Opening remarks by Peter Van Praagh, President of the Halifax International Security Forum, and The Hon. Harjit Sajjan, Canadian Minister of Defence, welcoming participants to Canada and to the 2015 Forum.
As part of a special production of the Global TV program “The West Block”, host Tom Clark moderated a panel of military and security experts to consider an important question: Are recent, shocking events of terrorist activity “the new normal?” The discussion touched upon the role of numerous complex elements that have changed the nature of terrorism, including the criminal underpinnings of terror networks, new sophisticated digital methods of terror recruitment, and how Muslims are made to feel accepted and welcome in countries outside of the Middle East. Panelists also agreed that force is only part of the solution, and the careful management of force is an intrinsic part of inflicting damage upon the enemy, while ensuring favorable conditions remain for rebuilding areas of conflict into areas of peace and freedom in the future.
Produced for Canadian TV Show “The West Block” with Tom Clark
Moderator Dr. Gideon Rose led panelists through an in-depth discussion of strategy and conflict in the 21st century, and whether nations have the tools they need to resolve conflict now that the rules of international engagement are much less clear. A common theme among all responses was the need for a realistic assessment of the challenges facing individual nations and the international security community today – one that accepts the reality of changing dynamics and greater competition for power. The conversation touched on the current shift from interest-based motivations to values-based motivations. Panelists also discussed how the public’s desire for change gives way to real-world political change, and how troublesome nations – most notably Russia – can still be engaged in other efforts of global security interest.
LOCATION: Westin Lobby
LOCATION: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Presentation of the Builder Award
The Hon. Peter MacKay, PC, QC
