June 19, 2025 (Waterloo, Ontario) - As the 2025 NATO Summit approaches in The Hague on June 24–25, the stage is set for critical discussions on Canada-US cooperation, continued military aid to Ukraine and the future of defence spending as NATO proposes a substantial hike in target from the current 2% to 5% of GDP. These are among the many pivotal issues expected to dominate the summit agenda as the alliance confronts a rapidly evolving global security landscape and rising geopolitical tensions.
National security and defence experts from the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) are available for commentary and analysis on what is ahead for the critical days leading up to the Summit.
Here are some CIGI experts available for analysis and comments:
Aaron Shull: Managing director and general counsel at CIGI. As a sought-after legal and national security analyst, Mr. Shull contributes actively contributes to the peace and security discourse through media commentary, policy briefs, and expert analysis. His work focuses on national security, emerging technologies, cyber governance and data protection, among others.
Wesley Wark: Senior fellow at CIGI and a fellow with the Balsillie School of International Affairs. A leading expert on national security, defence and intelligence issues, Mr. Wark has appeared on numerous occasions before parliamentary committees and comments regularly for the media on national security issues. He has also served as an adviser to the Minister of Public Safety on national security legislation and policy.
Raquel Garbers: Visiting executive at CIGI and a former director general at the Department of National Defence. Ms. Garbers served as the principal architect of Canada’s new defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free. She is a seasoned national security and defence policy expert and her expertise encompasses strategic military effects, geopolitical assessment and gray zone conflict. She has represented Canada in multilateral initiatives, including the US-led partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience and has advised senior Canadian defense leadership on international engagements.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Libza Mannan
Communications Advisor
[email protected]
+1-437-366-6483
