Geneva, We Have a Problem: Space Diplomacy Goes Nuclear

Diplomatic efforts toward PAROS — prevention of an arms race in space — have stalled in the UN General Assembly First Committee on International Disarmament and Security, and its negotiating body, the Conference on Disarmament, for more than 40 years. Last year, the UN Security Council made outer space security a key topic for the first time, prompted by leaked US intelligence that suggests Russia may be developing nuclear weapons for use in orbit. This focus marks a turning point in the governance of space peace and security, regardless of whether the fears are justified, and highlights the inadequacies of current governance.

In this policy brief, Jessica West writes that the international community must reaffirm the consensus that nuclear weapons have no place in space and address the broader issues of space security. Strengthening confidence in space activities and compliance with agreements is a crucial next step.

In November 2024, CIGI hosted its third annual Digital Governance in China workshop. More than 40 participants convened virtually to discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) development and governance in China, a topic that has become central to contemporary geopolitics and international governance. The conversation then shifted to a parallel rise in interest surrounding distributed ledger technologies such as blockchain, as well as digital assets more broadly, including central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and others. In particular, the conference examined digital assets in Hong Kong and the development of CBDCs in mainland China in the global context.

In this conference report, Alex He, S. Yash Kalash and Paul Samson summarize the discussions and key takeaways from the event.

African countries recognize the need for proactive AI governance but challenges remain in enforcing AI governance across the continent. What can other African countries learn from Ghana, known generally for its human-centred AI?

In this policy brief, Thompson Gyedu Kwarkye writes that “Ghana is studying the plans of established policy frameworks, analyzing what works and how to capitalize on the functionalities of AI. Being aware of the global power asymmetry that disadvantages many countries on the continent, Ghana’s policy makers draw on frameworks that are satisfactory to all stakeholders.” The elements of its strategy make Ghana “a compelling model for other countries on the continent and beyond, particularly those seeking to balance innovation with ethical safeguards.”

As the pace of innovation accelerates, how do we take up and govern it for the good of all?

In this episode of the Policy Prompt podcast, hosts Vass Bednar and Paul Samson welcome Joel Blit, an expert in innovation and innovation policy. Joel is a senior fellow at CIGI, and an associate professor of economics at the University of Waterloo, where he chairs the Council for Innovation Policy and Strategy. They discuss the mix of art and science that comprises innovation, the tensions surrounding it, and the different approaches — inside and outside the academy — that Canada and other jurisdictions are experimenting with to best generate and capture commercial and societal benefits from emerging technologies, in particular AI.

“Ballistic missile defence has long been a tantalizing dream — promising security through advanced technology that could intercept threats before they hit. But history has repeatedly shown that these promises amount to an illusion. Days after US President Donald Trump ordered an Iron Dome for America, later dubbed a ‘Golden Dome,’ Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, signalled a willingness to join, telling reporters in Washington, DC, that Canada would be a ‘willing partner’ in this endeavour. But Ottawa should think twice.”

In this op-ed first published by The Hill Times, Jessica West argues that “strategic missile defence is a flashy, but failed, concept” and that “aligning with space-based missile defence would contradict Canada’s commitment to responsible behaviour in space and trigger an arms race on Earth and in space.”

“Much has been written about the travails of the Liberal government at the end of 2024 and the subsequent prorogation of Parliament. Less discussed are the implications for the bills that were set to receive royal assent in the new year. Among the most important was Bill C-26, An Act Respecting Cyber Security.”

In 2021, cyberattacks cost the Canadian economy more than one billion dollars. Bill C‑26 targeted “designated operators” in key industries — telecommunications, energy, finance and transportation — with the goal of elevating their cybersecurity. In this opinion, Ryan Westman looks at the bill’s broad implications for the cybersecurity industry, four vital areas it overlooked, and why, with those omissions addressed, the resurrection of Bill C‑26 must be a top priority for whichever political party forms the government this spring.

Apr. 8 – 7:00 p.m. EDT (UTC–04:00) – Waterloo, Canada: Disinformation continues to threaten democratic institutions and undermine public trust in Canada, with growing impact.

If you are in the area, join us this evening at the CIGI Auditorium for “Battle for the Truth: Protecting Canadians from Dis- and Misinformation,” a discussion hosted by the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) in partnership with CIGI.

This in-person event begins with a keynote address by Siim Kumpas, head of the Policy, Strategy, and Global Priority Issues Team within the Strategic Communication Division of the European External Action Service, followed by an in-depth panel discussion with Canadian experts moderated by BSIA Director Ann Fitz-Gerald.

The evening offers a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts on the future of Canada’s information resilience. Learn more about the speakers and reserve your ticket.