2026 RCMI Defence and Security Studies Conference
04.21.2026
The Peterson Literary Fund at BCU Foundation was pleased to co-sponsor the annual Defence and Security Studies Conference hosted by the Royal Canadian Military Institute on April 15, 2026.
This year’s conference, “If I Only Had a DIME: Canadian National Power in the New Global (Dis)Order,” brought together a strong group of practitioners and thinkers to examine how Canada can better align its diplomatic, information, military, and economic tools in a rapidly evolving global environment.
As part of its contribution, the Peterson Literary Fund presented speakers with a special selection of its award-winning books. A curated collection was also made available to participants, offering deeper insight into the war in Ukraine and its historical context.
The conference was enriched by contributions from:
Bob Rae, Canada’s recent Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Christopher Alexander, Former Canadian cabinet minister and Ambassador to Afghanistan
Shachi Kurl, President of the Angus Reid Institute
Major-General (Ret.) Denis Thompson
Dan Ciuriak, Former Deputy Chief Economist at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Speakers addressed the range of threats emerging across multiple domains, including those emanating from Russia and other hostile states, and explored how Canada should position itself to better anticipate, deter, and respond to these challenges. The discussion was further strengthened by thoughtful engagement from participants, whose questions contributed to a dynamic and substantive exchange of ideas.
The conversation underscored both the strengths Canada brings to the table and the work still required to translate those strengths into coordinated, effective action.
We are grateful to the Royal Canadian Military Institute for delivering an excellent conference. Special thanks to Daniel Eustace and all members of the Security and Defence Studies Committee for their leadership and effort in making this event a success.
