This week, Canada formally entered negotiations with Saab to purchase the GlobalEye airborne early warning system. The announcement comes amid growing political tensions between Ottawa and Washington, a review of the Lockheed Martin F-35 program, and broader efforts by the government to diversify Canada’s defence partnerships beyond the United States.

In this episode of the Expert Series, MGen (Ret'd) Colin Keiver examines the strategic, operational, and industrial implications of Canada’s potential GlobalEye purchase and what it could mean for the future of continental defence cooperation.

He discusses the role airborne early warning aircraft play in NORAD and Arctic surveillance, the operational differences between Saab’s GlobalEye and competing American systems such as Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail, and the extent to which political considerations may be influencing procurement decisions.

The episode also explores the tension between Canada’s push to diversify defence relationships and the enduring realities of geography, interoperability, and integration with the United States. Keiver argues that while deeper partnerships with European allies may strengthen Canadian industrial capacity and resilience, effective continental defence will continue to depend on close military and technological coordination with Washington.

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The Permanent Joint Board on Defence (PJBD), a long-standing but low-profile mechanism for Canada–U.S. defence coordination, has recently been suspended, raising questions about the state of institutional dialogue underpinning North American security cooperation. While operational channels such as NORAD remain in place, the pause in this advisory forum has prompted broader reflection on how Canada and the United States manage strategic coordination and trust.

On this week’s episode of the Expert Series, Dr. Chris Sands examines the suspension of the PJBD and what it signals for Canada–U.S. defence relations at a time of growing political strain and evolving security priorities.

He discusses the role of institutional mechanisms in shaping Canada–U.S. defence cooperation beyond day-to-day military operations, and how forums like the PJBD have historically supported alignment on emerging threats and capability planning.

The episode also explores the implications of the suspension for bilateral trust and predictability, and considers whether increasingly transactional approaches risk weakening the informal and institutional foundations of continental defence cooperation.

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As Canada seeks its security and operational capacity in the North, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced a $35-billion federal plan to expand defence capabilities and infrastructure across the Arctic and northern regions, including upgrades to military bases, new operational hubs, improved airports, and road construction projects.

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, MGen (Ret’d) Michel Lalumiere, Dr. James Fergusson, and Dr. Rob Huebert joined us to discuss the significance of these investments, the distinction between Arctic development and defence spending, and what these initiatives mean for Canada’s Arctic security and northern communities.

We unpack upgrades to northern forward operating locations in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit, the role of infrastructure in Arctic defence, and the NORAD modernization and related capabilities. The panel also explores Canada–U.S. defence cooperation, the challenges of implementing ambitious projects amid cost pressures and community impacts, and the strategic implications of shifting threats from Russia and China for long-term Arctic defence policy.

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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. 

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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.

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Are the NATO Alliance and its European allies prepared for the possibility of a second Trump presidency? 

In this Expert Series episode, we meet with Jamie Shea, Steven Pifer, Julian Lindley-French and Leonard Schütte to discuss the implications of a second Trump term, the impact of European elections for NATO cohesion, and what continually shifting U.S. foreign policy means for the NATO alliance and the security of Europe. This episode also offers reflection on the health and purpose of the NATO alliance as it reaches its 75th anniversary amidst a changing global security landscape.

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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 the poor performance of US President Joe Biden in last week’s national debate with former President, Donald Trump, instability in the Democratic party, and the geopolitical implications of a potential second Trump presidency. Varner also discusses Chinese aircraft carriers and warships operating in the South China Sea, Cuba’s upgrading of electronic spying facilities near Guantanamo Bay, which are believed to be linked to Beijing, China’s ambitions to develop naval bases in South America in the Caribbean, Russia’s chairing of the UN Security Council, and next week’s NATO Summit in Washington. Tune in to the "Geopolitical Update" every Friday for expert commentary on the latest global affairs.

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How can NATO navigate internal disagreements and external pressures to effectively support Ukraine while maintaining unity and strategic stability amid global geopolitical uncertainties?

In this episode of the Expert Series, join Alexander Lanoszka as he explores the dynamics of the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington. This episode features discussion on Ukraine's recent tactical successes in the war against Russia, the need for increased NATO support, Ukraine's membership prospects and the symbolic significance of the 75th NATO Summit amidst uncertainties such as the potential return of Trump and the rise of populism in Europe. Lanoszka also discusses Canada’s defence spending and explores the broader implications of US political shifts for NATO’s future stability.

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What can today's leaders and NATO learn from the parallels between our current international security environment and that which preceded the Second World War?

In this episode of the Expert Series, join former Defence Minister David Pratt as he explores the critical stakes of the upcoming NATO Summit. Drawing chilling parallels between today's international security tensions and the prelude to World War II, Pratt delves into Vladimir Putin's aggressive moves in Ukraine, China's rising power, and other looming regional threats. Discover why NATO's support for Ukraine is pivotal in deterring global aggressors like China, North Korea, and Iran and gain insight into the pressing summit topics, including defence spending, military aid for Ukraine, and the potential ramifications of a second Trump presidency on NATO and European 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 North Korea’s recent failed missile launch, which was potentially a hypersonic weapon; the war in Ukraine, which has become a stalemate, with neither Russia nor Ukraine achieving their war aims; Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza; Hamas’ attempts to rebuild its forces and the potential for a wider conflict involving Iran and its proxies; and amphibious drills undertaken by China in the South China Sea and their implications for regional security. Tune in to the "Geopolitical Update" every Friday for expert commentary on the latest global affairs.

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In this episode of the Expert Series Podcast Gordon Venner, Kerry Buck, Stéfanie Von Hlatky, and Vincent Rigby discuss the present geostrategic climate and its implications for Canada at the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington. They discuss Russia’s geopolitical aims, the war in Ukraine, NATO's adaptability to emerging threats and changes in the geopolitical landscape, and the importance of Canada’s defence spending and commitments, particularly the 2% GDP target. 

The panel also discussed the globalization of crises and the complex and unpredictable nature of the current international security environment compared to the Cold War, new security threats like cyber and disinformation, and the growing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region. The panel also highlighted the importance of maintaining NATO's core values and political cohesion, especially in light of its 75th anniversary and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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On today’s Expert Series podcast Michael O’Hanlon, Raymond Kuo, J. Michael Cole, and Scott Simon discuss China’s recent military exercises near Taiwan and their implications for Taiwan’s security, the logistical challenges China would need to address for a successful invasion of Taiwan and Taiwan’s defensive measures against potential blockades or invasions, the domestic reaction in Taiwan to China’s most recent military drills, how Taiwan manages election interference and China’s gray zone tactics, and the new administration’s views on cross-strait relations and President Lai’s challenges in managing the relationship with China.

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Stephen Nagy returns for season 3, episode 1 of the Expert Series to discuss Canada's latest defence policy update and its implications for regional security and engagement. He also analyzes the effectiveness of the Indo-Pacific strategy over a year since its release, strategic autonomy in Southeast Asia, regional security dynamics, the compatibility of FOIP and BRI, and the hedging strategies of Southeast Asian countries amid great power competition between the U.S. and China in the region.

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As Canada seeks to strengthen its independence and resilience in a more uncertain world, Prime Minister Mark Carney recently embarked on a 10-day tour of the Indo-Pacific, meeting with leaders in India, Australia, and Japan.

Today, Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Rohinton Medhora, Vina Nadjibulla, and Mike Hughes joined us to discuss the strategic significance of Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Asia, the India-Canada "reset", the potential for deeper defence and economic ties with Indo-Pacific partners, and what Canada’s new approach to middle-power diplomacy could mean for its role in global security and trade.

We unpack the “reset” of the Canada–India relationship, the announcement of multiple memorandums and initiatives in the joint statement, the establishment of a new Canada–India Defence Dialogue, and flagged cooperation on maritime security, highlighting India’s centrality to Canada’s efforts to diversify defence partnerships beyond the U.S. and Europe. The panel also discusses opportunities for deeper defence industrial partnerships, including leveraging Canada’s critical minerals to support India’s advanced technology needs, and the broader Indo-Pacific context, where Japan and Australia serve as strategic anchors for intelligence sharing, naval exercises, and economic security collaboration.

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Two weeks ago, The Expert Series hosted Steven Chase, Dick Fadden, and Wes Wark to discuss NSICOP’s Special Report on Foreign Interference. This week, we invited Robert Fife, Philippe Lagassé, Dan Stanton, and Marcus Kolga to the program to provide further insight and updates on the report's findings, developments since its release, and what measures will be taken to address the challenge of foreign interference in Canada’s democracy and institutions.

The panel discusses the report's findings, focusing on the implications of potential collaboration between MPs and foreign entities, the varied reactions from political leaders, the effectiveness of legislative measures like Bill C-70 in addressing foreign influence,  and the ongoing inquiry's broader implications for Canadian democracy and the upcoming federal election.

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______
Established in 1932, the CDA Institute is a non-partisan registered charity organization with the mission to advance informed debate on national security issues, particularly those that pertain to national defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. We aim to foster a fact-based and rational approach to dialogue regarding Canadian defence, security, and foreign policy.

Transcript

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 a new annual survey by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on global armaments, which found that the number and types of nuclear weapons in development have increased as states deepen their reliance on nuclear deterrence, the impact of a new strategic partnership and mutual defence treaty between North Korea and Russia, incidents involving a Chinese Jin-class submarine near Taiwan and a Russian Yasen-class submarine in Havana Harbor, and Canada's role at the upcoming NATO Summit in Washington. 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 week's episode of the "Geopolitical Update" podcast, Joe Varner, Deputy Director of the Conference of Defence Associations, discusses Russia’s rationale for sailing a squadron of warships to Cuba and what we can expect in the hours ahead, Russian tactical nuclear drills in Europe near NATO and Belarussian borders, recent incidents involving Chinese naval and air drills around Taiwan, what Canada can expect from the G7 Summit in Italy, and escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas and their implications for regional stability. 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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Professor of Practice at McGill’s Institute for the Study of International Development and Distinguished Fellow for CIGI Rohinton Medhora joins us for the final episode of season 2 of the Expert Series to discuss the surprising outcome of India’s recent election and the factors that influenced it. Rohinton discusses the unexpected performance of Narendra Modi's BJP, the reasons behind their loss of parliamentary majority, and the broader implications for Modi's domestic and foreign policy. 

He also addresses the India-Canada relationship which is under strain following recent international security incidents, particularly, the murder of a Canadian citizen by the Indian government, and finally, what India’s election results say about the health of both Indian and global democracy.

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In this special edition of the Expert Series, experts discuss the implications of NSICOP’s Special Report on Foreign Interference in Canada’s Democratic Processes and Institutions. The report, released by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, details serious allegations of parliamentarians collaborating with foreign actors. Steven Chase from the Globe and Mail, former CSIS director Dick Fadden, and CIGI Senior Fellow Wesley Wark join the discussion to analyze the report's findings, the implications of parliamentarians' involvement in foreign interference operations, assess the current state of foreign interference and explore proactive strategies and mechanisms to safeguard Canadian democracy.

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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP’s reduced power following the results of the Indian election and its implications for domestic and foreign policy, Russian submarine activity in the North Atlantic and tensions in Europe between NATO and Russia, as well as escalating tensions between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran in the Middle East. Varner also touches on former President Donald Trump’s felony conviction in New York as well as the recently released NSICOP report delving into foreign interference in Canada. 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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Thomas Juneau joins us again for a wide-ranging discussion on Iran, from the impact of the death of President Riasi, to recent Canadian sanctions, the evolution of Canada's relationship with Iran, and the Iran-Israel conflict which escalated in April, with Iran’s first direct attack on Israel since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979. Juneau analyses the impact of this latest flare-up on the ongoing Israel-Hamas War as well as its potential implications for regional stability. 

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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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In this week's episode of the "Geopolitical Update" podcast, Joe Varner, Deputy Director of the Conference of Defence Associations, discusses recent developments in Iran's nuclear weapons program, North Korea's failed attempt to launch a reconnaissance satellite, the significance of the joint statement issued by President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin on deepening the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and what Canada can expect heading into the Washington Summit. 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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This past week, nearly one-quarter of the U.S. Senate criticized Prime Minister Trudeau over Canada's defence spending, urging Canada to present a plan at the NATO summit to meet the alliance's spending target. This was followed by comments from American Ambassador to Canada David Cohen about Canada becoming an outlier in NATO.

These remarks are salient, given the upcoming Washington Summit, and in light of Canada’s recently released and long-awaited defence policy update, which pledged billions of dollars in spending over the next several years.

These events serve as a basis to analyze Canada's defence policy update, including perspectives on the policy and Canada’s defence spending from the U.S., the significance of the Senate's letter, expectations for Canada at the upcoming NATO Summit, and the implications of Our North, Strong and Free for procurement reform and submarine renewal.

Philippe Lagassé, Associate Professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, shares his insights on procurement reform, and submarine replacements. Steven Saideman, Paterson Chair in International Affairs at Carleton University, discusses the implications of the update, Canada-U.S. relations, and the efficacy of the two percent threshold. Christopher Sands, Director of the Wilson Center's Canada Institute, provides insights on U.S. attitudes toward Canada's defence spending, economic impacts, and expectations for the Washington Summit.

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

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In the premiere episode of the "Geopolitical Update" podcast, Joseph Varner, Deputy Director of the Conference of Defence Associations discusses the repercussions following the death of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Alongside analysis on ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and China's military drills near Taiwan, Varner offers critical insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape for the week of May 24, 2024. 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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On February 28, 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated, an event that shocked the region and raised significant questions about Iran’s operational security. While his death is undeniably significant, the Islamic Republic survives his assassination, though it emerges considerably weakened, particularly given prior leadership losses and ongoing military and infrastructure degradation.

Dr. Thomas Juneau, professor at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, joined us to discuss the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, examining how he was targeted, the operational security failures that made it possible, and what his death means for Iran’s internal stability and the future of its nuclear program. He explores the broader escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the limits of support from allies like China and Russia, and the potential consequences for Iranian society if the regime falls. Finally, he addressed Canada’s diplomatic positioning, including Prime Minister Carney’s statements, balancing support for US actions with domestic and bilateral considerations, and the practical limits of Canada’s influence in the conflict.

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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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This installment of the CDA Institute’s Expert Series brings together perspectives from core BRICS members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to explore the purpose of BRICS, its impact on the international rules-based order, and its role in challenging Western dominance. The panel discusses the relationships, priorities, and goals of member states; views on multipolarity in the international system; Brazil’s growing dependence on China; Russia’s geopolitical ambitions; India’s rising influence and complex relationship with China; China’s approach to global governance; and the impact of BRICS on South Africa’s alliances and foreign policy.

Panel:

Matias Spektor: Associate Professor of International Relations, Center for International Relations at Fundação Getúlio Vargas in São Paulo

Max Bergmann: Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Stuart Center, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Shyam Saran: Former Foreign Secretary of India and Chairman of India's National Security Advisory Board

Zongyuan Zoe Liu: Fellow for International Political Economy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

Philani Mthembu: Executive Director, Institute for Global Dialogue, University of South Africa (UNISA)

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

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How can Canada strengthen its intelligence culture and break the habit of operating in silos? What has been the impact of a decades-long strategic deficit in policy coherence and what are the steps to overcome it?

In this episode, Vincent Rigby discusses the hesitation between departments and agencies in the security and intelligence community to more proactively share and coordinate on intelligence, and how the new National Security Council could potentially alleviate issues that arise from siloed intelligence to strengthen Canada’s ability to respond to crises. Rigby also discusses hard-hitting reports from the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency on the Global Security Reporting Program and the Senate Standing Committee on Canada’s foreign service. Rigby outlines the chronic disconnect between Canada’s national security, defence, and foreign policy and the need to develop them in close coordination with each other in order to determine and deliver on Canada’s national security needs.

Vincent Rigby is a professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University, senior fellow with the Norman Patterson School of International Affairs at Carlton University, and senior advisor with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. From January 2020 until his retirement from an extensive career in Canada’s Public Service in September 2021, Rigby was National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister. Rigby’s previous roles include assistant deputy minister of strategic policy (2013-2017) at  Global Affairs Canada, and later associate deputy minister of foreign affairs (2019-2020); associate deputy minister of Public Safety Canada (2017-2019); executive director of the International Assessment Secretariat and Afghanistan intelligence lead official at the Privy Council Office (2008-2010); and several roles at the Department of National Defence over the course of 14 years.

Note: This interview was conducted on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

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

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What does the war in Ukraine mean for Russian foreign policy under President Vladimir Putin and how is it being leveraged to drive a wedge between “the West and the Rest”? How did the Cold War-era great power competition between the United States and the former Soviet Union influence Putin’s worldview and inform his foreign policy ambitions? 

Dr. Angela Stent traces the underpinnings of contemporary Russian foreign policy under Putin to their origins in the Cold War and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union and dissects how Putin views Russia through the lens of its history of competition and confrontation with United States. Stent contends that the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union was never truly accepted as a result of its own weaknesses by some of those in its administration, and that ideations of its former glory fuel a desire to restore its great power status, pursued by means of war and frozen conflicts.

Dr. Angela Stent is a distinguished expert on Russian foreign policy and has published several award-winning books on the subject, including her latest book, Putin’s World: Russia Against the West and With the Rest, for which she won the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy’s prize for the best book on U.S.-Russian Relations. Dr. Stent is senior adviser to the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies and professor emerita of government and foreign service at Georgetown University. She is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and co-chairs its Hewett Forum on Post-Soviet Affairs. From 2004-2006 she served as national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia at the National Intelligence Council. From 1999 to 2001 she served in the Office of Policy Planning at the U.S. Department of State.

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, J. Michael Cole, Jude Blanchette, Shelley Rigger, and David Sacks join us to discuss the history of Cross-Strait relations, Taiwan’s military and logistical capabilities, the role of the United States in deterring conflict in the Taiwan Strait, CCP influence strategies and PLA activities in the Taiwan strait, and Taiwan’s strategic significance to the PRC. The panel dissects the defence capabilities needed by Taiwan in response to China's military posture, the Chinese Communist Party's use of political warfare, sharp power, and ideological narratives in shaping international order and influencing Taiwan.

J. Michael Cole discusses various strategies employed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under Xi Jinping, extending beyond military capabilities to include covert influence through economic leverage and engagement. Jude Blanchette focuses on China's strategic interest in Taiwan, Taiwan’s ideological significance for the Communist Party, as well as the reunification narrative, which Beijing sees as crucial to rectifying historical humiliations. 

Shelley Rigger provides a historical backdrop of cross-strait relations between China and Taiwan, emphasizing the stark disparities in their perceptions of key events. David Sacks argues that Taiwan, confronted by China's formidable military capabilities, must invest in a broad spectrum of defence capabilities. He also stresses the global implications of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the economic, geopolitical, and democratic consequences.

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

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As the prospect of a Trump or a MAGA leader returning to the White House looms, how can Canada proactively safeguard its national security amidst potential trade turmoil? What implications would a MAGA-led America have on global alliances like NATO and, specifically, Canada's strategic positioning?

Kim Nossal dissects the potential ripple effects of a MAGA resurgence, particularly under Donald Trump, touching on the role of trade in Canada's national security concerns, emphasizing the potential fallout of an "America First" agenda and the personal vendettas that may ensue. MAGA loyalists infiltrating key positions in the American state apparatus could potentially have profound consequences for American democracy and American allies. The consequences are far-reaching, potentially altering the landscape of international relations and reshaping global security alliances.

Nossal anticipates a shift in American foreign policy under a MAGA administration, predicting potential withdrawals from international commitments such as NATO. This would also have indirect impacts on Canada's strategic interests, both in Europe and the Western Pacific. Canada must navigate these challenges strategically and proactively.

Kim Richard Nossal, a distinguished academic and expert in international relations, has left an indelible mark on Canadian academia. Holding a PhD from the University of Toronto, Nossal's career spans decades, with key roles at McMaster University and Queen’s University. His editorial leadership and academic contributions, notably in Canadian foreign policy and international affairs, have garnered recognition, including an honorary doctorate from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2017.

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A US criminal indictment recently revealed an alleged plot connected to the Indian government to carry out multiple assassinations in North America. The indictment accuses Indian national Nikhil Gupta of attempting to arrange a killing in New York, linked to a case that strained Canada-India relations. The targets included Sikh separatist activists, sparking concerns about potential implications for India's Sikh minority and prompting high-level inquiries from the Indian government.

In this week’s episode, Lisa Curtis and Sumit Ganguly joined us to discuss these recent assassination allegations and their consequences for U.S-India relations, India’s standing in geopolitics, Indian foreign policy, and Indo-Pacific security.

Lisa Curtis, of the Center for New American Security (CNAS), discusses the geopolitical implications and India's handling of the allegations, which potentially pose questions about India's commitment to democracy and potentially impact on US-India collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, notably in countering China.

Dr. Sumit Ganguly, Indiana University, highlights diplomatic challenges, India's role in the Indo-Pacific, and domestic concerns related to secularism. The incident has introduced a degree of friction to US-India relations, especially as India's global significance continues to grow. Responses to respective Canadian and US allegations have also revealed the varying importance of these relationships, as well as the general position of all three parties in the global sphere.

Major challenges for India include countering the China threat, maintaining domestic stability, and developing a coherent strategy for dealing with its neighbors. Domestically, India faces challenges regarding its commitment to secularism.

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In the wake of allegations made by Mr. Spavor and their implications for Canadian security, this panel delves into the intricacies of the Global Security Reporting Program (GSRP) and whether it requires more accountability and oversight. 

Artur Wilczynski, Wesley Wark, and Philippe Lagassé discuss Spavor’s allegations against the GSRP, the evolution of the program in the context of emerging global threats, concerns raised regarding transparency and accountability, the difference between foreign intelligence collection and diplomatic reporting, strengthening cooperation between, GSRP, CSIS, and the foreign ministry, as well as the implications for placing the program on a statutory footing.

The panel discussed the creation and purpose of the GSRP post-9/11, highlighting its role in providing diplomatic reporting on diverse security issues globally. The diplomatic reporting process involved officers openly engaging with embassy contacts, focusing on country-specific topics. 

The discussion also delved into allegations by Mr. Spavor and their potential implications for Canadian security. The panel also explored existing accountability and oversight mechanisms, debated the need for statutory changes, and considered the possibility of establishing a Foreign Intelligence Service, emphasizing the importance of defining GSRP's role before determining a legal framework.

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

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On today’s episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Executive Director Gaëlle Rivard Piché and CGAI President & CEO David Perry examine how Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy is redefining the relationship between strategic autonomy, economic prosperity, and national security. 

They discuss the structural reforms and cultural shifts required to drive innovation, strengthen sovereign capabilities, and align economic growth with geopolitical realities. 

This episode unpacks the implementation challenges, trade-offs, and policy signals that will determine whether the strategy moves from ambition to measurable impact. 

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

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On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we examine Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy and how it aims to reshape military readiness, domestic industrial capacity, and Canada’s position in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Andrew Leslie, and the Honourable Peter MacKay assess the strategy’s ambition, its proposed “Build–Partner–Buy” framework, and the creation of a new Defence Investment Agency. 

They discuss long-standing procurement challenges, persistent capability gaps within the Canadian Armed Forces, and the realism of directing 70% of defence contracts to Canadian firms while remaining closely integrated with the United States and NATO supply chains. 

This episode offers a candid evaluation of the opportunities and risks embedded in the strategy, underscoring the importance of effective implementation, economic resilience, and timely investment to ensure Canada can meet both its operational commitments and broader national security objectives. 

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

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On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we delve into the strategic complexities of Arctic security through the lens of wargaming. MGen (Ret’d) Dennis Thompson, creator of the game and Senior Mentor and Instructor at the Canadian Forces College, and Ven Adamov, Partner and Data Analytics Leader in KPMG’s Risk Services Practice, share their experiences and key takeaways while highlighting the geopolitical dynamics and military readiness challenges faced by Canada and its NATO allies. 

They explore the strategic importance of the Northwest Passage, the role of pre-emptive strikes, and the impact of advanced technologies in modern warfare. 

This episode delivers a focused analysis of the shifting Arctic security landscape, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities, infrastructure investment, and international cooperation. 

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

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On today’s episode of the Expert Series, UBC Professor and CDA Institute Fellow David Borys is joined by CDAI Chair General (Ret’d) Tom Lawson and Vice-Chair Wendy Gilmour to discuss their recent National Post opinion piece on rebuilding the Canadian Armed Forces.

Together, they examine Canada’s defence spending and its implications for the military, including recruitment and retention challenges, procurement hurdles, and how new investments could strengthen operational readiness, support the defence industry, and position Canada amid growing geopolitical pressures.

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

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As Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this week, the links between defence planning, energy vulnerability, and resilience in Europe are once again front of mind.

In this very timely release, the CDA Institute’s Climate Security Programme is sharing the third and final episode of its Special Expert Series highlighting key insights from the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit, co-hosted with @NATO CCASCOE. 

In this episode, Programme Director @Pauline Baudu is joined by Lennard de Klerk, lead author of The Climate Damage Caused by Russia’s War in Ukraine, produced by the Initiative on GHG Accounting of War, to examine how energy vulnerability and the environmental footprint of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are reshaping defence planning, military readiness, and European security, and what Canada and its Allies can learn to increase their own resilience.   

 We explore:  
- Why Russia’s invasion is a 'fossil-fuel war', how energy dependence creates strategic vulnerability, and why reducing reliance on fossil fuels is now central to European resilience and autonomy
- How energy infrastructure has emerged as both a primary target and a critical weakness in the Ukraine conflict, particularly for energy-dependent military operations
- What lessons Canada can draw from Ukraine as it modernizes its forces and strengthens the protection of domestic energy infrastructure against hybrid threats
- How the 1.5% of new NATO defence investments allocated to critical infrastructure can be leveraged to reduce military emissions, strengthen capability, and enhance long-term resilience 

This episode was recorded in December 2025.

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

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On today’s episode of The Expert Series Podcast, we speak with Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, to examine the Trump administration’s interest in Greenland, growing strains within the transatlantic alliance, and what recent developments at the World Economic Forum in Davos reveal about the future of global order. 

Joshi reflects on the implications of renewed great power competition, alliance uncertainty, and the erosion of long-standing assumptions underpinning international security. The discussion explores how allies are responding to a more transactional and unpredictable U.S. approach, the challenges facing NATO and middle powers, and how Canada can navigate a rapidly changing strategic environment while balancing dependence, diversification, and sovereignty.

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

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The CDA Institute’s Climate Security Programme has launched a limited set of episodes of the Expert Series podcast highlighting key insights from the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit (MCSS), co-hosted with NATO CCASCOE.

Recorded following the 4th MCSS, our second episode features Director of the Climate Security Programme @Pauline Baudu in conversation with Dr. Andrew Heffernan, adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and climate associate at the Information Integrity Lab. Together, they discuss why climate disinformation is a strategic issue, not just an environmental one, and why information integrity is essential to protecting our sovereignty.

Dr. Heffernan touches on how instability leads to misinformation, and how (climate) misinformation deepens polarization and distrust, why much of today’s climate misinformation is intentional and coordinated, as some actors spread disinformation to protect fossil-fuel interests, while others do it simply to divide societies, and what it means for the CAF’s mission, and how DND can be integrated in a whole-of-society response to promote information integrity.

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The Liberal government plans to significantly expand the newly created Defence Investment Agency (DIA), giving it broader authority beyond standard military procurement and a wider role that could touch other areas of the economy. These plans were outlined in a ways and means motion in the House of Commons and formalized in May 2026 through the Defence Investment Agency Act, part of the Budget 2025 Implementation Act No. 2. The Act establishes the DIA as a stand-alone entity led by a dedicated minister and CEO, amends the Defence Production Act to broaden its scope, and grants the agency powers to streamline procurement, support domestic industry, and enhance national security.

On this week’s Expert Series, Jody Thomas, former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister and former Deputy Minister of Defence; Troy Crosby, former Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) at the Department of National Defence; and Dr. Philippe Lagassé, Barton Chair at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, examined the DIA’s proposed expansion, ministerial oversight, and legislative updates, discussing whether these changes could drive meaningful procurement reform and shift a long-standing culture of overcautiousness.

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On today’s episode of The Expert Series Podcast, Climate Security Programme Director, Pauline Baudu talks with leading experts about Greenland and Arctic security amid renewed tensions triggered by the current U.S. administration’s annexation rhetoric and its implications for Canadian security and relations with European and NATO allies. The discussion explores why Greenland has re-emerged as a focal point of U.S. strategic interest and what this signals for the future of Arctic governance, alliance cohesion, and regional stability.

Panelists Exner-Pirot, Huebert, and Maddox assess the strategic rationale underpinning U.S. interest in Greenland, including energy resources, military positioning, and broader security considerations, alongside a reality-check on the scope and limits of Arctic resource development potential. The conversation also addresses the implications for Europe and NATO, the risks posed to alliance unity, and the potential consequences for Canada’s security, energy interests, and diplomatic posture in an increasingly contested Arctic environment.

Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot is a Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa. Dr. Rob Huebert is a professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary, Director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies and fellow at the CDA Institute. Ms. Marisol Maddox is a senior Arctic fellow at the Institute of Arctic Studies in the Dickey Center at Dartmouth University and fellow at the CDA Institute.

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The role of Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA) has become increasingly pivotal in response to a rapidly evolving global security environment. Created in 2005, the position was designed to address gaps in Canada’s national security architecture and to ensure the Prime Minister had a dedicated advisor to navigate the complex world of security and intelligence. 

Since then, the NSIA has had to adapt to a new reality in which many of the most significant threats originate beyond Canada’s borders. The return of revanchist authoritarian states such as Russia and China, the unpredictable foreign policy of the United States under Donald Trump, and the growing threat of cyber warfare, foreign interference, and grey-zone conflict have all underscored the expanding scope and urgency of the NSIA’s work.

On today’s podcast, inspired by their recent CIGI article 'Getting Serious About National Security', we spoke with Vincent Rigby and Adam Chapnick about how the NSIA’s role has evolved over time, the challenges it faces today, whether or not Canada has begun to take its national security more seriously, and what lies ahead in an increasingly unstable world. They also discuss both the practical and strategic changes within Canada’s national security framework and consider how future holders of the NSIA position can navigate an increasingly complex threat environment.

Link to article: https://www.cigionline.org/publications/getting-serious-about-national-security/

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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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On Today’s episode of The Expert Series Podcast, Dr. Roland Paris, Ben Rowswell, and Dr. Kamran Bokhari examine the recent U.S. strikes on Venezuela, the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump’s renewed discussion around the potential acquisition of Greenland, and what pivots in U.S. national security strategy and renewed focus on the Western hemisphere mean for Canadian and global security.

Paris, Rowswell, and Bokhari discuss the implications of U.S. strikes on Venezuela and the removal of President Maduro for regional and international security, historical precedent and U.S.-Venezuela relations, whether or not U.S. actions present challenges for state sovereignty and international law, the strategic logic behind a renewed U.S. focus on the Western Hemisphere and the reassertion of its regional influence, President Trump’s remarks about taking Greenland and its geopolitical influence, the risks of further regional and global instability, what shifts in U.S. foreign policy and the National Security Strategy mean for NATO, continental security, and Canada’s position as a middle power in a changing international system.

Roland Paris is a Professor of International Affairs and Director of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, and former Senior Advisor on Foreign Policy to the Prime Minister of Canada, Ben Rowswell is a consultant with Catalyze4, who previously served as Canada’s chargé d’affaires in Iraq from 2003 to 2005 and as Canada’s Ambassador to Venezuela from 2014 to 2017, and Dr. Kamran Bokhari is a Senior Director at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington of which he is a key founder, and also teaches graduate level courses at Georgetown University.

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

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From the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump to the Defence Investment Strategy, Budget 2025, the CPSP downselection, Canada’s integration into ReArm Europe, and this summer’s NATO Summit announcement that Canada would meet the 2% GDP target for defence spending, General Tom Lawson, Wendy Gilmour, and Dr. Rob Huebert joined the season finale of The Expert Series to reflect on the most consequential defence and security developments of the year and offer a threat assessment for 2026.

The panel discussed this year’s rise in Canadian defence spending and the establishment of the Defence Investment Strategy; the impact of global developments such as the uncertainty of U.S. foreign policy under President Trump; the need to modernize Canada’s military capabilities, rebuild personnel, and strengthen the defence industrial base; as well as the necessity of pursuing strategic autonomy and diversifying partnerships with Europe and other like-minded nations.

Central to the discussion was President Trump’s return to office, which has upended longstanding assumptions underpinning Canadian security and has raised questions about U.S. reliability as an ally. The panel examined the U.S. National Security Strategy and the potential long-term implications for Canada and the broader democratic world.

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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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The 2025 U.S. National Security Strategy arrives, in the words of today’s panel, as a strikingly coherent and assertive statement of American strategic intent—a document whose internal consistency carries deeply worrying implications for Canada, Europe, and global stability. 

It portrays a United States increasingly oriented toward a hemispheric, mercantilist posture, relying on coercive diplomacy in the Americas while softening its language on Russia in ways that appear to concede space for expanded Russian influence in Europe. Rooted in a legislative requirement to justify defence spending to Congress, the NSS must also be read through the lens of U.S. domestic politics, where the coming 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election will shape and sharpen Republican debates over the country’s global role.

On today’s episode, Vincent Rigby, former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister; Kerry Buck, former Canadian Ambassador to NATO; and Christopher Sands, Director of the Center for Canadian Studies at Johns Hopkins, joined us to unpack the new U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) and its implications for Canada and U.S. allies. The panel discusses the document’s hemispheric framing; shifts in U.S. views toward Russia and implications for European security; the potential weakening of NATO cohesion and transatlantic stability; the domestic political forces shaping U.S. strategy and Republican foreign-policy debates; the absence of Canada in the NSS and what that signals about Canada’s strategic position; risks for Canada related to critical minerals, Arctic sovereignty, industrial policy, and trade diversification; and the broader challenge of navigating U.S. unpredictability and the need to reinforce Canada’s ties to Europe and like-minded partners.

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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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The CDA Institute’s Climate Security Programme has launched a limited set of episodes of the Expert Series podcast highlighting key insights from the 4th Montreal Climate Security Summit (MCSS), co-hosted with NATO CCASCOE. 

In our first episode, Director of the Climate Security Programme Pauline Baudu is joined by Eva Cohen, Founder & President of Civil Protection Youth Canada (CPYC), to discuss how civil–military cooperation in Canada is adapting as climate-driven and compound disasters grow more frequent and complex. 

Eva brings experience from Germany’s THW, a leading volunteer-based civil protection model, and has facilitated multiple expert exchanges between THW and the Canadian defence community, including CJOC. Her work outlines why Canada needs a citizen-based civil protection approach and what it will take to make it work. 

In this episode, we explore how community-level preparedness and youth-led training can reduce pressure on national response systems in the context of climate disasters, lessons from THW that could strengthen Canadian resilience, as well as how the CAF can best support whole-of-society emergency management while maintaining civilian leadership 

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THW: https://www.thw.de/EN/homepage/homepage_node.html 

Civil Protection Youth Canada: https://www.civilprotection.ca/

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

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On today's Expert Series, Paul Taillon and Howard Coombs joined us to discuss Canada's plan to expand its reserve forces, with goals to increase the primary reserve to 100,000 and the supplementary reserve to 300,000. 

They discussed the key challenges, including inefficient recruiting systems, limited training capacity, and the need for better integration with regular forces. Other issues addressed were the supplementary reserve's current role as a civil defence pool rather than a war-fighting force, historical context on the reserve's role in national defence, and the importance of addressing these challenges to maintain Canada's sovereignty and readiness for future threats.

Given the urgent need to address these issues, what steps can Canada take to ensure a more effective and sustainable reserve force strategy in the face of an increasingly unstable global security environment?
Dr. Col. Paul de B. Taillon is the Vice-Chair of the PIF Selection Committee and has over 40 years of academic, intelligence and military experience. Dr. Howard Coombs is an Associate Professor of History at the Royal Military College of Canada and Associate Director Defence Engagement of the Queen’s Centre for International and Defence Policy, both in Kingston, Ontario. He is also a part-time Canadian Army reservist with the Canadian Defence Academy, also located in Kingston.

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In 2022, Canada unveiled its Indo-Pacific Strategy, committing $2.3 billion to boost its role in a region increasingly seen as the geopolitical and economic center of gravity. Has Canada actually become a relevant player in the Indo-Pacific, or are we still on the outside looking in? And given how quickly things are shifting, is it time to revisit and update this strategy before it becomes outdated?"

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Research Assistant Daniela Valenzuela Neto was joined by Stephen Nagy for a wide-ranging discussion about Canada’s Indo-Pacific engagement, particularly in light of last week’s budget announcement, and with a new government in Ottawa.

Dr. Nagy discusses the efficacy of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to date, the importance of moving away from a "preaching" approach and focusing on more sustainable, value-driven partnerships, the challenges of defining Canada's role in a vast and diverse region, how Canada can leverage partnerships like the Quad and AUKUS to maximize its influence without overextending its resources, and the importance of strengthening Canada’s relationship with the U.S. and maintaining a realistic, sustainable presence in the Indo-Pacific.

Stephen Nagy is a Professor at International Christian University, Tokyo and CDA Institute Fellow.

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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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Canada's parliament has narrowly approved Prime Minister Mark Carney's first federal budget, allowing his minority Liberal government to avert an early election.

The 2025 federal budget commits an additional $81.8 billion over five years to strengthen Canada’s defence capabilities, with a focus on modernizing military equipment, expanding digital infrastructure, and sustaining current defence assets. It sets a clear trajectory to meet NATO's 2% GDP target by the end of this year and aims for 3.5% of GDP on core military needs by 2035, ensuring strategic investments across personnel, infrastructure, and technology.

Dr. Philippe Lagassé  joined the Expert Series to discuss the significance of the budget,  the creation of a defence industrial strategy and its potential impact on Canada's self-sufficiency in defence technology, the challenges of balancing immediate procurement needs with long-term strategic goals, the role of the new Defence Investment Agency (DIA) in improving procurement efficiency, and the importance of aligning government, military, and industry, the need for a refreshed defense policy and a national security strategy. Lagassé views the 2025 budget as a radical shift, marking a departure from the historical trend of limited defence investment since the mid-Cold War. 

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

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Canada has shortlisted two international shipbuilders, Germany's TKMS and South Korea's Hanwha Ocean, for its Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, which aims to replace the Royal Canadian Navy's aging Victoria-class submarines. The program plans to acquire up to 12 conventionally powered submarines with under-ice capability and extended endurance, with the first delivery targeted for the mid-2030s. Both bids are now being evaluated for technical performance, delivery timelines, and potential economic benefits to Canadian industry. A final selection could be made as early as late 2025 or early 2026, with contract signing to follow. Full fleet delivery is projected to occur in the 2040s.

On today's episode, CDAI Board members VAdm (Ret) Bob Davidson and RAdm (Ret) Luc Cassivi discuss Canada’s submarine replacement efforts, implications of the downselection and the factors that lead to the shortlisting, technical requirements of the new submarine fleet, Canada's industrial capacity to contribute to the construction of the new submarines, managing long-term sustainment, interoperability with allies, and the potential impact of the new defence procurement agency on the submarine acquisition process.

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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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