New Global Order. Many foreign policy experts acknowledge that the global order is in a state of upheaval. Globalisation and democracy are in decline and great power competition is increasing under the pressures of nationalism, chauvinism, and populism. Realpolitik and national self-interest dominate foreign policy discourse. The COVID-19 pandemic is devastating economies. Demands for gender, racial and financial equality are increasing.

Human Security. This conference is designed to address the growing pressures on human security: threats to state security and democracy that threaten the well-being of populations and communities; challenges to global commerce and trade that threaten prosperity and economic growth; pressures on public health systems and health security and resilience; violations of human rights that fly in the face of recognised norms; and the effect of gender, racial and financial inequality on civil society and political stability.

Keynote Speakers. The keynote speakers have been selected because of their broad perspective on and experience in international relations, and conflict. They will help us understand the context in which foreign policy is formulated and exercised.

Panels. Driven by expert commentary, the panels are designed to confront the participants with competing and conflicting perspectives. Our goal is to elicit robust audience participation that will challenge preconceived ideas and promote new thinking about Canada’s place in the world.

Panel Structure: 

25 November
Panel 1: Defending Canada

9:00 – 10:00 am

Panel 2: Resisting Aggression, Protecting Democracy

10:30 – 11:30 am

Keynote 1: Chris Alexander, former CPC Cabinet Minister [invited]

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Daily Wrap-up

1:30 – 2:30 pm

26 November
Panel 3: Responding to Human Rights Abuses: Preventing a New Age of Hatred

9:00 – 10:00 am

Panel 4: Women and (human) security

10:30 – 11:30 am

Keynote 2: Allan Rock, University of Ottawa and former LPC Cabinet Minister

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Daily Wrap-up

1:30 – 2:30 pm