Events for 2024-2025
Our Event of Thursday, June 19 from 11:30pm to 2pm
Conspiracy Thinking: A Rational Guide to Thinking Irrationally
Join Professor Simon Devereau in this talk where he argues that people who believe conspiracy theories tend to find at least three things about them to be psychologically and emotionally appealing:
- The need for events of major significance to have suitably large-scale explanation.
- The need to believe that order prevails over chaos.
- And the superior appeal of complexity by comparison with simpler answers.
About our Speaker
Professor Simon Devereaux was born and raised in Nepean, Ontario. After taking his BA, MA, and PhD at the UoT, he spent two years on a research fellowship at the UBC, where he fell in love with the West Coast (having first fallen in love with a woman who was born and raised there!). After four-and-a-half years teaching at the University of Queensland (Australia), he returned to BC in 2004 and has taught at the University of Victoria ever since.
Simon is the author of Execution, State and Society in England, 1660-1900 (Cambridge University Press, 2023), and the editor of The Visitations of Horace Salusbury Cotton: A Prison Chaplain’s Journals, 1823-1838 (London Record Society/Church of England Record Society, 2026).”
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Our Event of Thursday, May 8 from 11:30pm to 2pm
‘Sudan: How did it come to this?’
Join Nick Coghlan, Canada’s first resident diplomat in Khartoum (Sudan), as he reviews the world’s gravest humanitarian crisis since the end of World War II, assesses what is at stake and suggests why we should care more than we do.
About our Speaker
Nick Coghlan (as you will soon detect from his accent), was born in the UK, and educated at the University of Oxford. He and his wife Jenny immigrated to Canada in 1981 via Argentina and Nick accepted a teaching job at Shawnigan Lake School, on Vancouver Island. In 1991 he joined the Canadian Foreign Service. His six diplomatic postings included an assignment as Canada’s first representative on the ground in Sudan (2000-03) and, later, as Canada’s first resident Ambassador to the newly created Republic of South Sudan (2012-16). Nick and Jenny were both awarded the Meritorious Service Cross for their role in evacuating Canadian citizens under fire from South Sudan when civil war broke out in Juba in late 2013. Jenny worked for the United Nations when in Sudan, and for the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) when in South Sudan.
In between careers and postings, Nick and Jenny have sailed 70,000 miles offshore, including a four-year circumnavigation of the world, in two successive 27ft sailboats.
Nick is the author of six books, including Far in the Waste Sudan – On Assignment in Africa (MQUP – 2005) and Collapse of a Country: A Diplomat’s Memoir of South Sudan (MQUP – 2017). His most recent book, Under Wide and Starry Skies – Fifty Sailing Destinations in Seas Less Travelled (Bloomsbury/UK), appears in Canada this week; it includes a chapter on sailing on the Blue Nile at Khartoum..
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Our Politics in the Pub of Wednesday, May 21 from 3:30pm to 6pm
Join John Pyrik as he leads a discussion on one of Canada’s 14 intelligence priorities, “Espionage and the Extraction of Knowledge and Information”. This means traditional spying, but it also includes attempts by foreign actors to misappropriate Canadian technology, something our speaker used to investigate for CSIS. Since Canada’s national security is dependent on its economic vitality, he’ll also lead a discussion of whether Canada is doing enough to protect strategic resources such as critical minerals.
- Canada’s Intelligence Priorities – September 2024 (refer to page 18)
The Business Council of Canada says successive Canadian governments have overlooked, taken for granted, or simply ignored economic security which they say should be a “central pillar” of Canada’s national security strategy. But finding the right balance is difficult. A regime that is too restrictive risks discouraging foreign investment that is needed to develop new resources and technology. One that is too weak bleeds Canada of home-grown innovation and loses control over commodities vital to a 21st century economy.
Event name: Economic Espionage and Critical Minerals
About the Speaker
John Pyrik is currently an instructor in the graduate studies program of the Justice Institute of British Columbia. His 27-year career in government began as an intelligence officer for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) where he conducted investigations into terrorism and economic espionage. He then worked as an investigator for the BC Securities Commission on cases of market fraud, broker misconduct, and insider trading.
When Canada established FINTRAC, its new anti-money laundering agency, he joined as a senior analyst and team leader. Mid-career he became interested in improving the tradecraft of analysis, so he became a scholar-residence at Carleton University. The following year, the Privy Council Office (PCO) chose him to create and manage a new government-wide Intelligence Analyst Learning Program. He later became the first ever “analytic methodologist” at CSIS and their first chief of analytic training. He left government in 2017 to move back home to BC where he rarely has to shovel snow.
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Our event of Tuesday, April 15 from 11:30pm to 2pm
‘Canada First, not Canada Alone: The Past, Present and Future …’
Join Dr. Adam Chapnick for a discussion on what Canada’s past foreign policy can tell us about how Ottawa might best navigate an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world.
In Adam Chapnick‘s and Asa McKercher’s latest book, “Canada First, not Canada Alone: A History of Canadian Foreign Policy,” they tell the story of a country that has traditionally benefited from diplomatic prudence and compromise even as its citizens have yearned for their elected officials to be world leaders. They argue that, like any country, Canada must look out for its own interests first, but in the modern world, it can’t do so effectively without cooperating with other states and non-state actors.
Dr. Chapnick will share a controversial chronicle of Canada’s effective foreign policy – about why Canada’s world hasn’t changed quite as much as people are suggesting.
Three recent Canadian prime ministers, Paul Martin, Stephen Harper, and Justin Trudeau made the claim that “Canada is Back.” shortly after forming their governments. Martin promised to reinvest in world affairs. Harper was focused on the military. Trudeau meant more involvement at the UN. Each leader made foreign policy a part of their political brand because they recognized that in today’s world, domestic and international politics are interconnected. Canada can no longer take care of its own interests if it ignores the world around it.
This talk will end with comments about what we do about the current see-saw threats to our economy and sovereignty precipitated by events south of the border.
About our Speaker:
Dr. Adam Chapnick is a professor of defence studies at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC). He is located in Toronto, where he also serves as the deputy director of education at the Canadian Forces College.
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Our event of Wednesday, March 12 from 12pm to 2pm
On Canadian Democracy a presentation by Johathon Manthorpe
Join us as our speaker, Jonathon Manthorpe, renowned author, and international affairs commentator, discusses Canada’s economy, security, and sovereignty which is being threatened in ways not seen since the end of the United States civil war. The threats put a spotlight on the fitness of our social cohesion, political culture, and economy to withstand the assaults.
In his new book, “On Canadian Democracy,” Jonathan argues that while Canada is not broken, the vehicle is only just roadworthy. The wheels are loose, the drive shaft often doesn’t mesh with the gears, and several bits of the chassis are no longer bolted together.
Jonathan will discuss the foundations, the support structure, and the systems that are meant to keep our parliament a representative and functioning body. He will offer insight as to how this institution can be bolted back together again to benefit us all.
About our Speaker
Jonathan Manthorpe is the author of five books on international relations, politics, and history. Over his 40-year career as a journalist he has been the foreign correspondent in Asia, Africa, and Europe for Southam News; the European bureau chief for the Toronto Star; and the national political reporter for The Globe and Mail. Manthorpe has also undertaken special projects for the United Nations, the World Bank, the Asia Development Bank, and the Canadian International Development Agency. He lives in Victoria.
Copies of Jonathan’s new book titled ‘On Canadian Democracy’ will be available for sale at the event.
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Our event of Wednesday, February 26 from 4pm to 6pm
CIC – VI Politics in the Pub Event
Decoding Türkiye: Inside, Outside (and the War in Ukraine)
Our speaker, Dr. Chris Kilford,has just come back from Ottawa, where he had a chance to sit down with His Excellency, Can Dizdar, the new Turkish Ambassador to Canada and to discuss events in the Middle East.
Prior to the Turkish Ambassador arriving in Canada, he served as the Director General Middle East-North Africa in the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Indeed, from the recent fall of Syrian president Bashar al Assad to the war in Gaza, and Ankara’s close ties with both Kyiv and Moscow, there has been plenty to keep the Turkish government up at night these days.
Last year, Chris also travelled to Türkiye and had a chance to sit down with Canada’s Ambassador, and his political team, for a close-up view of what is really going on inside what is a very fascinating country. In his talk, and besides a focus on Türkiye, Chris will also discuss the many hotspots presently impacting the region and what we should possibly expect next.
Do not miss this opportunity to hear from Dr. Kilford, a member of the national board of the Canadian International Council, the co-editor of CIC’s online foreign policy magazine Open Canada, president of the CIC Victoria branch, and a sessional professor with the Canadian Forces College in Toronto where he teaches online foreign policy courses.
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Our event of Tuesday, February 5 from 12pm to 2pm
Gender Apartheid – The Fight for Freedom and Human Rights in Afghanistan
Renowned Nobel Peace Prize nominee Dr. Sima Samar will discuss human rights in Afghanistan – particularly the rights of women – under the Taliban. Despite being in grave personal danger for many years, she has worked tirelessly for the dream she is convinced is an achievable one: justice and full human rights for all the citizens of her country.
About our Speaker
Dr. Sima Samar has dedicated her life to public service, humanitarian work, and women’s empowerment. From 2002-2019 she was the Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) which held human rights violators accountable and set the human rights agenda in Afghanistan before the take-over of the Taliban in August 2021. After stepping down as Chair of the AIHRC, the President appointed her as Special Envoy & State Minister for Human Rights & International Affairs.
Prior to her appointment as the chair of the AIHRC, she was the Vice President of the Interim Administration of Afghanistan and the first Minister of Women’s Affairs. Dr. Samar also served as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Sudan between 2005 and 2009. Dr. Samar served as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel for Internal Displacement from 2019 to 2021.
Her commitment to her community is evident through the NGO she established in 1989, the Shuhada Organization. Until 2021, Shuhada operated 55 middle and high schools for girls and boys in Afghanistan, and 12 clinics and three hospitals in Afghanistan. Shuhada still operates three schools and one hospital in Quetta, Pakistan for refugees.
Dr. Samar is the author of a recent memoir, “Outspoken: My Fight for Freedom and Human Rights in Afghanistan.” Books will be available for sale at the event.
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Our event of Wednesday, January 15 from 1:30pm to 3pm
Trump 2.0 – What Trump’s Win Means for US Foreign Policy
Join us as our speaker, Darrell Blocker, Chief Intelligence Officer of intelligence and advisory firm MOSAIC, and former deputy director of the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center speaks on the implications of President Trump re-taking the reins of power.
Visit the MOSAIC News platform to learn more at www.mosaicsec.com/mosaic-news
About our Speaker:
Darrell M. Blocker is a former American intelligence officer who served for 32 years in the U.S. Intelligence Community earning the CIA’s Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal upon his retirement.
He served four years as an Analyst in the U.S. Air Force (1987-1990) and 27 years as a CIA Operative (1990-2018). His career highlights include serving as Chief of the CIA’s iconic training facility (Camp Peary, Virginia, aka “The Farm”), Deputy Director of the Counter-terrorism Center, Chief of Africa Division, and multiple tours as a Chief of Station. As the time of his retirement in October 2018, Blocker was the most senior Black officer in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations with the rank equivalency of a three-star general.
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Previous 2024 Events
Our event of Wednesday, November 27
Afghanistan – Unwinnable Peace
A Presentation by: Former Ambassador Tim Martin
Tim Martin was a former Ambassador and the last Representative of Canada in Kandahar. Tim will speak about his time in Afghanistan (captured in his new book ‘Unwinnable Peace’). Based on interviews with twenty-one key decision-makers and participants, many of whom are speaking publicly for the first time, Tim recounts the personal and professional challenges faced by individuals deeply committed to securing and rebuilding Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
On 15 August 2021, Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul fell to the Taliban. This was the final act of the ‘War in Afghanistan’ that began in October 2001.
The war was launched in direct response to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. The terrorist attack of 9/11 killed almost 3,000 people, including at least 24 Canadians. Canada supported military action in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014, making this Canada’s longest war. We had an active combat role until 2011, when our focus shifted to training Afghanistan’s army and police force. The last of our service members left the country in March 2014.
Finally on 15 August 2021, the Canadian government closed its Embassy in Kabul (due to the withdrawal of U.S. forces and collapse of the Afghan government). The Embassy closure brought to an end two decades of Canadian and allied efforts to root out the Taliban, eliminate other terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan, and create conditions that would eventually lead to a new, inclusive and democratic Afghan government. The war against the Taliban pushed military, diplomatic, judicial and humanitarian organizations to their limits. But as Tim asks, was it all in vain?
Diplomats, Aid Workers, Canadian and Afghan Generals, Interpreters, men and women in the foreign service, RCMP, and prison experts are still struggling to reconcile their sacrifices with the eventual Taliban victory. The author, Tim Martin, will combine his personal experiences with those of his Afghan and Canadian colleagues to examine Canada’s mission to Afghanistan at a human level.
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Our event of Wednesday, October 30
A Presentation by Hugh Stephens
“Poets, Publishers, and Pirates: Copyright in Canada —What it is, Why You Should Care
and How Canada’s International Commitments Shape Copyright in Canada Today”
“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of Canada’s first Copyright legislation. Prior to that Canada was governed by Imperial copyright legislation and had frequent clashes with Britain when Canadian and British copyright interests diverged. Copyright continues to be as relevant–and controversial–today as it was a century ago. New challenges have emerged such as how data mining and content scraping to train AI algorithms can or should co-exist with author’s copyright over much of the material that is being ingested, without permission, for training purposes. Another big question is whether the outputs of AI should qualify for copyright protection”.
About Our Speaker: Hugh Stephens
Hugh Stephens, author of the recently published book “In Defence of Copyright” will provide a quick overview of what copyright is, its history, what it covers (and does not cover), and why it is important in today’s Canadian and global economy. He will also situate Canada’s copyright laws in the context of our international obligations, such as the Berne Convention, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and bilateral treaties like the CUSMA/USMCA and look at some emerging issues such as the role of copyright in the education sector, AI, and Indigenous Culture.
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Our Politics in the Pub event of Tuesday, October 15
Behind the Headlines | Foreign Political Interference
With provincial & federal elections looming, it’s timely to have a discussion on the seriousness of the threat & what is being done about it.
An Interactive discussion session with John Pyrik
Behind the Headlines: Foreign Political Interference
Arguably the most famous instance of foreign political interference in Canadian politics was “Vive le Québec libre!” uttered by French President Charles de Gaulle in Montreal, Quebec on July 24, 1967. The issue came to public attention again when Russia meddled in the 2016 US election, the issue again came to public attention. So far, the issue has been examined in Canada by a Special Rapporteur, two review bodies (NSICoP and NSIRA) and a public inquiry. It will persist until foreign interference is viewed as an existential threat to Canadian democracy, warned a 2023 CSIS briefing to the Prime Minister.
With provincial and federal elections looming, it is timely to have a discussion on the seriousness of the threat and what is being done about it.
Do not miss this opportunity to join a group discussion led by John Pyrik, a former CSIS Intelligence Officer who will explain how errors of collection, assessment, and leadership contributed to an intelligence failure that has cost the lives of over 30,000 people. He will also provide some insight into Canada’s strengths and weaknesses in intelligence collection and collaboration with other countries.
This is a Members-only event, available for registration through Eventbrite. As before, the event is limited to 24 people to enhance discussion and interaction with John Pyrik.
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Our event of September 26, 2024
A Presentation by Professor T.V. Paul, McGill University
Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi
Along with the meteoric rise of China, there is much interest India’s emergence as a rising power. While India, in its 75-year existence as an independent state, has achieved much in fulfilling the dreams of Nehru and his successors to obtain major power status, why is this quest still unfinished?
The rapidly developing US-China rivalry has also given India an added importance in world politics with many viewing the country as a significant swing power that can help balance China’s potentially aggressive rise in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s current leadership, under Narendra Modi, and many in the general public, believe that the country is destined to be a global power.
Professor T.V. Paul will discuss the rise of India and the external and internal constraints India must contend with in the pursuit of major power status. Professor Paul will argue, the development of an inclusive, tolerant democracy that can utilize its most priced asset, the demographic dividend, will be essential for India to gain greater international status and influence in the 21st century.
About Our Speaker: Professor T.V. Paul, McGill University
Professor T.V. Paul is Distinguished James McGill Professor in the Department of Political Science at McGill University and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He served as the President of the International Studies Association for 2016-17 and is the Founding Director of the Global Research Network on Peaceful Change.
Paul authored ‘The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi’, ‘Restraining Great Powers: Soft Balancing from Empires to the Global Era’, and ‘The Warrior State: Pakistan in the Contemporary World’.
He is author or editor of 24 books and over 80 scholarly articles/book chapters in the fields of International Relations, International Security, and South Asia. Paul currently serves as the editor of the Georgetown University Press book series: South Asia in World Affairs.Paul currently serves as the editor of the Georgetown University Press book series: South Asia in World Affairs.