Global Security

Lloyd Axworthy to give public lecture on Arab Spring, deliver keynote to global governance students in Waterloo

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:52:42 +0000

Lloyd Axworthy, president and vice-chancellor of The University of Winnipeg, will participate in two events at the CIGI Campus while in Waterloo, on May 24 and May 25, 2012. While serving as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Axworthy became internationally known for his advancement of the human security concept, and he continues to be active in discussions on global affairs.

Afghanistan as a Test of Canadian Politics: What Did We Learn from the Experience?

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:06:51 +0000

This paper considers lessons that can be drawn from the Canadian effort in Afghanistan, especially the challenges of trying to build security, governance and development in Kandahar. First, it examines how the Canadian Forces (CF) adapted over time, both in Afghanistan and in Ottawa. Second, it looks at the challenges presented by a minority government and what can be learned from this political context.

Del caso Pinochet a la condena a Taylor (Article in Spanish)

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:18:17 +0000

La reciente condena en La Haya del ex presidente de Liberia, Charles Taylor, por parte del Tribunal Especial sobre Crímenes en Sierra Leona, aunque noticia de primera plana en la prensa mundial, se notó poco en Chile. Sin embargo, ella tiene un significado especial para nuestro país. Es la primera vez que un ex jefe de Estado es condenado por un tribunal internacional por crímenes de guerra y de lesa humanidad. La pena misma, a ser cumplida en una cárcel británica, se hará pública el 30 de mayo. El origen de este hecho jurídico no está desvinculado de Chile.

Renowned scholar on international security named a CIGI research director

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:05:33 +0000

Fen Osler Hampson, a leading scholar in international security, has been named a distinguished fellow and director of the global security research program at the Centre for International Governance Innovation based in Waterloo.

Hampson most recently served as director of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa. Under his leadership, the school established itself as a leader in international relations. He will continue to serve as Chancellor’s Professor at Carleton, where he was instrumental in creating several new research centres.

Carleton prof to head CIGI global security research program

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:24:59 +0000

Fen Hampson could use his sabbatical to relax and write, but when one of Canada’s most prestigious think-tank calls it’s hard to hide behind the book covers.

The Carleton professor has been appointed a position with the prestigious Waterloo-based Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). Starting in July Hampson will serve as director for the think-tank’s Global Security research program. He will also serve as a distinguished fellow.

CIGI appoints Fen Osler Hampson as a Distinguished Fellow and Director of Global Security research program

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:30:56 +0000

The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Fen Osler Hampson as a Distinguished Fellow and Director of the Global Security research program, effective July 1, 2012.

Les Casques bleus débarquent en Syrie (Article in French)

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:06:22 +0000

Deux Casques bleus. Pour le moment, c'est à ce minuscule contingent que se limite la Mission de supervision des Nations unies en Syrie. Mais pas pour très longtemps. Samedi dernier, le Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies a approuvé l'envoi de 300 observateurs militaires non armés qui devront lui faire rapport sur la mise en oeuvre d'un fragile cessez-le-feu. La mission a-t-elle la moindre chance de réussite dans ce pays balayé par la violence depuis plus d'un an? Nous avons posé la question à trois experts.

A tale of two very different summits

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:59:45 +0000

Pull Quote:

The BRICS summit, dismissed by some as a mere talk-shop with no basis in common interests, is going from strength to strength. The Summit of the Americas, representing the largest gathering of market democracies, is on its last throes, and may not reconvene again.

Summit diplomacy has become the coin of the realm. More and more key global and regional issues are thrashed out among heads of state and government, skipping the intermediaries. Professional diplomats don't like summits. Yet, given the urgent tasks, the crowded international agenda, and the increased tempo of diplomacy, there isn't much choice: summits are here to stay.

CIGI paper by former UN deputy secretary-general assesses post-Cold War peacekeeping efforts and reforms

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:31:42 +0000

United Nations (UN) peacekeeping, “still the best tool available for the international community to help post-conflict states,” has been the object of numerous reforms over the last two decades, giving the UN a much-needed professional capacity to command, control and manage increasingly complex missions says a new report by The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI).

UN approves Syria ceasefire observers

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:11:07 +0000

The UN Security Council has approved a resolution to send military observers to monitor an internationally-brokered ceasefire amid reports of fresh violence by the Syrian regime.

The unanimous Security Council vote came as activists said Syrian troops shelled two rebel-held neighbourhoods in the central city of Homs on Saturday in an apparent violation of the deal.