Ideas for Building Trust in Digital Trade

Influential research. Trusted analysis.

In this paper, Susan Ariel Aaronson argues that if trade policy makers truly want to achieve data free flow with trust, they must address user concerns beyond privacy. The paper focuses on three such problems — internet shutdowns, censorship and ransomware — each of which can distort trade and make users feel less secure online. Trade policy makers will need to rethink how they involve the broad public in digital trade policy making if they want digital trade agreements to facilitate trust.

Whether in India, China or Vietnam, digital communication has provided new fora for narratives of all kinds, including authoritarian messages. State leaders and diplomats now have new platforms with which to “brand the nation,” disseminate nationalist messages and strengthen the image and legitimacy of the regime. At the same time, Marie Lamensch writes, the diversity of users also means a diversity of perspectives: governments no longer have a monopoly on nationalism.

The re-election of a minority government poses unique challenges for governance, especially on national security matters. The challenges of advancing Canada’s national security needs in this setting will drive action toward issues where consensus is achievable. But, as Wesley Wark writes, selecting disparate agreed items from the party platform cafeteria menus won’t be enough to achieve greater security unless it’s accompanied by a coherent strategy — and that will require political will and leadership.

Violence in the service of political ends is not new. But the events of January 6 in Washington, DC — ideologically motivated violent extremism resulting from the coming together of conspiracists and the grievance-driven — marked a change for the worse among Western democracies. Stephanie Carvin asks: What are the implications of the development of these movements, and the violent anti-political elements that are demanding to move from the fringe to the mainstream?
Canada Needs to Rethink Its National Security Strategies in an “Angry” World

In the wake of the Canadian election, CIGI Managing Director and General Counsel Aaron Shull and CIGI Senior Fellow Wesley Wark were interviewed by CBC’s Murray Brewster about Canada’s national security strategy and Canada’s place in the “shifting sands of the global order.” Joining other experts in calling for an overhaul of Canada’s national security policy, Shull and Wark made the case for a new national security council, or some other body that would allow Canada, as Shull said, “to lean into the world and not always be responding.” To read the article, please visit the CBC website.

Last week, CIGI shared the news that its president, Rohinton P. Medhora, will step down in May 2022 and a search for his successor is now under way. “After almost a decade of leading CIGI, it felt like an appropriate time to set new challenges for myself (also slow down) and offer the opportunity to someone else to lead this fantastic organization,” wrote Medhora in a personal message to staff and fellows. “I’m deeply proud of the many accomplishments I share with CIGI’s staff, fellows and partners.”

“Rohinton has been an extraordinary leader for CIGI, who has ably guided the organization through its second decade to its current status as a go-to think tank at the intersection of technology and governance,” said Jim Balsillie, CIGI’s founder and chair of the Board of Directors. “We look forward to celebrating his accomplishments in the months ahead and wish to express our appreciation for his assistance in the upcoming transition.”

The full announcement is available here.

Oct. 14 – 1:30 p.m. EDT (UTC–04:00): As part of CIGI’s continued work on Reimagining a Canadian National Security Strategy for the Twenty-First Century, we are pleased to host Privacy Commissioner of Canada Daniel Therrien for a discussion on privacy protection in the context of today’s information revolution, the data-driven economy and known risks within the evolving threat landscape. A Q&A period moderated by CIGI Managing Director Aaron Shull will follow.

Learn more about this event and register to attend online here.

Dec. 7 – 9:30 a.m. EST (UTC–05:00): CIGI is pleased to host His Excellency Cong Peiwu, China’s Ambassador to Canada, for a conversation with CIGI President Rohinton P. Medhora about China’s role in the global economy. With the upcoming G20 Heads of State and Government Summit from October 30 to 31, this conversation will explore China’s role and influence in issues preoccupying governments worldwide, such as technology, trade, investment, climate change, and cyber and data governance. A Q&A period moderated by Rohinton P. Medhora will follow.

Note: The date of this event has recently changed. To join us online on Thursday, October 21, please register here.
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