Veteran Ottawa journalist Ed Hand interviews University of Ottawa professor Amir Attaran and Rideau Institute President Peggy Mason on the implications – domestic and international – of the shocking Trump administration decision to block the export of N35 medical-grade masks …
Sanctions relief, rethinking global priorities and Mel Watkins In Memoriam
Cuba needs U.S. sanctions relief In our 23 March blog we highlighted the horrendous impact of U.S. sanctions on Iran’s ability to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Since that time the UN Secretary-General has added his voice in support of …
We can and we must learn from this global catastrophe
UN chief calls for global ceasefire On March 23rd in virtual format, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a plea for a global ceasefire: The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war….That is why today, I am calling …
Iran and “medical terrorism” in the time of pandemic
Dear Friends, As we all do everything we can here at home to slow down the progress of the coronavirus and safeguard our loved ones and our communities, let us not forget those most in need at the global level. …
Canadian peacekeepers can make a real difference in Mali
The Rideau Institute is proud to present a guest blog authored by a leading Canadian expert on UN peacekeeping, Dr. Walter Dorn. The COVID-19 virus pandemic highlights the urgent need for global responses to global challenges. Unresolved conflicts not only …
Afghanistan, Canada and the ICC; Iran, Sanctions and International Women’s Day
On March 5th, appeals judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) overturned the decision of the lower level and launched an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity by Afghan, Taliban and U.S. forces and private contractors in …
Sweden and Germany show nuclear disarmament leadership
In previous Rideau Institute blogs we have highlighted the important nuclear disarmament initiative by the Swedish government in the lead-up to the 2020 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). See: UN Disarmament Chief visits Ottawa; …
UN Disarmament Chief visits Ottawa; FM Champagne outlines foreign policy priorities
On 19 and 20 February the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, spent two days in Ottawa. Sponsored (and funded) by the NGO, Canadians for a Nuclear Weapons Convention (CNWC), and facilitated by two of Canada’s …
A reality check on Canada’s Security Council bid and more
Despite the Prime Minister’s recent high-profile trip to Africa and planned trip to the Caribbean to garner votes, Canada’s campaign for a two-year stint on the UN Security Council is still a long-shot. The countries competing with Canada in the …
Trump Administration walks away from Ottawa Treaty adherence
Not Even the Military Thinks Landmines Are a ‘Vital Tool’. Trump’s recent reversal of Obama’s landmine ban was not only a petty political move but just another boondoggle for the Pentagon. So begins a headline from journalist Mark Perry, writing …
New Peace Centre needed to balance defence industry-funded think tanks
Professor Paul Rogers, a leading UK peace and security analyst (who is featured regularly on CBC’s Sunday Edition (link to last time), wrote recently about how the military industrial complex fuels the arms race: One way out of this [new …
Issues to watch as minority parliament resumes sitting on 27 January
Parliament resumes on 27 January 2020. With the Justin Trudeau Liberals leading a minority government, they will have to pay close attention to securing majority support for their legislative programme. In the 2019 election fully 63% of the popular vote …
