The Canadian Institute for International Affairs (CIIA), Waterloo Branch,with LCMSDS, CIGI, ACUNS present a public lecture Nov. 23 at 11:45am at CIGI, the Seagram Room
Chris Roberts will explore key issues surrounding Canada’s role in Africa, including our foreign policy on conflicts, development and trade issues. Themes of the evening’s discussion will include:
1) The African renaissance at a tipping point: what are the main trends of this nascent renaissance, and what are its main challenges?
2) What are Canada’s intrinsic interests in contemporary Africa? Are they properly understood by either Canadian policymakers or the Canadian public?
3) How has Canadian policy towards Africa developed since the independence era?
4) Finally, how can Canada, as an “assertive middle power,” better match its interests in Africa with its actual capabilities, competencies, and reputation?
To RSVP for this event please click HERE.
Speaker Bio
Chris W. J. Roberts is a founding director of the Canadian Council on Africa and a Research Associate the University of Calgary's Centre for Military and Strategic Studies. He has been involved in foreign policy and trade issues concerning Africa since 1994, including Canada's first-ever "Africa Trade Strategy" in 2000. Dr. Roberts has served as a consultant to Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and many Canadian companies conducting business in Africa. He is currently conducting research on the role and strategic implications of China rapid re-emergence across Africa.