The Saskatoon branch of the Canadian International Council invites you to our next event, free of charge and open to the public, on the following important international issue:

TOPIC: The Illusion of Reform: Rethinking Security and Lessons from Latin America

SPEAKER: Alex Camilo Duran Montano, University of Saskatchewan

DATE: Monday, June 02, 2025

PLACE: Saskatoon Club, 417 21st Street East, Saskatoon

TIME: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

~~~ This is the twenty-second event of our 2024/25 program ~~~

[Read further below about the option for joining the speaker for dinner after the talk.]

This presentation explores the emergence of authoritarian leaders in Latin America advocating for repressive security practices and the erosion of democratic norms, often using police and military forces as a fundamental cornerstone of their political projects. Drawing on insights from a broader study of Security Sector Reform (SSR) programmes worldwide, this presentation argues that a narrow and depoliticized understanding of security enables authoritarian consolidation under the guise of reform. By critically examining the conceptual and practical limitations of SSR as a “problem-solving” approach, this presentation invites reflection on the broader implications for countries that champion the rules-based international order (such as Canada), and underscores the importance of analyzing Latin America to understand global political discourse and events.

About our speaker:

Alex Camilo Duran Montano is an emerging scholar from Bogotá, Colombia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from the Universidad de Los Andes and a Master of Arts in Political Studies from the University of Saskatchewan. His research focuses on security sector reform, peacebuilding, democratization, and International Relations theory, utilizing critical perspectives to explore why police, armed forces, and civilian defense institutions often resist genuine transformation. Professionally, Alex has experience in applied research with NGOs and as a policy advisor, lecturer and graduate supervisor. Outside of academia, he enjoys good meals with friends, engaging stories, and passionately supports the Argentina national football team.

Itinerary:

5:30 p.m. Doors open

6:00 p.m. Public presentation – free and open to the public

7:30 p.m. Event concludes

7:30 p.m. Dinner with the speaker (RSVP by email to saskatoondan@gmail.com)

9:00 p.m. Dinner concludes

DINNER WITH THE SPEAKER:

Want to find out even more about the issues, and discuss them with the speaker and other internationalists? Consider buying a dinner ticket and joining us after the talk, at 7:30 p.m., also at the Saskatoon Club.

Register for dinner before noon on Friday,  May 30, by emailing  dan.sutherland@canada.ca , indicating the number of seats you wish to purchase. Indicate your method of payment: Pay for meals by e-transfer, or by cash at the door.

Prices for dinner with the speaker, following presentation

$20 – Students

$40 – All other CIC members

$50 – Nonmembers

Register for dinner with the speaker before  12:00 noon on May 30. Dinner registrants will be expected to pay even if they cannot or do not attend. Persons with dinner reservations who cannot attend are encouraged to find someone else to take their place.

We invite you to challenge your views on the world – and join in on the discussion.

Yours in service,

Dan Sutherland, Programming Chair

Canadian International Council – Saskatoon Branch