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Events

Jun
11
to Jul 8

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR NATO INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

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NATO’s Internship Programme is now open for applications. The closing date is 22 June 2025, 11:59PM CET.

Successful candidates will be offered 6-month paid internships at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, starting in March or September 2026.

About NATO’s Internship Programme

We offer 6-month internship placements to current students or recent graduates. Our interns do not have a common academic background – we are looking for candidates with different skillsets and areas of expertise. Whether your interests lie in political affairs, defence and security, innovation, operations, communications, human resources, finance, science and technology, or infrastructure and facilities, NATO is the place to gain invaluable hands-on experience in your chosen field. We encourage all interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria (see below) to apply.

 

Who is eligible to apply for NATO’s Internship Programme?

To apply for a NATO Internship, you must meet the following criteria on the date of your application:

  • Age: 21+

  • Nationality: a citizen of a NATO member country

  • Educational status: at least two years of university completed and enrolled in a third year OR obtained your highest degree less than a year prior

  • Languages: proficiency in English or French (NATO’s two official languages). A working knowledge of the other language is considered an asset. Knowledge of additional languages may also be considered an asset for certain positions.

 

How to apply?

  • Click on “Sign In” in the upper right corner. You will be directed to a page where you can create a “New User”.

  • Please note that we cannot accept applications sent by mail or email.

 

Where can I find further information? 

Info-session webinar on 11 June

  • NATO’s Talent Acquisition Service is organising an info-session webinar on the NATO Internship Programme, which will take place on 11 June 2025 at 4pm CET (Brussels time).

  • This will be an opportunity for potential applicants to learn more about the different steps in the application and selection process. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

  • Some interns and/or former interns will also share their experience of the programme with the audience.

  • Please register to attend the webinar using the following Zoom link

 

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Jun
12
8:00 a.m.08:00
Partner Events

Plans, Prospects and Possibilities for the G7 2025 Kananaskis Summit

World leaders return to Kananaskis Country for the first time since 2002 for a G7 Summit in June amid more uncertainty about the state of world economically, politically and ecologically than at any time in the organization’s 50-year history.

In advance of this historic gathering, the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy and the G7 Research Group will host a one-day conference on June 12 with senior political leaders and international affairs experts to assess and advise on the key issues facing leaders at there Kananaskis Summit.

Global policy experts including former federal leaders, G7 officials, and defence and security practitioners will provide their perspectives on global events and the G7 as featured speakers. Panel discussions will address issues including energy security, critical minerals, military and economic security, AI, quantum computing and emerging technologies, and their impact on the world.

In a world reeling from unprecedented military, political, economic, and social upheaval, the Plans, Prospects and Possibilities for the G7 2025 Kananaskis Summit conference is your best bet to make sense of it.

Conference Program

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Jun
16
to Jun 18
Partner Events, research

Bordeaux Defence Economics Seminar 2025: Spending more, a lot more, or spending efficiently? Perspectives on the transatlantic collective security

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16-18 June 2025, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France

Do allies require spending up to 5% of GDP to deliver an effective alliance? Or does this latter depend on how available resources are spent and used? Would it be more relevant to spend 3% only but wisely? How much is required to deliver expected outcomes? It might not be only a matter of how much is spent but the nature of threats and how to answer them. In addition, a lot can be said about how resources are allocated inside budgets between human resources and capabilities, infrastructures, deployability…

To understand stakes and issues and define the right defence policy, it is therefore necessary to look at budgetary, economic but also political and geostrategic dimensions – opening the door to innovative approaches to produce international security in domestic and collective perspectives.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has revived the role of the Atlantic Alliance as the means to improve collective security of European democracies. Not only did member states reassess their commitment to collective security but hitherto neutral democracies, Finland and Sweden, joined the Alliance. Contrary to the Atlantic Alliance, in its 76th year of existence, past alliances were usually contextual and short-lived. Thus, the notion of burden sharing necessarily takes a more cooperative than transactional meaning in enduring alliances.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, several evolutions and transformations have dramatically changed the art of war. The use of new capabilities has improved the effectiveness of troops. Civilian innovations are disrupting the equipment choices as well as how to operate. In addition, the “grey zone” battles, the use of drones as well as cyber and electronic warfare have effectively widened the concept of war to a degree unimaginable in the past century. These technological and operational transformations challenge the classical perspective on the alliance burden sharing from the 1960s. 

This seminar proposes to deal with this (non-exhaustive) list of topics from any relevant disciplines (economics, political science, war studies, geo-economics, geo-strategy…):

How much to spend? What are the relevant thresholds?

  • Is it better to get more money now vs constant additional resources in the long run?

  • How to spend allocated budgets? What is the right split between personnel, personnel, equipment, deployment, operations and maintenance?

  • Do off-the-shelf acquisitions provide the adequate answer with regard stakes and issues? Can a stronger domestic industry contribute to international security in a longer perspective?

  • To which extend do dual infrastructures and resources contribute to deliver international security?

  • What does military efficiency stand for? How to define it and design KPIs? What could collective military efficiency correspond to?

  • Can high levels of military expenditures be sustainable financially and/or effective militarily?

  • The steering committee is open to suggestions going beyond these questions related to the theme of this year’s seminar.


    This seminar is co-organised by Jean Belin (Bordeaux University, France), Renaud Bellais (Grenoble Alpes University, France), Ugurhan Berkok (Queen’s University and Royal Military College, Canada), Martin Chovančík (Masaryk University, Czech Republic) and Julien Malizard (IHEDN Defence Economics Chair, Paris, France).

    Conference organizers can be contacted and abstracts sent to: workshopdefense@u-bordeaux.fr

    Abstracts (up to 400 words) should be submitted to the organizers before 1st April 2025 to be considered for the seminar. Selected contributions will be announced no later than 15 April 2025.

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Jul
15
11:00 a.m.11:00
Partner Events

CALL FOR PROPOSALS Edited volume on Gender and National Security

Editors: Sandra Biskupski-Mujanovic (University of Waterloo), Veronica Kitchen (University of Waterloo), Tanya Narozhna (University of Winnipeg)

Call:

We invite contributions to an edited volume exploring the complex and evolving relationship between gender and national security. At a time when international commitments to gender equality are being eroded in some contexts but strengthened in others, this volume seeks to examine how national security politics and policies intersect with feminist ideas and practices.

The definition of national security has largely been shaped by realist theories/perspectives that centre national sovereignty, statecraft, and military defence against external threats. These conceptualizations have been at odds with non-traditional conceptions of security, including human security and feminist paradigms. Feminists have used gender as a key analytical category and have recognized gender as embedded in power relationships that sustain social hierarchies and shape the theories and practices of security. Feminist scholars have long interrogated the core concepts of security itself, as well as war, violence, terrorism, peace, state, sovereignty, and power. In doing so, they have put embodied subjects and their everyday experiences at the center of their investigations, unearthing the gender blindness or hyper-masculine bias of national security in realist terms. They have brought to light new marginalized subjects of security, recast the meaning of security, and expanded the scope of security. As feminists render problematic what is taken for granted in mainstream security discourse, in many ways, feminist and realist approaches to security appear irreconcilable. However, following Sjoberg’s method of ‘constructive engagement’ (2009), this volume seeks to explore points of intersection, friction, and transformation between national security and gender.

We welcome contributions that critically examine how gender is integrated or resisted within national security policies and practices. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

We welcome contributions that critically examine how gender is integrated or resisted within national security policies and practices. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

· Feminist Foreign Policies and/or National Action Plans (NAPs) on Women, Peace and Security and their relation to national security

· Gender mainstreaming in defence and security institutions

· Backlash to gender equality initiatives in national security contexts

· Resistance to gendering national security in authoritarian states as well as states where there is increasing erosion of democratic norms and concentration of executive power

· Shifts in the relationship between gender and national security across governments or over time

· Theoretical reflections on the compatibility (or incompatibility) of feminist and realist security frameworks

We aim to compile diverse perspectives and encourage submissions from scholars at all career stages, Indigenous perspectives, and Global South perspectives.

Submission instructions:

If you would like to submit a proposal, please send the following information to Sandra Biskupski-Mujanovic at sbiskups@uwaterloo.ca by July 15, 2025:

· Proposed title

· Author name, affiliation and a short bio (100 words or less)

· Abstract (200-300 words)

Tentative Timeline

· July 15, 2025: Chapter proposals due

· Mid-August 2025: Notifications to authors & feedback on chapter proposals will be shared

· Mid-October 2025: Submission of first chapter drafts

· Mid-November 2025: Editorial feedback and revision guidance will be shared

· January 2026: Final revised chapters due

· Early 2026: Submission of the complete manuscript to the publisher (TBD

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May
31
9:00 a.m.09:00
Partner Events

Safeguarding Ukraine’s Future Conference

Organized by the NATO Association of Canada, in partnership with the Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce, Embassy of Ukraine in Canada, Consulate General of Ukraine in Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and Mriya Aid, the one-day conference brings together influential voices from across sectors to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping Ukraine’s path forward.

This timely event will explore the future of Ukraine’s NATO membership, the viability of intermediary security guarantees, and the on-the-ground realities for businesses operating in or looking to invest in Ukraine. It will also address the critical role of demining efforts as a foundation for post-war recovery and sustainable reconstruction focusing on:  

  • The importance of NATO membership for Ukraine both in terms of ensuring its sovereignty & in rebuilding the country to ensure a prosperous future for Ukraine as part of Europe.

  • What intermediary security guarantees could look like and what impact they would have on investments and reconstruction; what this would mean for Canadian businesses.

  • The importance of securing the ground through demining.

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May
22
8:30 a.m.08:30
Partner Events

NATO Ambassadors Event

Carleton University, Ottawa

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

In a world where shifting geopolitical dynamics constantly test the strength of international alliances, the role of NATO has never been more vital. This event brings together two countries with unique perspectives on Euro-Atlantic security: the Netherlands, a founding NATO member and long-time host of one of NATO’s key operational headquarters, and Poland, a leader in defence and a frontline state of NATO’s Eastern flank as well as the current chair of the Council of the European Union. Both nations are deeply committed to strengthening transatlantic cooperation, whether by contributing to NATO missions, advocating for collective defence, shaping EU foreign policy, and supporting Ukraine. By connecting diplomats, scholars, and students, this NATO Ambassadors Event offers a rare opportunity to explore how countries across Europe, in cooperation with Canada, contribute to transatlantic security. 

Join us on 22 May to discuss what lies ahead for NATO and how the next generation of thinkers and policymakers can help shape its future.

0830 Arrival  Doors open, coffee and chat

0900 Opening remarks and welcome

  • Dr. Steve Saideman, Director of the CDSN

0930 Ambassador Remarks: 

  • Margriet Vonno, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ottawa

  • Witold Dzielski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Canada

1000 Academic Subject Matter Expert Panel

  • Dr. Frédéric Mérand (University of Montreal)

  • Dr. Stéfanie Von Hlatky (Queenès University)

  • Dr. Aaron Ettinger (Carleton University)

Moderated by Robert Baines, President of the NATO Association of Canada.

1030 Discussion with audience questions

1130 Closing Remarks: Hannah Christensen and Dr. Steve Saideman

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May
21
to May 23
Partner Events

Frontiers of Integrity Conference

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Frontiers of Integrity

The Impact of Generative AI on Military Post-Secondary Institutions and Training Establishments

The "Frontiers of Integrity" conference invites academic scholars, military professionals, and experts from all backgrounds and fields of study to submit proposals that delve into the ethical dimensions of Generative AI (GenAI) in military post-secondary education and military training. This conference aims to foster an examination of how GenAI technologies, in all their forms, are reshaping educational and training practices, the unique questions, challenges, and opportunities they bring to the classroom, and the unique ethical considerations they bring to this specific context. We encourage presentations and discussions on a wide range of GenAI applications, from educators with all levels of knowledge and experience in GenAI, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and a comprehensive exploration of GenAI’s impact on military education and training.

This conference is particularly relevant for professors, instructors, educators, experts, researchers, and students in all fields and at all levels of knowledge and experience with GenAI. It is designed for participants from civilian and military educational institutions worldwide (academies, universities, colleges, Professional Military Education (PME) institutions, Command and Staff Colleges, War Colleges, Specialized Training Centres, etc.), military training centres, and international governmental institutions involved in research, training, and education.

Four wonderful keynote speakers from across the world will share their perspectives on the subject during the conference.

Registration is open, and proposals can be submitted until January 31.

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May
8
5:00 p.m.17:00
Partner Events

Sensibilisation des sociétés aux enjeux de défense

Date : Jeudi 8 mai 2025, De 17h00 à 19h00

When: Thursday, Mai 8, 2025, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Le second évènement est organisé le 8 mai par le Forum de Défense et de Stratégie, l’Association France-Canada et l’Ambassade de France au Canada. Il porte sur la sensibilisation des sociétés aux enjeux de défense au sein de la communauté transatlantique et comprenant un keynote introductif revenant sur la relation franco-canadienne. L’événement se déroulera à l’Ambassade de France au Canada (Ottawa).

The second event is organized on May 8 by the Forum de Défense et de Stratégie, l’Association France-Canada et l’Ambassade de France au Canada. It focuses on raising societal awareness of defense issues within the transatlantic community and includes an opening keynote address reflecting on the France-Canada relationship. The event will take place at the Embassy of France in Canada (Ottawa), and on Zoom.

Registration is free but mandatory.

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May
6
to May 7
Partner Events

CDAI: 27th Annual Graduate Student Conference

On May 6 and 7, 2025, the CDA Institute will host its 27th Annual Graduate Student Conference in Ottawa—the largest event of its kind in Canada. This conference provides students with a unique platform to present their research, build professional connections, and develop essential career skills. It is the premier gathering for graduate students looking to make an impact in Canada’s defence and security landscape.

The conference brings together highly influential participants and judges, offering students the chance to showcase their research to key decision-makers. Many past participants have left the event with direct pathways to career opportunities in the field. Previous judges and attendees have included the Commander of the Navy, the Deputy Ambassador to NATO, and the former Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, as well as industry leaders from companies such as KPMG, ADGA, and Thales.

We invite graduate students to submit an abstract of their research project to be considered for participation. Travel funding is available for students whose abstracts are accepted, and there will be over $10,000 in awards and bursaries for top presenters.

For more details and to submit an abstract, please visit the Graduate Student Conference website: https://cdainstitute.ca/events/graduate-student-conference-2025/.

__________________________________

 

Les 6 et 7 mai 2025, l'Institut de la CAD organisera sa 27e conférence annuelle des étudiants diplômés à Ottawa. Cette conférence—la plus importante de son genre au Canada—vise à offrir aux étudiants une plateforme unique pour présenter leurs recherches, établir des connexions professionnelles et développer des compétences essentielles pour leur future carrière. Plaçant les étudiants au cœur de l’événement, cette conférence est le rendez-vous incontournable pour les aspirants étudiants diplômés souhaitant se faire un nom dans le domaine de la défense et de la sécurité au Canada.

 

Les participants et les juges présents à la conférence sont des figures influentes du domaine, permettant ainsi aux étudiants de faire connaître leurs recherches et analyses auprès des bonnes personnes et d’obtenir une visibilité là où cela compte le plus. De nombreux étudiants repartent de cette conférence avec des opportunités professionnelles directes dans le secteur. Parmi les anciens participants et juges figurent notamment le commandant de la Marine, le chef adjoint de la mission du Canada auprès de l’OTAN et l’ancien vice-chef d’état-major de la Défense, ainsi que des dirigeants d’entreprises et de l’industrie, notamment de KPMG, ADGA et Thales.

 

Pour participer, les étudiants sont invités à soumettre un résumé de leur projet de recherche. Un financement pour les déplacements sera disponible pour les étudiants dont les résumés auront été acceptés pour présentation. De plus, des prix et des bourses totalisant plus de 10 000 $ seront remis aux meilleurs présentateurs.

 

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter le lien ci-dessous qui vous dirigera vers le site web de la Conférence des étudiants diplômés. Le formulaire de soumission des résumés est disponible sur le site.

https://cdainstitute.ca/events/graduate-student-conference-2025/conference-etudiante-annuelle-offreaux-etudiants-du-2ieme-et-3ieme-cycle/

 

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Apr
25
to Jun 1
Partner Events

Call for Research Proposals: Same Track, Different Path: Reserve Force Readiness

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Submission Deadline: 01 June 2025

Conference Dates: Friday, 24 October and Saturday, 25 October 2025

Venue: Canadian Forces College (CFC), North York

This Call for Proposals invites researchers on the topic of Reserve Force Readiness. While we focus on the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, including the Primary Reserve, Canadian Rangers, Cadet Organizations, and Supplementary Reserve, perspectives from Allied nations are welcome. The hybrid symposium will be held in the Toronto region 24-25 October 2025.

We invite academia, government researchers, military professionals, and experts to submit proposals for our upcoming academic symposium, "Same Track, Different Path: Reserve Force Readiness." This symposium aims to consolidate research on the development, employment, sustainment, and unique capabilities of Canada’s Reserve Forces.

Date limite de soumission : 01 juin 2025

Dates de la conférence : Vendredi 24 octobre et samedi 25 octobre 2025

Lieu : Collège des Forces canadiennes (CFC), North York

Cet appel à propositions invite les chercheurs à se pencher sur le thème de l'état de préparation de la Force de réserve. Bien que nous nous concentrions sur les réserves des Forces armées canadiennes, y compris la Première réserve, les Rangers canadiens, les organisations de cadets et la Réserve supplémentaire, les perspectives des nations alliées sont les bienvenues. Le symposium hybride se tiendra dans la région de Toronto les 24 et 25 octobre 2025.

Nous invitons les universitaires, les chercheurs du gouvernement, les professionnels militaires et les experts à soumettre des propositions pour notre prochain symposium universitaire, " Une même voie, un chemin différent : Préparation de la Force de réserve ". Ce symposium vise à consolider la recherche sur le développement, l'emploi, le maintien en puissance et les capacités uniques des forces de réserve du Canada.

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Apr
8
to Jun 3
Partner Events, research

CIMVHR Scholarship and Award Applications

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Now open! Scholarship and Award Applications

The application process for the following scholarship and award submissions is now officially open. Please be advised that all applications must be submitted by 1 PM Eastern Time on June 3, 2025.

NEW AWARD OPPORTUNITY - The EHN Guardians Scholarship

$15,000 awarded one-time to a postgraduate student to fund their degree and research related to military, Veterans and public service personnel mental health.

 

The EHN Guardians Scholarship was established by EHN Canada to provide assistance for a post-graduate (Master’s or PhD) student to enhance their research specialization in any form of addiction and related mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, moral injury and eating disorders in military personnel, Veterans and public safety personnel.

EHN Canada is the country's largest network of publicly funded and private treatment services for addiction, trauma, and mental health. Specializing in treating all types of addictions and related mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, moral injury and eating disorders, their approach to treatment is rooted in medical excellence and scientific evidence.

Thank you to EHN Canada for their continued support of CIMVHR and the next generation of researchers.

Value: $15,000 for one year

 

Royal Canadian Legion Doctoral Scholarship in Military and Veteran Health Research

Awarded to a doctoral student who demonstrates research excellence or exhibits significant potential for a high-impact research career in an area relating to military and Veteran health research.

The Legion National Foundation Masters Scholarship

Awarded to a Master’s level student specializing in research related to Veterans and their families.

The Dr. Mark Zamorski Award

Awarded to a postgraduate student to enhance their specialization in epidemiological and mental health problems in military personnel, Veterans and their families.

Apply today! For full eligibility criteria and to apply, please visit - https://cimvhr.ca/funding/scholarships/.

All applications are due by 1 PM ET on June 3, 2025.

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Mar
23
12:00 p.m.12:00
Partner Events

Doctoral & Early Career Workshop on Military and Defence Innovation

Call for Presentations

The Military Innovation Network (MIN) at King’s College London invites doctoral students and early career researchers to submit proposals for the Research Workshop on Military & Defence Innovation on 29th and 30th May 2025 at King’s College London (Strand Campus).

This is an excellent opportunity to present research, receive feedback from senior scholars, and engage with experts on military change, defence reform, AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

  • Date: 29 – 30 May 2025

  • Time: 09.00 to 17.00

  • Format: in-person

  • Venue: King’s College London, Strand Campus

Submission Deadline: 23 March 2025 

For more details, visit Call for presentations: Military & Defence Innovation or contact militaryinnovationnetwork@kcl.ac.uk.

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Mar
20
1:00 p.m.13:00
Partner Events

Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP): 2025 Global Terrorism Index

Please join us for a presentation on the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), a global think tank that specializes in developing metrics to analyze country-level risk and fragility. This event will offer a detailed analysis of terrorism’s impact across 163 countries, covering 99.7% of the world’s population. We will dive into our key findings on terrorist activity, emerging trends, regional shifts, and the broader geopolitical factors shaping the global landscape of terrorism. This comprehensive approach makes the Global Terrorism Index a valuable resource for policymakers, security professionals, and researchers working to address global terrorism and its implications for security and peace. We look forward to your participation in this discussion.

Speakers

John Packer
Neuberger-Jesin Professor of International Conflict Resolution, Faculty of Law, Common Law Section & Director, Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC), University of Ottawa

Michael Collins
Executive Director - Americas, Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)

Kyle Matthews
Executive Director, Montreal Institute for Global Security (MIGS)

Phil Gurski
President, Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting

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Mar
20
8:00 a.m.08:00
Partner Events

Rencontre Université-Défense 2025

Heure: 8h00 à 16h30
Lieu: Pavillon Alphonse-Desjardins, Amphithéâtre Hydro-Québec

Pour information
evenements.esei@ulaval.ca

Détails supplémentaires

Organisé conjointement par l'Institut militaire de Québec et l'École supérieure d'études internationales, et en partenariat avec le Centre sur la sécurité internationale et le Réseau canadien sur la Défense et la Sécurité,  ces rendez-vous annuels sont une occasion unique pour les personnes issues des milieux académique et de la défense de se rencontrer sur un thème lié à la sécurité internationale. Les panélistes sont des experts et expertes qui proviennent des forces armées d'ici ou d'ailleurs, et du milieu universitaire. Le public se compose de militaires, de scientifiques, de membres de la communauté étudiante, et de personnes du grand public.

La thématique de cette 16ème édition est : « La puissance navale dans un contexte multidomaine »

INSCRIPTIONS* | Nous vous proposons deux façons de vous joindre à nous lors de cette journée unique : 

En mode présentiel : Toutes les places disponibles ont été comblées - Amphithéâtre Hydro-Québec (local 2530), 2e étage du pavillon Alphonse-Desjardins, Université Laval (2325, rue de l'Université, Québec, QC G1V). 

En mode virtuel : (Zoom) - Les informations de connexion à Zoom vous seront communiquées par courriel au minimum 48h avant le début de la rencontre. 

N.B. : Pour permettre à toutes les personnes une meilleure expérience, nous vous demandons de vous inscrire en virtuel si vous ne pouvez pas assister à l'ensemble de la journée. 

Pour s'inscrire.

*L'inscription est obligatoire afin de participer à la rencontre.

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Mar
19
9:30 a.m.09:30

Shaping Defence: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Future of Military Operations

Shaping Defence 2025: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Future of Military Operations

Orientations pour la Défense 2025 : Diversité, Équité et Inclusion et l’Avenir des Opérations Militaires

📅 Date: March 19, 2025

📍 Location: Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

💻 Virtual Attendance: Join the livestream on Zoom [https://carleton-ca.zoom.us/j/97318005954]

🔗 Conference Program

About the Conference

Shaping Defence 2025 is a student-led research conference that explores the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in military operations. Hosted at Carleton University and supported by the Canadian Defence and Security Network (CDSN), this conference provides a platform for emerging scholars to present cutting-edge research that informs the future of defence policy and practice.

The conference brings together students, researchers, defence professionals, and policymakers to discuss how DEI considerations impact military decision-making, operational effectiveness, and institutional culture.

Keynote Address

🎙 Lieutenant-General J.P.R. Prévost, OMM, MSM, CD. Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture, Canadian Armed Forces

Our afternoon keynote speaker, LGen Prévost, will share insights on the evolving role of DEI in military leadership, operational effectiveness, and the future of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Panels and Sessions

Shaping Defence 2025 features a series of panels showcasing research on:

🔹 Panel 1: Lessons from Allies – Insights from NATO and Other Allied Forces on
Evolving DEI Initiatives (10:15 AM - 11:15 AM)
🔹 Panel 2: Cultural Transformation in Defence – Embedding DEI in Training, Operations, and Policy (11:30 - 12:15PM)
🔹 Panel 3: Intersectionality in Defence – Navigating Race, Gender, Culture, and Ability in Military Contexts (1:15 PM - 2:20 PM)

Join the Livestream For those unable to attend in person, all sessions will be streamed live on Zoom. Click here to join: [https://carleton-ca.zoom.us/j/97318005954].

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Jan
28
11:30 a.m.11:30
research

Modi’s Operandi: Effect of Ethnonationalism on Indian Civil-Military Relations

Presented by CIPS and the International Theory Network (ITN)

How does ethnonationalism affect the military? The principal dilemma of civil-military relations is balancing between a military strong enough to protect the state and obedient enough to use its strength only when asked by civilian leaders. Democratic civilian control measures provide the military with operational autonomy in return for their political neutrality. However, this bargain gets upended by ethnonationalism. Ethnonationalistic leaders draw the military into politics and use them in ways counter to democracy, straining the military’s cultivated norm of apoliticality and allegiance to a democratic constitution.

In this presentation, Dr. Ramkumar traces how Hindu nationalism has securitized Indian politics by deepening preexisting social cleavages and conflating external and internal security threats. She investigates the interactions between India’s nationalistic leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian military. Through interviews with current and retired military officers, she find that the government’s securitized rhetoric expands the notion of ‘enemies to the state.’ Where the military’s focus used to be conventional operations against neighboring military forces, the government now routinely deploys the army to undertake legally sanctioned ‘aid to civil authority’ missions that blur the line between external and internal threats. Enemies now are those deemed by the government to be ‘anti-national,’ namely minorities, low-caste citizens, and anti-government critics. In so complying, the military has hastened India’s democratic erosion. 

Speaker:

Manaswini Ramkumar is the CDSN Postdoctoral Fellow 2024-2025 at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University. She received her PhD in International Relations at the School of International Service, American University in Washington DC. Her research focus is civil-military relations in the context of democratic erosion. She also studies postcolonial statebuilding, subnational democracy, and authoritarian resistance. Her work has been funded by American University, The Association for Documentary Editing and the American Political Science Association. She received her MPhil in IR from American University and MSc in Strategic Studies from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore where she previously worked as an Associate Research Fellow in the Military Studies program and was a lecturer in Professional Military Education to the Singapore Armed Forces.

Chair:

Srdjan Vucetic is a Professor at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. His research interests involve American and Canadian foreign and defence policy and international security. Prior to joining the GSPIA, Srdjan was the Randall Dillard Research Fellow in International Studies at Pembroke College, University of Cambridge.

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Nov
29
7:00 p.m.19:00
Partner Events

YATA-NATO Christmas Celebration

  • Royal Canadian Military Institute (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We are delighted to invite you to our annual Christmas celebration on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto.

This festive reception is a wonderful occasion to meet and network with young professionals, industry experts, Members of Parliament, diplomats, and other supporters of YATA—NATO Canada. It’s an evening designed to bring together like-minded individuals in a relaxed and joyous setting as we celebrate the holiday season.

Event Details:

  • 📍 Location: Royal Canadian Military Institute, Toronto

  • 🗓️ Date: Friday, November 29, 2024

  • ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

  • 🎟️ Limited Tickets Available: Secure Your Spot Now!

Mark your calendars, and be sure to reserve your tickets early as spots are limited!

The Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) is an independent organisation designed to support the values enshrined in the North Atlantic Treaty. Created on 18 June 1954, it is an umbrella organisation for the separate national associations, voluntary organisations and non-governmental organisations that formed to uphold the values of the Alliance after its creation in 1949. The Youth Atlantic Treaty Association (YATA) is the youth branch of the ATA and was formed in 1996.

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Nov
27
8:30 a.m.08:30
Partner Events

NAADSN: The Second Annual Gauntlet Seminar

On behalf of the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network, we invite you to join us for The Second Annual Gauntlet Seminar: Building and Implementing Foreign and Defence Policy in an Era of Increased Attention to the Arctic and High North on Wednesday, 27 November from 8:30am-1pm. Attached you will find the program agenda, with overviews and biographies.

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Nov
25
2:00 p.m.14:00
Partner Events

WIIS Canada "Re-moved: Forced Displacement in International Security"

Join WIIS-Canada and Women in International Security Canada MUNL for an exclusive virtual symposium on forced displacement in international security! 

 🗓️ Date: Monday, November 25th
🕒 Time: 2:00-3:30pm EST
📩 Register: icote@wiiscanada.org

 "Re-moved: Forced Displacement in International Security" brings together four international experts for an insightful discussion on the security impacts of mass displacement, recent shifts in migration dynamics, and the roles of global organizations and governments in solutions. This is a unique opportunity to learn and engage in discussions on real-world cases, policy impacts, and actionable insights.

 This exclusive event is members-only, but it’s not too late to join us.

Click here to become a WIIS-Canada member and secure your spot at this exciting event. 

 We look forward to seeing you there!

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Nov
21
6:00 p.m.18:00
opportunities

Breakthrough: Shadows of Byzantium Launch Event


Dear members of the AOD community, colleagues, and friends,

You’re Invited to Celebrate the Launch of Breakthrough: Shadows of Byzantium! (link)

Date: November 21st, 2024 – 6:00 PM
Location: The Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop (The Atelier), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Join us for an exciting in-person gathering where we will unveil our latest transformative game project. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Breakthrough Shadows of Byzantium, filled with intrigue, mystery, and adventure. Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on this unforgettable journey with us!

The launch event will feature:

  • A demo of AOD’s groundbreaking new game: Breakthrough Shadows of Byzantium

  • Opportunities to connect with experts in Foresight and Defence & Security

  • Complimentary wine and exclusive giveaways

Click Here to Book Your Tickets


About Breakthrough Shadows of Byzantium:

Breakthrough puts players in situations that enable them to seamlessly develop complex strategy-making capabilities. The Shadows of Byzantium scenario takes place in Istanbul, Turkey, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia in 2040. With Turkey on the cusp of entering the European Union after a decade of political reforms and humanitarian initiatives, Istanbul is becoming a major cosmopolitan center and economic hub. Yet, its role as an emerging power in the EU is in peril. Following the outbreak of a new respiratory disease, the city is racked with unrest with the potential to spill over Turkey’s borders. The United Nations Security summons players to investigate the implications of a new disease on human security in Turkey and the region. What they uncover will shape the fate of not only Turkey, but its alliances and partnerships for years to come.

To learn more, watch the Breakthrough Shadows of Byzantium video here or visit this link.

 

Event Location Address:

The Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop (The Atelier)

The Atelier is accessible from 95 Clegg Street, Ottawa, ON. located on the street adjacent to Saint Paul University

 

Please contact events@aodnetwork.ca for any questions or concerns.

To inquire about Breakthrough Shadows of Byzantium, please contact Byzantium@aodnetwork.ca.

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Nov
21
5:30 p.m.17:30
Partner Events

Making sense of a fractured world

  • Conrad Grebel University College (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Please join us for a panel discussion about the implications of a second Trump presidency on an already unstable global security landscape, particularly with respect to demilitarization, arms control, and disarmament.

Thursday November 21

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Conrad Grebel University College

Gallery, 4th floor

140 Westmount Road North Waterloo

This is a FREE EVENT

RSVP

Featuring Ploughshares Staff:

  • Cesar Jaramillo: Executive Director

  • Branka Marijan: Senior Researcher

  • Kelsey Gallagher: Senior Researcher

  • Tasneem Jamal: Senior Communications Officer MODERATOR

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Nov
20
6:00 p.m.18:00
Partner Events

Protecting Democracy in the Modern Age

Date: Wednesday, November 20th, 2024
Time:  6:00pm – 10:00pm, the lecture begins promptly at 6:30pm, reception to follow
Location: Richcraft Hall 2nd Floor Atrium and Lecture Theatre

Reserve Your Seat

Public trust in democratic institutions is essential to our system of governance. Trust requires that governing institutions are responsive to citizens’ needs, but it is also shaped by the degree to which values of openness, integrity and fairness are upheld by those institutions and the people working in them (OECD, 2022). While Canada enjoys well-developed mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing ethical conduct by members of Cabinet, Parliamentarians, unelected advisors and public servants, we are not immune from the global trends towards declining public trust, suspicion of the integrity of those in public life, and risks of what Pippa Norris has termed democratic backsliding (Norris, 2023).

This lecture aims to create a venue for multi-partisan reflection on the evolution of civility in political discourse and political practices, and the impacts on citizen trust and engagement. This event will host a panel of past Parliamentarians who can reflect on the need for mutual respect across party lines, civility in politics, how times are changing, and how to restore trust in our democratic institutions.

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Nov
19
to Nov 21
Partner Events

The Kingston Consortium on International Security: War and Human Security in an Evolving World

  • Google Calendar ICS

Human security in today’s international environment is a complex and pressing issue. Human security goes beyond traditional notions of state security and encompasses the well-being, dignity, and rights of individuals. In a world marked by rapid geopolitical shifts, global challenges, and emerging threats, ensuring human security requires a multifaceted approach covering a range of issues.

Due to the diversity of ongoing and future challenges to people’s safety and well-being, human security needs a holistic and synchronized approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of global issues and prioritizes the well-being of individuals and communities.

Join us in person this November for the KCIS Conference “War and Human Security in an Evolving World”.

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Nov
14
to Nov 15
Partner Events

RCAF Centennial Conference

  • Google Calendar ICS

RCAF Centennial Conference -- Registration is Live!

The Royal Canadian Airforce is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this year. You are invited to join the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary on November 14-15, 2024 for a two-day academic conference dedicated to the socio-political history of the RCAF. Speakers and panels include government officials, academic experts, RCAF servicewomen, retired fighter pilots, and members of the military. Open to the public. Tentative program available here.  

Regular Fee: 125.00 CAD

Student fee: 0.00 CAD

 

Register Now

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Nov
12
5:30 p.m.17:30
Partner Events

Ambassadors’ Speaker Series – Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Daniel Tumpal S. Simanjuntak

The Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University invites you to the second event of our Ambassadors Speaker Series for 2024-2025 featuring the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Daniel Tumpal S. Simanjuntak, with the topic: ‘Indonesia and Canada: Forging Stronger Bilateral Ties for a Shared Future‘

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Nov
1
8:30 a.m.08:30
Partner Events

Looming & Open War: The Role of "Intel" in a Time of Shifting Geopolitics

Join us at the CASIS 2024 Annual Symposium!

Looming and Open War: The Role of Intelligence in a Time of Shifting Geopolitics

Date: November 1, 2024

Time: 09:00 to 16:30 EST (registration opens at 08:30)

Location: Barney Danson Theatre, Canadian War Museum

This event would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. Thank you to the Department of National Defence's Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) program, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) for their support!

Questions? Email us at casis.acers@gmail.com

Find the latest Symposium program, speaker biographies, and more on our website: https://casis-acers.ca/symposium/

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Oct
25
to Oct 27
research, Partner Events, opportunities

2024 IUS Canada Conference

  • Google Calendar ICS

The 2024 IUS Canada Conference will be held at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario from October 25-27. We welcome papers or organized panels that address the key themes of interest to the IUS Fellows in support of emerging scholarly research dealing with the military establishment and civil-military relations.  

Papers in all areas touching on defence and security in national and international contexts are eagerly solicited. To advance Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in scholarly and military professional discourse, we particularly encourage submissions that bring new academic, cultural or regional perspectives to broaden analytic frameworks and professional perspectives on defence and security. We therefore, wish to encourage submissions representing the full range of academic disciplines as well as those providing organized presentations on lived experiences in the military and societies. 

Panel submissions (3-4 papers) are very welcome, and every effort will be made to group individually submitted papers into relevant panels. Submissions from graduate students who wish to be considered for the Franklin Pinch Award for best Graduate Student Paper should be clearly identified as such.

Authors submitting presentations independently should indicate “individual presentation submission” in their proposal. For both individual papers and panel submissions, please provide a 250 word abstract for each paper and complete contact information for each presenting author. Panel proposals should also include a 250 word abstract for the overall panel focus. Panel proposals and individual presentation submissions must be received no later than June 30, 2024 by the programme chair (Dr. Vanessa Brown: vanessa.brown@cfc.dnd.ca). Selection decisions will be communicated to presenting authors on or before August 1, 2024.  

Please note that we strongly encourage papers to be given in person however will allow for one paper per panel to be delivered virtually. We ask that those submitting a panel or individual paper with one to be given virtually to clearly annotate this when making your submission.  We will plan a full day of presentations for both Friday the 25th and Sunday the 27th, we request you clearly note if you prefer your panel or paper not be scheduled in the morning of the 25th or afternoon of the 27th.   

We will follow the same administrative arrangements as with the 2022 conference:  presentations and lunch will be at Carleton University; a block of rooms has been reserved at the Lord Elgin Hotel; an initial reception will be held at the Lord Elgin Thursday the 24th; and the conference dinner will be held near the Lord Elgin at the National Arts Centre the evening of Friday the 25th. Carleton allows us to hold the conference in person with capacity to adjust for appropriate personal health measures as required.  

We look forward to seeing you in Ottawa in October!

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Oct
25
9:00 a.m.09:00

Security Options for a Troubled World

Event Date: October 25, 2024 - 9:00am to 5:30pm
Location: DMS 4101, 55 Laurier Ave East, Ottawa

Registration: Google Forms

Presented by the Canadian Pugwash Group (CPG) and the Centre for International Policy Studies (CIPS)

The Canadian Pugwash Group and the Centre for International Policy Studies at the University of Ottawa are pleased to host a public conference entitled “Security Options for a Troubled World”. The conference will feature Canadian experts addressing the following topics:

  1. “Nuclear Nightmares: How to Revive Arms Control & Disarmament”

  2. “Countering the Danger of Autonomous Weapons and Managing the AI Effect”

  3. “Constructing the Future of UN Peace Operations”

  4. “How to Prevent War in Space”

  5. “Curtailing the Global Arms Trade and promoting Common Security”

  6. “Re-energizing Canada’s Security Diplomacy”

This in-person conference is free to attend but prior registration is required.

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