In the last two years, Canadian society has been marked by political and ideological turmoil. How does an increasingly divided country engage a world that is itself divided and tumultuous? Political instability has been reinforced by international uncertainty: the COVID-19 pandemic, populism, Black Lives Matter, and the chaotic final year of the Trump presidency that increased tensions between the West, China and Russia. Even with a Biden presidency, these issues will continue to influence Canada’s domestic situation and its ability to engage as an effective global actor. In a new book, set for release in May 2021, contributors explore issues that cause or reflect these tensions, such as Canada’s willingness to address pressing crises through multilateralism, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ask, can Canada forge its own path in a turbulent world?

This panel event will feature four of the book’s contributors speaking about their chapters:

David Carment is Professor of International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University. (David is also an editor of the new book and has a co-authored chapter: Divided in a Dangerous World?)

Richard Nimijean is a member of the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies at Carleton University and is a Visiting Professor in the Department of English and American Studies at Masaryk University. (Richard is also an editor of the new book and his co-authored chapters are: Divided in a Dangerous World? and Rebranding Brand Trudeau).

Kari Roberts is Associate Professor of Political Science in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University in Calgary. Her chapter: Geopolitics and Diplomacy in Canadian Arctic Relations.

Chris Kilford is the president of the Canadian International Council branch in Victoria and a member of the national board. His chapter: Canada’s strategic engagement in the Middle East and North Africa.