Registration
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The registration team will be ready to help participants with registration, provide conference materials and answer any queries.
Opening Remarks
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A distinguished member of the research community will set the tone for the conference by outlining its themes and objectives and offering a warm welcome to participants.
Opening Keynote – Michael Kovrig
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Keynote address delivered by Michael Kovrig.
Networking Break
Panel 1
Economic Security
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Canadians are increasingly aware of economic-security threats and international trade shocks. The panel explores what "economic security" means and whether it is distinct from "national security." It addresses how Canada and like-minded countries can build resiliency, reduce short-term disruptions and remain innovative and competitive. It also examines the role of intelligence and information-sharing in mitigating risks such as foreign investment and asks what economic-security risks are on the horizon.
Participants
Goldy Hyder, Tricia Geddes and Wendy Wagner.
Moderator
Akshay Singh (CASIS).
Lunch
CASIS Essay Competition Winners
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Winners of the CASIS student essay competition present their work.
Panel 2
Crime and National Security
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This session examines how states exploit criminal networks (e.g., targeted assassinations, transnational repression, covert influence campaigns) to advance strategic objectives. It also discusses how organized crime groups have gained economic and political power, threatening sovereignty and stability. The panel considers the evolving nexus of crime and statecraft, its implications for Canada and how policy makers should respond.
Participants
Jeremy Whitman, Caroline Rose and Dr. Karen Nershi.
Moderator
Jessica Davis (CASIS).
Networking Break
CASIS Research Project
Panel 3
Lone Actors vs Collective Actors
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This panel brings sociological, psychiatric and legal perspectives on what drives and sustains extremist actors, from lone individuals to those acting with others or on behalf of terrorist organizations. It examines the latest trends on the prevalence of lone versus collective actors, explores grievances and radicalization to violence, discusses measurement of radicalization risk using actuarial tools and addresses how early interventions can make a difference.
Participants
Dr. Hy Bloom – forensic psychiatrist, former assessor of Toronto 18 members and past member of the Ontario Review Board (focus on grievances). Dr. Michael Nesbitt – University of Calgary; provides empirical data and trends on lone versus collective actors. Reem Zaia – Gowling WLG Canada LLP; part time law professor at the University of Ottawa teaching "Extremism in Canada." Elena Martynova.
Moderator
To be determined (CASIS).
Panel 4
Intelligence Relationships
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The panel explores how the current "new world disorder" is forcing nations to re examine historic intelligence alliances. It asks how Canada's intelligence relationships have been affected and how they may change in the future. Topics include whether existing partnerships can continue to provide necessary information, whether Canada needs new intelligence relationships, who Canada could turn to if long standing relationships weaken, and what risks and opportunities new partnerships may bring.
Participants
Kent Roach and Stephanie Carvin.
Moderator
Robert Gordon (CASIS).
Closing Remarks
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Final remarks delivered by Jessica Davis, CASIS President.