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The mission of the CIC is to promote an understanding of international affairs and Canada’s role in a changing world by providing Canadians with a non-partisan, nationwide forum for informed discussion, analysis and debate. Accordingly, the cornerstone of the CIC’s work is our events program. The CIC national office and our branches hold more than 150 events per year in cities across the country. In particular, our branch events give members an opportunity to directly engage with global issues that often intersect with local concerns. The CIC also supports events outside of Canada, often in partnership with other global think tanks, that can introduce Canadian perspectives to global audiences. CIC events take on many different forms, from academic lectures and panel discussions to town hall meetings and pub nights. Please consult our events calendar for a listing of CIC-organized and sponsored events.

If you have an idea for a CIC event, please contact us at info@thecic.org.

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CIC National Capital Branch (Ottawa): Diplomacy in the Age of Uncertainty – Navigating Geopolitical Crossroads with Michael Kovrig

May 14, 2025 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT

Title: Diplomacy in the Age of Uncertainty: Navigating Geopolitical Crossroads with Michael Kovrig

Date: May 14, 5:30pm

Format: In-person, remarks and moderated armchair discussion.

Description:

Join the Canadian International Council’s (CIC) Asia-Pacific Study Group for an armchair discussion featuring Michael Kovrig, former Canadian diplomat and renowned China expert, in conversation with Jonathan Berkshire Miller, a leading voice in international security and geo-economics.

Against the backdrop of intensifying geopolitical tensions, this timely conversation will draw on Mr. Kovrig’s recent research for the International Crisis group to explore China’s strategy to expand into the Pacific Ocean and exert influence in the Pacific Islands.

The discussion will also consider China-U.S. strategic rivalry, Canada’s own fraught relationship with China and the broader geopolitical agenda, drawing on Mr. Kovrig’s deep expertise and lived experience navigating complex diplomatic challenges—including his nearly three years of wrongful detention in China.

In discussion with Mr. Miller, this exchange will delve into the strategic recalibrations required as Canada confronts a more contested global order.

Bios:

Michael Kovrig, Senior Adviser, Asia for the International Crisis Group, CEO of Kovrig Group

Michael Kovrig is Senior Adviser, Asia for the International Crisis Group, CEO of Kovrig Group, a geopolitical risk consultancy, and Founder and Executive Director of StrategicEffects, a non-profit thought network. His writing, research, analysis and advocacy deals with geopolitics, geoeconomics, global security and human rights, with a geographic focus on China and the Indo-Pacific region and related Western policies. His other research interests include the intersection of international relations, philosophy, psychology and communications. Michael is a former Canadian diplomat who previously served for more than a decade with Canada’s foreign ministry in Ottawa, at the United Nations and in China. His prior experience includes journalism, strategic communication and change management for the UN system, and economic research on China. He has a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University and is fluent in French and Mandarin Chinese. Michael lived in China from 2014–2021. He is now based in Europe.

Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Co-Founder and Principal, Pendulum Geopolitical Advisory.

Jonathan Berkshire Miller is a globally recognized expert in security, defense, and geo-economics. With nearly two decades of experience, he has advised governments, corporations, and international organizations on geopolitical risk and policy development. He co-founded Pendulum Geopolitical Advisory and is a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Japan Institute of International Affairs, and Asian Forum Japan. Jonathan also serves as Canada’s ASEAN Regional Forum Expert and Eminent Person, and is a Responsible Leader with the BMW Foundation. His insights are featured in major publications like The Financial Times and The New York Times.

Details

Venue

  • The Bridge Public House
  • 1 Donald Street
    Ottawa, ON K1K 4E6 Canada     + Google Map

Organizer

  • CIC National Capital Branch’s Asia-Pacific Study Group (APSG)