LOCATION: Elements Dining Room at the Westin Nova Scotian
In a lively and contested discussion, panelists and audience debated the definition as well as the ability to win asymmetric wars, such as with ISIL. Panelists and participants were divided on the ability to truly win a values-based conflict. In the shadow of international conventions governing the rule of law, panelists addressed the social and political forces at play that exacerbate conflict and the resolution to conflict. Panelists also presented views on the relationship between coalition and international military forces, regional political stability and local community engagement in areas of asymmetric war.
Panelists and participants engaged in thorough debate on the globalization of criminal and terrorist activity, the inter- and transnational funding sources for destabilizing actions by non-state actors and the resultant impact on nation states as well as on local populations. Panelists concluded that the battle would not be quick or simple; complex historic, ideological and operational challenges exist in the establishment of stability and the fight against international crime. Panelists asserted that like-minded countries must cooperate and collaborate in this effort and that domestic laws and efforts to curb demand must keep pace.
In a unique and bi-partisan panel, the role of American power and influence was discussed and debated. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine argued that the US should replace the ideal of being indispensable with being exemplary, while Republican Senator John McCain asserted that, with the fundamental principles of freedom and democracy, American power is still indispensable in today’s world. The panel topics and participant questions virtually toured American influence around the world, through North and South America, Eastern and Continental Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the South China Sea, among other areas. Panelists agreed that Congressional involvement would be crucial going forward, acknowledging that the United States is currently in violation of its own War Powers.
Continuing the Halifax International Security Forum tradition of a one-on-one, on-the-record conversation, the 2014 Halifax Chat featured a discussion between H.E. Abdullah Gül, the 11th President of Turkey, and Mr. Robin Shepherd, Publisher of the Commentator.
LOCATION: Atlantic Ballroom
In the global race for intelligence, panelists explored the evolving conditions, within which state and non-state actors alike are collecting and sharing information. Panelists assessed the value and usefulness of traditional forms of often covert and costly intelligence gathering compared to the availability of open-source resources. Panelists discussed the use of social media platforms as a tool for extremist forces to propagate their messages and gain support. It was agreed that free and democratic states have a more compelling message to deliver, but they have to improve on delivery to win the ideological war. ISIL’s use of the Forum’s hashtag (#HISF2014) was put forward as an example of their widespread use of social media.
The overarching theme put forward by panelists and participants in this plenary was the multiple diverse narratives simultaneously proceeding on the continent. Panelists asserted that, while it is true that Africa is on the rise, the trajectory remains uneven and may be leaving behind large segments of the populous. The strain that the recent Ebola outbreaks put on domestic and international resources was a central topic among the speakers. Panelists and participants also discussed the influence of non-state actors such as Boko Haram and their influence in areas of the continent.
LOCATION: VIA Rail Station
