Canadian policy makers must address many serious challenges on the world stage in the post-9/11 era. Canada is no different than other countries in that it is presented with a multitude of transnational threats and opportunities.

The unique Canadian environment is characterized by the presence of a powerful neighbour, internal divisiveness, a declining international influence, and the need to balance the strengths of natural resources with a lack of hard power in a world defined both by processes of globalization and the continued weight of geopolitical calculations.

It is essential for Canada to have a coherent, well articulated, and skillfully crafted vision of its international role. A multi-dimensional approach to the shaping of foreign policy is increasingly salient given the number of players, issues, and timelines to which policy-makers must pay attention.

As a Canadian research centre on international issues, CIGI is in a pivotal position to bring context and cohesion to the debates surrounding Canada’s foreign and security policies. CIGI’s research on Canada’s international agenda and activities seeks to promote discussion, problem-solving and innovative policy solutions. These objectives are carried out through the sponsoring and hosting of conferences, seminars and workshops and the production of presentations, working papers and books.

Partners

• The Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (Carleton University)
• The Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies (LCMSDS)
• Centre for Foreign Policy and Federalism
• Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS)