American trade may take in the coming months. 

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

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In today’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer discusses several key aspects of Arctic security. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by China's growing presence in the Arctic, especially in light of a recent encounter between a Canadian warship and a Chinese research vessel in the Bering Strait. Dr. Lackenbauer also examines NORAD’s role in monitoring foreign activities to ensure Arctic sovereignty and the need for Canada and the U.S. to synchronize efforts to attain speed of relevance. 

The conversation touches on the necessity for burden-sharing between Canada and the U.S., the potential benefits of joint exercises in enhancing Canada’s capabilities, and Canada’s new icebreaker pact with Finland and the U.S. Additionally, the impact of climate change on Arctic accessibility is addressed, along with the importance of engaging with Indigenous communities to incorporate their expertise into defence strategies and improve policy-making.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

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In this Expert Series episode, we meet with Dr. Oriana Mastro to discuss Chinese military modernization and what it means for Chinese hegemony in Asia and the Great Power competition with the United States.

Dr. Mastro discusses the strategic importance of Taiwan to China, the likelihood of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, and the technological advancements rapidly closing the gap between China and the United States.

📚 Check out Upstart: How China Became a Great Power to learn more about Chinese military modernization and its challenge to the United States: https://www.orianaskylarmastro.com/ 

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

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In this episode of the Expert Series podcast, we meet with Tim Addison, Norman Jolin, and Adam Lajeunesse to discuss the current state of Canada's security challenges and our Navy’s capacity. 

Addison highlights the particular security challenges Canada faces in the 21st century, and notes the importance of an immediate response given the delays in ship procurement while Jolin analyzes the importance of Canada’s military towards our economic relations, and argues that Canada could face economic consequences if Canada does not take these threats seriously. Lajeunesse discusses whether Canada’s Navy is prepared to tackle this new era of security, and how we may better prepare ourselves. He also touches on concerns with military procurement and the lack of adequately trained forces to man Canada's ships and submarines.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

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In this Expert Series episode, we meet with Chief Caroline Xavier of the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) to discuss emerging cyber and foreign interference threats Canada faces, CSE’s ability to counter these threats through active and defensive cyber operations and cooperation with allies, and ways Canadians can protect themselves from increasingly aggressive foreign threat actors.   

Encompassed within CSE’s mandate are vast capabilities designed to protect Canadian democratic processes and defence and security interests from foreign interference – capabilities now more critical than ever before in the context of current geopolitical tensions.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

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In this week's episode of the "Geopolitical Update" podcast, Joe Varner, Deputy Director of the Conference of Defence Associations, discusses new intelligence on an alleged Iranian assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, presumably in retaliation for the killing of Qasem Soleimani; China-Russia joint naval activity in the South China Sea and its implications for the already-tense regional security environment; and Vladimir Putin’s increased personal security measures, including the deployment of a Pantsir-S1 air defence system two miles from his home in Valdai. Varner also discusses news that President Xi Jinping suffered a stroke during the CCP's Third Plenary Session, ongoing tension between Iran and Israel, and rumours that a North Korean official was drowned in Moscow. Tune in to the "Geopolitical Update" every Friday for expert commentary on the latest global affairs.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

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In this episode of the Expert Series podcast, we meet with Alexander Moens and Ryan Dean to reflect on last week’s NATO Summit in Washington D.C. and what it means for Canada’s credibility in the Alliance moving forward. During the Summit, Canada’s announcement it would be working to meet the 2% defence spending threshold was met with skepticism by allies. In today's discussion, Moens and Dean suggest Canada focus its defence contributions more strategically on areas it can be most effective in, like the Arctic. We also discuss Canada and NATO’s role in a future confrontation with China, the path towards membership for Ukraine, and the impact a second Trump presidency may have on the Alliance.

The NATO Field School and Simulation Program is open to students from all NATO nations. The program gives students the to opportunity to observe professionals and experts in their working environment and be immersed in the decisions that political, diplomatic, and military personnel face. This includes visits across Europe, including NATO HQ, SHAPE, the European External Action Services, the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, and many more. Students will also develop and test their skills through negotiation and decision-making simulations with mentorship from senior officials and diplomats. Like a dynamic practicum or apprenticeship, the NATO Field School prepares you for entry-level employment in foreign affairs, defence policy and various national and international security sectors, as well as international NGO sectors.

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The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

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What implications does Canada's defence spending deficit have for its relationship with NATO?

In this episode of the Expert Series podcast, we meet with Yves Giroux, Justin Massie, David Bercuson, and Christopher Sands to discuss Canada’s defence spending, its failure to meet the 2% GDP spending commitment and implications for the alliance, the historical role of Canada within the NATO alliance, and the future of Canada-US relations and NATO. 

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

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Has Canada lost the respect of the NATO Alliance and its members? 

In this Expert Series episode, we meet with Hon. Peter MacKay, former Minister of National Defence, to discuss the ongoing NATO Summit in Washington D.C., Canada’s ongoing failure to meet the 2% defence spending target set by NATO, and the consequences this bodes for Canada behind closed doors at the Summit. This episode also highlights the need for Canada to prioritize fixing the substantial challenges our military faces, including military culture and respect for our forces.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

Learn more: CDA Institute