On September 8 and 23, the Federation convened roundtables with humanities and social science (HSS) experts on defence, whose research and innovative approaches focus on critical areas including Arctic security, military-civilian relations, emerging technologies, international alliances such as NATO, and many other areas of defence and security. The roundtables explored how the HSS can support Canada’s security in an evolving world order. As the federal government deepens its investments in Canada’s defence, it is essential that corresponding policies be socially informed and harness the full benefits of Canada’s diverse research ecosystem.
The roundtable discussion highlighted the importance of bolstering training and education opportunities for the HSS, calling for sustained funding pathways in addition to funding that remain responsive and adaptive to evolving needs within the sector. As Canada strives to position itself as a leader amongst middle powers on the global stage amidst a shifting international order, we must ensure the current and next generation of Canadian defence and security talent remains supported and ready to inform Canada’s defence and security needs.
Participants in the roundtables included:
- Dr. Brian McQuinn, University of Regina
- Dr. Roch Legault, Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean
- Dr. Michael Murphy, Queen’s University
- Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Trent University
- Dr. Rob Huebert, University of Calgary
- Dr. Robert-Falcon Ouellette, University of Ottawa
- Dr. Stéfanie von Hlatky, Queen’s University
- Dr. Stephen M. Saideman, Carleton University
The Federation remains committed to promoting the importance and value of the humanities and social sciences, the experts in these fields, and their research. The Federation will continue to work with the government and partners to ensure that Canadian security and defence harness the full breadth of Canadian expertise.