Halifax International Security Forum (also Halifax Forum or HFX) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.[3][4] It is a forum and network[5] for international government and military officials, academic experts, authors and entrepreneurs.[6] Halifax Forum addresses global security issues.[7] The forum is best known for its annual security summit at The Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The meeting brings together more than 300 delegates[8] from over 70 countries[9] and has been referred to by Canadian media as "The Davos of international security".[10][11] This summit is the only event of its kind in North America.[12] The 14th Halifax Forum was held from 19 to 21 November 2022.[13]
![]() | |
Founded | November 18, 2011 |
---|---|
Focus | International security |
Location | |
Area served | Worldwide |
Services | Forum and network for decision-makers |
Key people | Peter Van Praagh, President[1] Dr. Janice Stein, Board Chair[2] Mark William Lippert, Vice Chair of the Board Ahmet Taçyıldız, Treasurer of the Board Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, Board Member Joshua J. Omojuwa, Board Member Dr. Luis Rubio, Board Member |
Website | halifaxtheforum.org |
History
editThe Halifax International Security Forum was founded in 2009 as a program within the German Marshall Fund of the United States,[14] with financial support from the Canadian government.[15][16] Its annual meeting is held in Halifax in mid-November, usually the weekend before US Thanksgiving.[15] In 2011 the forum became an independent organization and was joined by Foreign Affairs as media partner.[17]
The forum founders list: Laura Bridge, Tom Clark, Dan Dugas, Dean Fealk, Marian Fernet, Renée Filiatrault, Joseph Hall, David Kramer, John MacDonell, George Macphee, Steve Markle, Duane Monea, Jeff Mullen, Paul Owens, Jay Paxton, Jonathan Tepperman, Jill Sinclair, Janice Gross Stein, Jonathan Weisstub.[18]
Organization
editHalifax Forum is an independent, nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. The nonpartisan forum has an American-Canadian board of directors as its highest governance body. The President of the forum is Peter Van Praagh.[19] HISF cooperates with institutional partners. The forum's founding partners are the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).[14][20] In 2011, after the forum's independence, the Canadian government continued its funding,[21][22][23][24] and Foreign Affairs joined the forum as media partner.[17] In August 2012, HISF launched the Halifax Canada Club (HCC), a public–private partnership created in cooperation with the Canadian government and Calgary-based MEG Energy.[25] HCC serves as a permanent body to engage the private sector in support of the forum.
Annual forum
editKey themes
edit2023 forum
The 2023 Halifax International Security Forum was held from 17 to 19 of November 2023.
There were high-profile guests such as Canadian National Defence Minister Bill Blair and former Israel prime minister Ehud Barak. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and climate change were the main topics.[26] The acronym CRINK (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea), coined by forum president Peter Van Praag, appeared in the titles of several discussions,[27][28] including such as 'Never Mind the BRICS, Here’s the CRINKs'.[29]
2022 forum
The 2022 Halifax International Security Forum was held from 18 to 20 of November 2022. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with the topic 'Why Ukraine Matters'.[30]
2021 forum
editThe 2021 Halifax International Security Forum was held from 19 to 21 of November 2021.
It was feature the following on-the-record plenary panels:[31]
- After the Fall--
- The Next 9/11: From Kabul or From California (or some lab we haven't heard of yet)?
- W.W.J.M.D? (What Would John McCain Want Us To Do?)
- #StandTogetherOnChina
- Post-Pandemic: Heed Expectations, Heal Globalization
- Fires and Landslides and Droughts: Oh My!
- China's Quantum Leap Backward
- --Keep the Faith
2020 forum
editThe 2020 Halifax International Security Forum was held from 20 to 22 November 2020.[32]
2019 forum
editThe 2019 Halifax International Security Forum was held from 22 to 24 November 2019.
2018 forum
editThe 2018 Halifax International Security Forum was held from 16 to 18 November 2018.
2017 forum
editThe 2017 Halifax International Security Forum was attended by delegates from more than 80 countries.[33][34] The forum celebrated 150 years of Canadian Confederation and the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. Along with Dalhousie University and Saint Mary's University, the forum hosted a public event on the future of global leadership with Tawakkol Karman, Bessma Momani, General Petr Pavel, and Jonathan Tepperman. The event was held prior to the official conference launch and was moderated by Tom Clark, former Global News host.[35]
The forum was opened by Harjit Sajjan, Canadian Minister of National Defence, who gave the opening speech,[36][37] followed by remarks from Michèle Coninsx, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, and Scott Brison, president of the Treasury Board of Canada.[38][39] The opening was followed by the first out of a total of three Halifax Chats that were scheduled throughout the forum. The first Halifax Chat with Minister Sajjan and Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg was moderated by Robin Shepherd and centered on Canada's role in European peacekeeping missions,[40] the need for increased incorporation of women into the military, and the importance of ongoing American leadership in NATO.[39]
The forum's opening panel, titled "Peace? Prosperity? Principle? Securing What Purpose?"," was hosted by Gideon Rose, editor of Foreign Affairs. The panelists Jane Harman, CEO of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Kay Bailey Hutchison, United States Permanent Representative to NATO, Margaret MacMillan, historian and professor at the University of Toronto, and Constanze Stelzenmüller, fellow at Brookings Institution, discussed how people's faith in democracy and international institutions was under threat, and what could be done to strengthen these institutions and address people's frustrations.[39][41]
During a gala dinner at Pier 21, the 2017 Halifax Builder Award was presented to NATO[39] and accepted by its Secretary General Stoltenberg. Remarks were made by Senator Jeanne Shaheen.[42] The 2017 Forum also marked the announcement of the annual "John McCain Prize for Courage in Public Service", which will be awarded for the first time at the 2018 Forum.[43][44]
Against the backdrop of an incident during a NATO military exercise in Norway,[45] General Hulusi Akar, commander of the Turkish Armed Forces,[46] stressed Ankara's commitment to NATO: "Turkey's alliance with NATO should not be undermined, and NATO is the most successful and most effective military organization that has existed throughout history."[47][48]
A key topic at the forum was nuclear deterrence and diplomacy. In the second panel discussion entitled "Nukes: The Fire and the Fury" Steven Clemons, editor-at-large of The Atlantic, moderated the conversation between General John E. Hyten, commander of US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), Bonnie Jenkins, the US State Department's Coordinator for Threat Reduction Programs, Sung-han Kim, dean and professor of international relations at the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), and Moshe Ya'alon, former Israeli Minister of Defence. The conversation centered around the future of North Korea, Iranian nuclear capabilities and the role and politics of the United States in global nuclear deterrence. Hyten, in light of recent escalations of nuclear rhetoric, said: "The way the process works is this simple: I provide advice to the President. He'll tell me what to do and if it's illegal, guess what's going to happen? I'm going to say, Mr. President, it's illegal." The statement was quickly picked up by national and international media.[35][49]
In a panel discussion entitled "Weaponizing Capital: One Belt, One Road, One Way", the panelists General Bryan Fenton, deputy commander of US Pacific Command (USPACOM), Edward Luce, Washington columnist and commentator for the Financial Times, Ong Keng Yong, chairman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and US Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer[50] discussed China's aim to take a larger role in world affairs and global trade through their One Belt One Road Initiative and examined what military and economic impact the initiative will have as Beijing expands its influence.[35][50]
"Making Peace With Women" was the fourth panel discussion[51] between Fauizya Ali, founder and president of Women In International Security (WIIS) in Kenya, Pastor Esther Ibanga, Jos Christian Missions International in Nigeria, human rights activist Tawakkol Karman from Yemen, who was awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, Nancy Lindborg, president of the United States Institute of Peace, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the first woman in US history to be elected both a Governor and a United States Senator, and General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces.[52] The talk was moderated by Nahlah Ayed from CBC News. The panelists discussed how women play vital roles in creating lasting peace from conflict, and the future of peacebuilding and where progress can be made for women throughout the world.[51] At the beginning of the panel session the establishment of the "Halifax Peace With Women Fellowship" was announced for the fall of 2018.[53]
During the second Halifax Chat, Abdullah Abdullah, chief executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, spoke with Robin Shepherd about the current state of Afghanistan and what the future holds, including continued improvements in the economy, security, and human rights.[54]
"Open war is what we see in the Ukraine, and it breaks all rules of a civilized world," said Poland's Minister of National Defence, Antoni Macierewicz, in a panel titled "Rapprochement with Russia: Post-Putin Prep".[55] The panel examined Putin's interferences in global affairs, including cyberwarfare and militaristic intervention in neighboring states, and cooperative solutions for addressing the threats Russia possesses to its neighbors and the world.[56] Other panelists were Pavlo Klimkin, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Vladimir Milov, founder and president of the Institute of Energy Policy, and Senator Jeanne Shaheen.[55] The conversation was moderated by POLITICO's columnist Susan Glasser.[56]
In the panel "Satellite Armies: The Race in Space", panelists discussed the complexities and unknown potentials of satellites space weaponry, and how this final frontier needs new laws and regulations to address these potential unknowns. Jeanne Meserve moderated the conversation between Theresa Hitchens, Senior research associate at the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM), General Hyten, Commander of US STRATCOM,[57] Julie Perkins, chief engineer of In-space vehicle propulsion systems for Boeing, and Rajeswari Rajagopalan, senior fellow and head of the nuclear and space policy initiative at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).[58]
The second day of the forum concluded with the third Halifax Chat featuring Eric Schmidt on the future of the digital world. Schmidt, executive chairman of Alphabet Inc.,[59] talked about Alphabet's efforts to curb the spread of false information on the internet, the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in global affairs, and future technological capabilities to address military needs.[60]
A wide range of topics—from Afghanistan politics and the evolution of terrorism to the geopolitics of energy—were discussed during off-the-record dinner and late-night sessions.[61]
The 2017 Forum was closed by two Sunday morning panels. The first panel, titled "Rebuilding the Middle East: From Civil War to Civil Society", was moderated by Abderrahim Foukara, D.C. bureau chief of Al Jazeera. "We are at risk of another civil war if the international community does not get Iraq engaged", said Falah Mustafa Bakir, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Department of Foreign Relations (DFR),[62][63] commenting the panel's discussion on Western interventions in the Middle East in recent years and the ongoing attempts to build democratic institutions in the region. Along with specific interventions and requirements like education, investments, and planning, the two panel participants also discussed global trends. Tzipi Livni, Israel's former Foreign Minister, commented: "All over the world we see the erosion of democracy. We need to be united to address this."[64]
The panelists of the final panel were Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister of Sweden, Masashi Nishihara, president of the Research Institute for Peace and Security, Mayor Dale Ross, City of Georgetown, Texas, and Nicolas Tenzer, editor and director of Le Banquet as well as the founding president of the Center for the Study and Reflection of Political Action. The panel "Climate Change: Houston, We Have a Solution" addressed the importance of moving beyond the politics of climate change to find practical solutions. The participants discussed the technological advances necessary for these solutions. The panel was moderated by Tom Clark.[35][65]
2016 forum
editThe 2016 Halifax International Security Forum was the first major international gathering after the US presidential election ten days earlier.[66][67] It was attended by delegates from 70 countries. The forum started with a ministerial meeting on peacekeeping hosted by Canada's Department of National Defence and Canadian Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan with Hervé Ladsous, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and Atul Khare, Head of the Department of Field Support.[68]
The Canadian Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, held the forum's opening speech.[69]
A key topic at the forum was democracy. In a panel discussion entitled "Make Democracy Great Again" the UK Secretary of State for Defence, Sir Michael Fallon, the professor of political science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Shlomo Avineri and the Turkish Minister for EU Affairs, Ömer Çelik discussed the western democratic model[70] in the panel which was moderated by Jonathan Tepperman, managing editor of Foreign Affairs magazine.[71] Fallon, against the backdrop of Brexit, said: "Although Britain is leaving the European Union we still have a role to pay in defending our European continent... and to continue to make democracy great again." Referring to the United States presidential election, he added: "...He (Donald Trump) knows from his election that we cannot take democracy for granted... This is no time for any of us to turn inwards".[72]
"The West Block", the forum's opening panel discussion on democracy, peace and conflict, was hosted by Tom Clark of Global News.[73] Clark interviewed Minister Harjit Sajjan, General Jonathan Vance and Paula Dobriansky.[74] In light of statements made by Trump during the campaign suggesting a review of NATO, Dobriansky told the audience: "There's a lack of importance attached to not only the values but the alliances and also the institutions that preserved peace, stability and security post-World War II, no less the Cold War".[74] Dobriansky mentioned pressure on NATO members to fulfill the agreed contributions would have increased no matter which candidate won. "It's not a new issue," Dobriansky said. Rose Gottemoeller, NATO's Deputy Secretary General, during a separate panel discussion entitled "NATO: Necessary", reported that Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg had a conversation with the US president regarding the issue. "The two men agreed about the enduring importance of the NATO alliance and the enduring importance of increased defense spending," Gottemoeller said. New Hampshire Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, also took part in the panel. Shaheen spoke about the role of the US Congress emphasizing: "There is strong support for NATO and I don't see that changing under President Trump."
The president-elect Donald Trump dominated most of the panel discussions. The panel "The Superpower's Enduring Priorities: Trade, Justice and the American Way" was an example for that. The panelists Rosa Brooks, professor of law and associate dean for graduate programs at Georgetown University Law Center, Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the United States Pacific Command, Josef Joffe, publisher and editor of Die Zeit and moderator Gideon Rose, editor of Foreign Affairs, discussed the uncertainty occurring within the international community as to how the new US president would govern and execute his presidency as well as the international implications.[75]
A key topic under discussion during the conference was a statement made by Trump in previous debates about him favoring a torture method called waterboarding. Gideon Rose, editor of the magazine Foreign Affairs, commented on the discussed topic. "Let me say how appalling and heartbreaking it is that we have to have a discussion about the possibility ... about whether the United States policy really will be not to engage in war crimes," he said. In this regard US Senator John McCain in a chat with US Senator John Barrasso emphasized that US congress had already banned the torture method.[76] He went on to add: "I don't give a damn what the president of United States wants to do or anybody else wants to do, we will not waterboard. We will not torture people … It doesn't work."[77]
Other panel discussions sought to address the war in Syria and growing global terrorism,[78] climate change as both an environmental and economic threat,[79] and the intersection of cyber security and national security and the shared responsibility between the government and private sector to develop policies that protect from existing and new cyber threats.[80]
Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, who served as 2016 Vice-Presidential Candidate, received the 2016 Halifax Builder Award.[81]
2015 forum
editThe 2015 Halifax International Security Forum took place against the backdrop of the ISIS terror attacks in Paris[82] and was attended by 300 delegates from 60 countries. The terror attack was the main topic of the forum discussions.[83]
Harjit Sajjan, Canadian Minister of National Defence, gave the opening keynote.[82] For Sajjan it was the first major public event he attended after his inauguration earlier that month.[84] In his speech, Sajjan also addressed the situation of Syrian refugees and defended the government's plan to resettle 25,000 refugees in Canada.[85] The minister described democratic societies welcoming Syrian refugees as a major strike against the ideology of Islamic terrorists. This sent a "great message to ISIS", Sajjan told the audience.[86] The forum's opening session addressed the new objectives in Canada's foreign policy. During the US/Canadian panel discussion[87] Sajjan supported targeting ISIS in Syria and Iraq with air strikes in preparation for a ground assault. as a preparation for ground troops. But the Afghanistan War veteran also warned about the "second and third effects" of indiscriminate bombings, a point with which all panelists agreed.
William E. Gortney, commander of US Northern Command, told the audience that "carpet bombing" was not the answer to terrorism. Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, said that "You can't carpet bomb your way to victory".[88] Panelist John R. Allen, former Special Presidential Envoy for Defeating ISIS, who attended the panel and later had an additional appearance at the Halifax Chat, emphasized the necessity to fight ISIS also financially and in the sphere of information warfare.[89] Allen told the audience that for the US a massive ground operation was not on the agenda. He instead favored operations by combined special forces.[90]
Speaking at a panel on global security threats,[91] General Petr Pavel, chairman of the NATO Military Committee, stressed the need for "a much broader approach" to fight ISIS[92] and called for a greater involvement of NATO[90] without making it to a "NATO-led anti-ISIS operation".[92]
Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the United States Pacific Command, made the opening remarks for a panel discussion on China's ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region. Addressing the territorial disputes between China and its neighbors in the South China Sea, Harris emphasized that "the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows and that the South China Sea is not, and will not be, an exception".[93] He criticized Chinese efforts to develop man-made islands within disputed territories and called them a "Great Wall of Sand"[94] and "Sandcastles in the Sea".[95] Harris described China as a country which had abandoned Deng Xiaoping's philosophy of patience. "In fact, China has transitioned from a patient nation to a nation in a hurry", Harris told the audience.[96] The Admiral expressed his belief that a conflict with China was not inevitable but emphasized the need to develop the bilateral relationship with a long-term perspective.[94]
During the following panel discussion, Admiral Michael S. Rogers, commander of the United States Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency and chief of the Central Security Service, blamed China for its cyber-attacks against the United States.[94] Rogers described China as a nation which would hack private companies and share stolen intellectual property with Chinese companies.[97] The admiral warned China that it also could be the target of cyber-intrusions and described the country as being "as vulnerable as any other major industrialized nation state". Rogers expressed his hope that China would refrain from future cyber-attacks against the US.[94]
Further topics of the 2015 forum were current developments in the Muslim world, the European migrant crisis, and ways to cut off the financing for international terror networks.[98]
2014 forum
editThe armed conflict in Ukraine was a key issue at the 2014 Halifax International Security Forum. Canadian Minister of National Defence Rob Nicholson, who also held the forum's opening speech, in a panel discussion called on Russia to get out of Ukraine[99] describing the situation there as "completely unacceptable".[100] He emphasized the Canadian commitment to oppose the conflict and accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ignorance. "It's certainly my hope and the hope of everyone that he does get the message", Nicholson declared. "We are not going to let up on this… Whether it takes five years or 50, the people of Ukraine deserve the freedom that they deserve, that they fought for", the minister promised.[101] Nicholson's cabinet colleague, Justice Minister Peter MacKay, called it "telling" that none of the delegates from Russia were representing their government.[102] In view of the Ukrainian conflict Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves opposed Russian propaganda and warned that "many things that Europe often takes for granted are under threat today".[103] Ilves also described the conflict's negative consequences for global nuclear disarmament as Ukraine in 1994 gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange of international security promises and "when it comes to guaranteeing their territorial integrity, nothing is done".[102]
Less than a month after the terror attacks of Quebec and Ottawa, the forum's opening session addressed North American security. The session, moderated by Tom Clark, was recorded and was broadcast on The West Block, a Canadian Sunday political show.[104] Minister Nicholson stated that Canada was willing to enter a more integrated common defense strategy with the US.[8] This would not affect Canadian sovereignty, Nicholson emphasized.[105]
From the US, nine members of Congress attended the forum. This largest congressional delegation ever to visit Canada[106] was led by the Senators John McCain and Tim Kaine.[107] At a forum panel examining America's role as a "indispensable superpower"[108] McCain and Kaine confirmed their optimism about the future of the US. Both senators agreed that US President Barack Obama should have sought congressional authorization to conduct operations against ISIL. "You can't ask people to risk their lives, risk getting killed, seeing other folks getting killed or injured if Congress isn't willing to do the job to put their thumbprint on this and say, this is a national mission and worth it", Kaine said during the panel. "I totally agree with Tim, and I do think it's very important for the president to come over with the authorization that he wants", McCain added.[107] Regarding the Keystone XL pipeline, Senator Kaine at the forum also explained why in the previous week he had voted against a Senate bill to approve the project due to environmental reasons.[109]
Senator McCain, against the backdrop of the failing negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program in Vienna and its repeated extension,[110] criticized the US diplomacy and drew parallels to North Korea. McCain told the audience that North Korea was in command of nuclear weapons and delivery systems and called this a "wake up call". The senator's statement was confirmed by General Charles H. Jacoby, outgoing commander of NORAD and US Northern Command, who referred to North Korea as a "practical threat" due to its nuclear and ballistic capabilities.[111]
Abdullah Gül, the former Turkish president, at the forum spoke[112] about the persistent instability in the Middle East. "The key term to express the gravity of the situation in the region at present can be 'frustration'", Gül told the audience.[113] He also responded to concerns related to interior developments in Turkey.[114] It was Gül's first public appearance since departing the presidency.[115]
On Saturday afternoon, the forum's president, Peter Van Praagh, issued a statement that the ISIL terror group was sending messages to the forum's staff and participants and also using #HISF2014, the forum's hashtag, to spread a propaganda video.[116] The ISIL terror in the Middle East was debated in several Forum panels. Further topics of the 2014 Forum were African security issues and the situation of Hong Kong.[117]
2013 forum
editGlobal climate change and its impact on the Arctic were key issues at the 2013 Halifax International Security Forum. In his keynote address,[118] US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel illustrated the rapid shift of the polar landscape and its consequences for international security.[119] Hagel then announced the Pentagon's new Arctic strategy, which for the first time outlined how the US responds to the repercussions of climate change for the Arctic.[120]
As the shrinking of Arctic ice opens up new waterways[121] and potential energy resources,[122] countries' increased interest in the region could potentially lead to rising international tensions,[123] the Defense Secretary warned. Hagel called for more international cooperation in the Arctic[124] to protect its environment[125] and to keep it "peaceful, stable and free of conflict".[119] He also emphasized his country's commitment "to detect, deter, prevent and defeat threats to the United States, and continue to exercise US sovereignty in and around Alaska".[123] Speaking at a forum's panel, Rob Nicholson, Canadian Minister of National Defence, welcomed the Pentagon's new Arctic strategy and called it "entirely consistent" with Canada's approach.[126] Nicholson described the Arctic as a "low-tension area" and emphasized Canada's efforts to foster more international cooperation in the region.[127] Just prior to the launch of the 2013 Halifax Forum, Hagel and Nicholson signed the US-Canada Asia-Pacific Framework to increase their security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.[128][129]
Regarding the forthcoming withdrawal of the last Canadian forces from Afghanistan in March 2014, Minister Nicholson declared that "Canada has made a difference in Afghanistan".[130] The minister also expressed his concerns about Afghan President Hamid Karzai's refusal to sign the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the US.[131] Secretary Hagel emphasized the necessity of a signed and ratified BSA as a precondition for a US military presence in Afghanistan beyond 2014.[132]
The 2013 Forum's Saturday night reception was interrupted by breaking news of the Geneva interim agreement on Iranian nuclear program and the broadcasting of US President Barack Obama's White House statement.[133] The agreement was also the focus of a Halifax Forum meeting between Secretary Hagel and his Israeli counterpart Moshe Ya'alon.[134][135]
During a panel discussion on the responsibility of Western nations to engage globally on political and humanitarian grounds, Liam Fox, former British Secretary of State for Defence, called for a "re-emphasizing" of NATO's political mission instead of staying focused only on the military side. He recalled that the Cold War was won by the Western allies. "And it was won—not just because we had military superiority or economic superiority—(but because) we had political and moral superiority and we were willing to say, not that we were different, but that we were better. That freedom would be better than oppression. Capitalism would be better than state control", Fox declared. In view of declining international engagement due to economic pressures, he called it an "absurdity" that NATO states were spending more of their GDP on debt interest repayments than on defense.[136]
Alexander Vershbow, NATO's Deputy Secretary General, stressed the alliance's role as a force for global peace.[137] In order to solve international issues, NATO needs to cooperate with other international organizations, Vershbow declared, also urging more assistance to the Syrian opposition. US Senator John McCain emphasized the importance of establishing humanitarian zones in war-torn countries such as Syria.
Speaking about international military interventions, Canadian Minister of Justice and Attorney General Peter MacKay described a kind of fatigue currently present in democratic societies, due to the losses in recent years. As for Canada, MacKay declared the country's willingness to maintain its high international presence moving forward.[136]
2012 forum
editThe Halifax International Security Forum in November 2012 took place against the backdrop of the open military conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.[10][138] This conflict and the civil war in Syria were major topics of Forum debates. Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay stated that Israel had the right to defend itself against Hamas,[139] but urged restraint in the conflict.[140] Regarding Syria, MacKay called on Russia to help end the civil war.[141] US Senators John McCain and Mark Udall called for a no-fly zone in Syria.[142] McCain dismissed any talk of a potential US ground intervention given the lack of popular support for such s step by the American people. "Americans are war-weary", the Senator declared.[10] During a panel discussion on the future of Afghanistan and Pakistan, Afghan politicians and business leaders described the situation in their country as "very, very vulnerable". According to Abdul Rahim Wardak, advisor to Afghan President Hamid Kazai and former defence minister, Afghanistan needed "a lot of resources and patience on the part of the international community".[143] At a panel on technology and modern warfare, Vic Toews, Canadian Minister of Public Safety, declared that Canada was "as prepared as anyone else" to defend itself against cyberattacks.[144] During the same panel, Minister MacKay announced plans to procure drones for the surveillance of Canada's Arctic territories.[144]
2011 forum
editLeon Panetta, United States Secretary of Defense, gave the keynote speech[145] at the Halifax Forum 2011. Panetta described the US as confronting "the fiscal realities of limited resources" and outlined the future of the US military "that, while smaller, is agile, flexible, deployable and technologically equipped to confront the threats of the future".[146] Secretary Panetta also urged other countries to share in the burden of maintaining global security.[147] In spite of budget pressures Panetta expressed his confidence in the funding of the multinational Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) program. Together with his US counterpart, Peter MacKay, Canadian Minister of National Defense, confirmed Ottawa's plan to buy 65 F-35 aircraft.[148][149] Regarding the situation in Syria and Iran, two key issues for the forum, MacKay declared, that the NATO mission in Libya was no blueprint for similar interventions. "There's a danger in creating a scenario that says there is 'world police' that are going to start singling out countries and enforcing what those governments—legitimate or not—should be doing", MacKay told the forum's participants.[150] Any international actions in Syria would need a UN Security Council resolution similar to the one on Libya, the Canadian defence minister added. He also expressed his hope that Russia and China would agree on economic sanctions towards Syria.[151] Speaking in Halifax, Senator John McCain expressed his conviction that the "Arab Spring is a virus that will attack Moscow and Beijing".[152]
2010 forum
editAt the 2010 Halifax International Security Forum[153] the US Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham asked for Canadian troops staying in Afghanistan after 2011, the date of withdrawal, changing from a combat to a training role.[154] Canadian Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay, declared at the forum, that Canada was considering staying in Afghanistan with a training mission.[155] At a forum panel on the Iranian nuclear conflict US Senator Graham called for a military strike on Iran to "neuter" the regime.[156][157][158][159] Michèle Flournoy, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, confirmed a new approach of the US Administration towards Iran, from an attempt to engage the Iranian government "toward a pressure track with the imposition of sanctions".[159] Canadian Minister MacKay favored collective international sanctions against Iran and its nuclear program.[156] Speaking at Halifax that same year, Janet Napolitano, United States Secretary of Homeland Security, emphasized the prominent role of regular citizens in thwarting terrorist attacks,[160] and also commented on the recent Air Canada masked stowaway case, saying it raises concerns about a security breach that terrorists might exploit.[161]
2009 forum
editThe situation in Afghanistan was a key issue of the inaugural Halifax Forum 2009. In his opening speech United States Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates,[162] acknowledged the military engagement of Canada in Afghanistan, with over 2,800 deployed troops and more than 130 soldiers killed. Gates emphasized the key role of the Canadian military for the success in Afghanistan.[163][164] The secretary warned the Afghan government of a reduction of financial assistance because of corruption.[165] Gates urged the nations of the western hemisphere to increase their cooperation and collaboration to bolster security in the country.[166] For the NATO troops in Afghanistan, US Senator John McCain opposed fixed exit dates before a military success. "The exit strategy is success", McCain declared, "It's when you succeed and start to draw down."[167] On the conflict about the nuclear program of Iran, Ellen Tauscher, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs, urged the country to "engage" with the West and warned, "If persuasion doesn't work, pressure is going to have to be the next line of action."[168] The future of the Arctic was also an issue of the 2009 forum.[169]
Venue
editThe annual Forum is held in Halifax,[170] capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. Halifax is the largest population center in Atlantic Canada and serves as business hub of the region. Halifax Harbour is also one of the largest natural harbors in the world. The Canadian Forces Base Halifax is home port to the Atlantic Fleet of the Royal Canadian Navy and Canada's largest military installation. Halifax is a center of Canadian shipbuilding and of the aerospace and defense industry in Atlantic Canada.
Participants
editThe Halifax Forum is attended by international government and military officials, academic experts, authors and entrepreneurs.[171][172][173][174] Prominent political participants include Ministers, Senators and Members of Parliament. The ministers included John Baird, Steven Blaney, Scott Brison, Kent Hehr, Peter MacKay, Rob Nicholson, Harjit Sajjan, and Vic Toews from Canada, as well as Chuck Hagel, Robert Gates, Leon Panetta, and Janet Napolitano from the United States. From Europe the ministers Michael Fallon from the United Kingdom, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg from Germany, Pieter De Crem from Belgium, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert from the Netherlands, Jean-Yves Le Drian from France,[175] Pedro Morenés from Spain, Guy Parmelin from Switzerland,[33] Milica Pejanović Đurišić from Montenegro, Hannes Hanso,[176] Nikola Poposki and Zoran Jolevski from Macedonia, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson from Iceland, Nicolai Wammen from Denmark, Haki Demolli from Kosovo, Tina Khidasheli from Georgia, Mimi Kodheli from Albania, Juozas Olekas from Lithuania, and Jüri Luik from Estonia[177] are among previous Halifax Forum participants. Also, ministers Ehud Barak and Moshe Ya'alon from Israel, Juan Carlos Pinzón Bueno and Luis Carlos Villegas from Colombia, Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda from Mexico,[33] Rodrigo Hinzpeter from Chile, Wayne Mapp from New Zealand, Abdul Rahim Wardak from Afghanistan and Delfin Lorenzana from Philippines[33] attended the forum.
In addition, United States Senators John Barrasso, Susan Collins, Chris Coons, Ted Cruz, Deb Fisher, Lindsey Graham, Tim Kaine, John McCain, Barbara Mikulski, Chris Murphy, Ben Sasse, Jeff Sessions, Jeanne Shaheen, Mark Udall together with Representatives Tom Cotton, Tulsi Gabbard, Adam Kinzinger, Mike Pompeo, Adam Schiff, Dan Sullivan, and Robert Wexler were also among the participants, as were Alison Redford, Pamela Wallin, Bernard Valcourt from Canada, and Liam Fox from the United Kingdom.
Former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov of Russia, President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović of Croatia, former President Abdullah Gül of Turkey, President Toomas Hendrik Ilves of Estonia, and Hashim Thaçi from Kosovo[33] have also attended the forum.
Other government officials who came to the Halifax Forum include Stephen Breyer, Mark Carney, Greg Craig, Gary Doer, Michèle Flournoy, Rose Gottemoeller, Stephen Hadley, David Jacobson, Pauline Neville-Jones, Bob Paulson, Amrullah Saleh,[140] Ellen Tauscher, Alexander Vershbow, and Robert O. Work.
Participating international military officials include Stéphane Abrial, John R. Allen Charles Bouchard, Haakon Bruun-Hanssen, Peter Devlin, Mark P. Fitzgerald, William E. Gortney, Frank J. Grass, Cecil Haney, Harry B. Harris Jr., Michelle Howard, Charles H. Jacoby Jr., John F. Kelly, Thomas J. Lawson, Joseph L. Lengyel,[178] Jarmo Lindberg from Finland,[179] Paul Maddison, Tom Middendorp, Neil Morisetti, Walter Natynczyk, Jean-Paul Paloméros, Petr Pavel, Stuart Peach, David G. Perkins, Victor E. Renuart, Michael S. Rogers, James G. Stavridis, Riho Terras from Estonia,[177] Jonathan Vance, Ricardo Visaya, and James A. Winnefeld, Jr.[180][181]
International think tank experts, journalists, and entrepreneurs participating in the Halifax Forum include Geneive Abdo,[10] M. J. Akbar,[182] Michael Auslin,[183] David Bercuson, Rosa Brooks, Tom Clark,[184] Steve Clemons,[185] Roger Cohen,[186] Raghida Dergham,[187] Paula Dobriansky,[188] Lyse Doucet, Jane Harman, Wolfgang Ischinger,[188] Josef Joffe,[10] Suat Kınıklıoğlu,[189] Kathleen Koch,[190] David J. Kramer,[191] Kevin Newman,[184] Natalie Nougayrède, Ahmed Rashid,[10] Condoleezza Rice,[192] Gideon Rose,[188] David E. Sanger,[188] Robin Shepherd,[193] Janice Gross Stein,[194] Frances Townsend, and Kurt Volker.[191]
Format
editThe annual forum starts Friday afternoon with introduction and a first plenary. Friday evening there is a gala dinner followed by off-the-record "night-owl-sessions". After the plenaries on Saturday there are more than 20 dinner discussions on a variety of topics. Sunday morning starts with a 5K run followed by off-the-record breakfast sessions. The forum ends after the plenaries and closing remarks with a press conference Sunday afternoon.[195]
References
edit- ^ "Our Staff". Halifax International Security Forum. Archived from the original on 16 April 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
- ^ "Our Board of Directors". Halifax International Security Forum. Archived from the original on 16 April 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
- ^ "Minister Mackay Delivers Remarks To The United States Military Academy At West Point". Government of Canada. 2011-10-21. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
- ^ Rebecca Thompson (19 November 2012). "Global security on the table in Halifax". Sun News. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "About Us". Halifax International Security Forum. Archived from the original on 16 April 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Halifax International Security Forum". Province of Nova Scotia. 2011-11-18. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
- ^ Richard Foot (16 November 2012). "Defence Minister Peter MacKay kicks off global security conference with stark words". Postmedia News. Archived from the original on August 14, 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ a b "Nothing to fear from common defence with Americans, says Canada's defence minister". The Canadian Press. 21 November 2014. Archived from the original on 1 November 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Steven Chase (19 November 2016). "NATO officials try to reassure Trump administration is committed to alliance". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f Jonathan Kay (19 November 2012). "At star-studded Halifax Security Forum, bad news dominates the podium". National Post. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Jane Taber (17 November 2012). "McCain 'surprised' by Petraeus testimony on Benghazi". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Minister MacKay Announces New Partnership And Extended Agreement For The Halifax International Security Forum". National Defence and the Canadian Forces. 6 September 2011. Archived from the original on 24 May 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "HFX Announces Dates for 2021 Forum". Halifax International Security Forum. 13 January 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
- ^ a b Craig Kennedy (19 November 2009). "Global security conference opens in Halifax this weekend". The German Marshall Fund of the United States. Archived from the original on August 14, 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ a b Christoph von Marschall (December 2009). "Heady discussions in Halifax". The German Times. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Feds to fund Halifax International Security Forum". CTV News. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ a b "Foreign Affairs To Act as Media Sponsor of The 2011 Halifax International Security Forum". Foreign Affairs. 15 November 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Mission - Halifax". halifaxtheforum.org. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "Our Leadership". Halifax International Security Forum. Archived from the original on 23 December 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Gates: Afghanistan will require "patience"". The German Marshall Fund of the United States. 20 November 2009. Archived from the original on August 14, 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Halifax to host third International Security Forum". News957. 2011-09-06. Archived from the original on 2012-04-15. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
- ^ "Feds to fund Halifax International Security Forum". CTV News. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Feds extend funds for Security Forum". CBCnews. 2011-09-06. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
- ^ "Minister MacKay Announces New Partnership And Extended Agreement For The Halifax International Security Forum". nycom.com. 2011-09-06. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
- ^ "Government of Canada, MEG Energy and the Halifax International Security Forum Launch". Peter MacKay. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 25 February 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Rallies for Ukraine, Gaza wars held outside Halifax International Security Forum". CTVNews. 2023-11-19. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "Fear and gloating about US at top democracy gathering". POLITICO. 2023-11-19. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ HFX 2023: Plenary 2 - Victory in Ukraine = Message to the CRINKs (China/Russia/Iran/ North Korea), retrieved 2023-11-20
- ^ "2023 Forum.pdf". Google Docs. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "'Why Ukraine Matters' Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Halifax I". U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
- ^ "HFX Releases Topical Agenda for the 2021 Halifax International Security Forum and Opens Media Accreditation". Bill Olsen. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
- ^ "Halifax Security Forum generating optimism despite online format in a troubled 2020". Francis Campbell. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "Minister Sajjan Hosts Successful 2017 Halifax International Security Forum". Government of Canada. 19 November 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Taryn Grant, Cory Funk (16 November 2017). "What to expect from the 2017 Halifax International Security Forum". University of King's College School of Journalism. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ a b c d Dawisson Belém Lopes (26 December 2017). "Asia's Place at the 2017 Halifax Security Forum". The Diplomat. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Minister Sajjan to Host the 2017 Halifax International Security Forum". Government of Canada. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Adina Bresge (17 November 2017). "Defence Minister Sajjan touts Canada's 'increased role' at Halifax security forum". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Conference opening and Halifax Chat". Vimeo. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ a b c d "2017 Halifay International Securuty Forum". Halifax International Security Forum. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Bruce Campion-Smith (17 November 2017). "NATO head praises Canada's support for peace missions". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Peace? Prosperity? Principle? Securing what purpose?". Vimeo. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "NATO Secretary General accepts Halifax Builder Award, hails transatlantic bond". North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Halifax International Security Forum Establishes John McCain Prize for Courage in Public Service". Halifax International Security Forum. 18 November 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Prize presentation & Plenary 2 – Nukes the fire and the Fury". Vimeo. November 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "NATO apologizes for Turkey 'enemies' incident, blames civilian contractor". CBCnews. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "First comment from Hulusi Akar following NATO crisis". Cumhuriyet. 19 November 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Menekse Tokyay (19 November 2017). "Turkey reiterates its commitment to NATO despite drill incident". Arab News. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Turkey, NATO alliance should not be 'undermined'". YeniŞafak. 15 November 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ Jennifer Rubin (20 November 2017). "Memo to Trump: The military will not follow illegal orders". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ a b "Plenary 3 – Weaponizing capital, one belt, one road, one way". Vimeo. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ a b "2017 Plenary 4: Making Peace with Women". Halifax International Security Forum. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "HISF 2017 Panel – Making Peace with Women". Cable Public Affairs Channel. 18 November 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Plenary 4 – Making peace with woman". Vimeo. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "HALIFAX CHAT – featuring H.E. Dr. Abdullah". Vimeo. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ a b "Defence Minister Macierewicz at the Halifax International Security Forum". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 21 November 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ a b "Plenary 5 – Rapprochement with Russia: Post-Putin Prep" (PDF). Halifax International Security Forum. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Vivienne Machi (19 January 2018). "Air Force, Industry Considering Future of Protected Satcom". National Defense. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Plenary 6 Satellite Armies – The race in space – Halifax chat – featuring Alphabet CEO Dr. Eric Schmidt". Vimeo. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Emma Woollacott (21 November 2017). "As Google Vows To Derank Russian News Sites, Russia Threatens Tit For Tat". Forbes. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Hamza Shaban, David Filipov (21 November 2017). "Google is getting pulled into a fight with Russia over RT and Sputnik". The Washington Post. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Agenda & Speakers – Participants". Halifax International Security Forum. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Steven Chase (17 November 2017). "Ottawa urged to intervene in Iraqi Kurds' dispute with Baghdad". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ Monique Scotti (17 November 2017). "Should soldiers kill ISIS fighters recruited from Canada before they can return?". Global News. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Plenary 7 – Rebuilding the Middle East from civil war to civil society". Vimeo. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Plenary 8 – Climate change Houston, we have a solution". Vimeo. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
- ^ "Views on Trump at Halifax security forum vary from divisive force to 'opportunity'". CTV News. 19 November 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "Halifax conference ends on uncertain note as world awaits Donald Trump White House". News 95.7. 21 November 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "Hanso to colleagues from the United Kingdom: Estonia's security policy will not change". Republic of Estonia. 22 November 2016. Archived from the original on 31 July 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "Watch the Halifax International Security Forum 2016". MacLean’s. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "McCain, Kaine among security forum delegates". Herald News. 16 November 2016. Archived from the original on 31 July 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "EU Minister Ömer Çelik participated in the 8th Halifax International Security Forum". Republik of Turkey. 19 November 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "UK Defence Secretary Fallon tells global leaders not to fear Brexit in first defence conference after Trump victory". The Commentator. 18 November 2016. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "HISF 2016: The West Block" on YouTube
- ^ a b "Transcript Season 6 Episode 11". Global News. 20 November 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "HISF 2016: 2. The Superpower’s Enduring Priorities: Trade, Justice and the American Way" on YouTube
- ^ Michael Tutton (19 November 2016). "Opposing views on Donald Trump take main stage at Halifax security conference". The Star. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "HISF 2016: Halifax Chat" on YouTube
- ^ "HISF 2016: 4. Because Syria: I’m Your Friendly Neighborhood Terrorist" on YouTube
- ^ Fram Dinshaw (19 November 2016). "Generals sound alarm over climate change at Halifax International Security Forum". The Chronicle Herald. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ "HISF 2016: 7. Spies Love Us: Protecting Information in the Age of Openness" on YouTube
- ^ "Kaine Receives Halifax Builder Award, Discusses National Security At 2016 Halifax International Security Forum". Tim Kaine. 19 November 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
- ^ a b "Halifax International Security Forum to focus on Paris attacks, refugees". CTV News. 18 November 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ Peter Van Praagh (18 November 2015). "Clearing a path for the victory of modernity". The Chronicle Herald. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ Josh Rogin (23 November 2016). "What Canada's New Foreign Policy Means for the U.S." Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ "Harjit Sajjan: Liberal Refugee Plan 'Hitting ISIS In A Different Way'". The Huffington Post. 20 November 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ "Kathleen Wynne: We Can't Allow 'Security To Mask Racism' In Syrian Refugee Pledge". The Huffington Post. 20 November 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ Nestor Arellano (20 November 2015). "ISIS, Paris attack top of mind in Halifax security forum". Vanguard. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ Monique Muise (20 November 2015). "'You can't carpet-bomb your way to victory': Plotting the fight against ISIS". Global News. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ Rob Gillies (21 November 2015). "France could step up special forces attacks against ISIS: Former U.S. official". CTV News. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ a b "'Combined special forces ops' against ISIL possible". Hürriyet Daily News. 23 November 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ "Public Record – Discipline or Disorder in the Global Playground – Plenary 2". Cable Public Affairs Channel. 21 November 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ a b Keith Doucette. "NATO general says more effective effort needed to combat ISIL globally". City News.
- ^ "China's dilemma: Nationalism could hijack policy response". The Straits Times. 8 December 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ a b c d Yasmin Tadjdeh (21 November 2015). "At Halifax Forum, Cautious Optimism About U.S.-China Relations". National Defense Magazine. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ Lee-Brago, Pia (28 November 2015). "China should adhere to international law – US commander". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ Kristina Wong (24 November 2015). "China's military makes move into Africa". The Hill. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ Andrew Clevenger (21 November 2015). "China 'Vulnerable' in Cyberspace, US Cyber Chief Warns". Defense News. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ "2015 Agenda". Halifax International Security Forum. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ "Rob Nicholson calls on Russia to leave Ukraine". CBCnews. 22 November 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ "Nicholson urges Russian president to get out of Ukraine at security conference". The Canadian Press. 22 November 2014. Archived from the original on 1 November 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ "Canada's defence minister urges Russian president to get out of Ukraine". The Hamilton Spectator. 22 November 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ a b "Messages to Russia at Halifax International Security Forum". The Chronicle Herald. 22 November 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Juhan Tere (25 November 2015). "Ilves at Halifax Forum: propaganda from the Kremlin creates a parallel reality". The Baltic Course. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Tom Clark (21 November 2014). "Blog: Halifax security forum and the idea of 'Fortress North America'". Global News. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ "Rob Nicholson says nothing to fear over common defence with U.S." CBCnews. 21 November 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Stephen Puddicombe (21 November 2014). "Halifax International Security Forum: 3 things to watch". CBCnews. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ a b "Politics End In Halifax As Democratic and GOP Senators Seek Common Ground on National Security". The Daily Beast. 22 November 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Michael Auslin (26 November 2014). "The Democratic World Has Moved Beyond Obama". National Review. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Jane Taber (23 November 2014). "The three most important discussions at the Halifax International Security Forum". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Carol Morello and Karen DeYoung (24 November 2014). "Iran nuclear talks extended for 7 months amid impasse ahead of deadline". The Washington Post. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Michael Auslin (24 November 2014). "McCain: Failed Korea Nuke Negotiators Now Bringing You Iran Talks". National Review. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Abdullah Gül (22 November 2014). "'Frustration' in the Middle East". Hürriyet Daily News. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ "Former President Gül makes first overseas trip since leaving office". Hürriyet Daily News. 24 November 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Suat Kınıklıoğlu (26 November 2014). "Security notes from Halifax". Today’s Zaman. Archived from the original on 24 June 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ Cengiz Çandar (25 November 2014). "Turkey's Gul returns for encore". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ "ISIL targets Halifax security forum with social media messages". The Chronicle Herald. 22 November 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ "2014 Agenda". Halifax International Security Forum. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
- ^ "Secretary of Defense Speech". U.S. Department of Defense. 22 November 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ a b Paul D. Shinkman (22 November 2013). "Climate Change Forces New Pentagon Plan". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Karen Parrish (22 November 2013). "Hagel Announces DOD's Arctic Strategy". U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ "Hagel Outlines Pentagon's Arctic Strategy in Era of Climate Change". The Wall Street Journal. 22 November 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Thom Shanker (22 November 2013). "Pentagon Releases Strategy for Arctic". The New York Times. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ a b Lolita C. Baldor (23 November 2013). "Hagel says nations must avoid conflict in Arctic". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Kevin Baron (22 November 2013). "Pentagon Outlines Stronger Military Presence in the Arctic". Defense One. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Jane Taber (22 November 2013). "U.S. sounds alarm over melting Arctic at Halifax security forum". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ "Nicholson says U.S. Arctic strategy consistent with Canada's approach". The Chronicle Herald. 23 November 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ "U.S. Arctic strategy consistent with Canada's approach: defence minister". Ottawa Star. 24 November 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Lee Chi-dong (22 November 2013). "Hagel says U.S. rebalance to Asia persists". GlobalPost. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Frances Willick (22 November 2013). "Canada, U.S. ink Asian pact". The Chronicle Herald. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ "Defence minister: Canada has made difference in Afghanistan". The Chronicle Heral. 24 November 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Michael Tutton (22 November 2013). "U.S., Canada defence leaders want Afghan deal". Global News. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ "U.S., Canada concerned about Afghan security deal problems". CBCNews. 22 November 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Kevin Baron (25 November 2013). "Done Deal: Iran to Suspend Nuclear Program, Roll Back Weaponization". National Journal. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ "Hagel discusses Iran talks with Israeli Defense Minister". The Freepress Journal. 23 November 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Yaakov Lappin (22 November 2013). "Ya'alon: Nuclear Iran could plant dirty bomb anywhere in West". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ a b Frances Willick (23 November 2013). "Security forum tackles issue of global responsibility". The Chronicle Herald. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ "NATO Deputy Secretary General stresses importance of Alliance at Halifax Forum". North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 23 November 2012. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ "Israeli-Hamas conflict set to top agenda of international security forum in Canada". Xinhua. 17 November 2012. Archived from the original on November 22, 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "MacKay defends Israel as security summit ends". CBCnews. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ a b Jane Taber and Campbell Clark (18 November 2012). "MacKay urges restraint in Israeli-Palestinian conflict". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Peter MacKay asks Russia to help end Syrian civil war". Toronto Star. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Obama urged to consider no-fly zone in Syria". The Globe and Mail. 17 November 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Richard Foot (18 November 2012). "Stay with Afghanistan or face chaos, says forum panel". Postmedia News. Archived from the original on 5 June 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ a b "As prepared as anyone else". The Chronicle Herald. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Remarks by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta at the Halifax International Security Forum". U.S. Department of Defense. 18 November 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^ John D. Banusiewicz (18 November 2011). "Panetta: Future Rests on Partnerships, Modernization". United States Department of Defense. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Panetta: Allies must share burden in austerity age". Boston Globe. 18 November 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Meagan Fitzpatrick (18 November 2011). "MacKay and Panetta firm on F-35 purchase". CBCnews. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Remarks by Secretary Panetta and Canadian Minister MacKay". U.S. Department of Defense. 18 November 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^ "Libya 'no template' for NATO mission to Syria". CBCnews. 19 November 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "UN must okay any military move on Syria, MacKay says". The Globe and Mail. 20 November 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Steve Clemons (19 November 2011). "The Arab Spring: 'A Virus That Will Attack Moscow and Beijing'". The Atlantic. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Halifax International Forum Wraps Up". The German Marshall Fund of the United States. 2010-11-10. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
- ^ "U.S Senators Urge Canada to Stay in Afghanistan". Fox News. 6 November 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Canada considering staying in Afghanistan". USA TODAY. 7 November 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ a b "'Neuter' Iran, U.S. senator tells conference". CBCnews. 8 November 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Elise Labott (9 November 2010). "U.S., allies spar with Iran over nuclear talks venue". CNN. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Senator: Consider taking out Iran's military". Jerusalem Post. 7 November 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ a b "Bomb Iran? A new tone in foreign affairs". GlobalPost. 8 November 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Richard Woodbury (6 November 2010). "Regular citizens have big security role: Napolitano". Reuters. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Old-Man Disguise Alarms U.S. Security Chief". CBS News. 6 November 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
- ^ "Halifax Int'l Security Forum Keynote with Robert M. Gates". FORA.tv. 2009-11-20. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
- ^ "Gates: Canada's Afghanistan role key". UPI. 21 November 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Jim Garamone (20 November 2009). "Gates Highlights Canada's Efforts in Afghanistan". U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Elisabeth Bumiller (20 November 2009). "Gates Says U.S. Could Withhold Aid if Afghanistan Cannot Curb Corruption". The New York Times. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ Julian E. Barnes (21 November 2009). "States U.S. Afghanistan debate curbs Gates on Canada visit". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "McCain argues against Afghanistan exit date". CBCnews. 21 November 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "Iran wants nuclear fuel guarantees, warns against air attack". ABSCBNnews. 23 November 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ John Vinocur (9 December 2009). "A Heads-Up on Russia's Role in Arctic". The New York Times. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ "Halifax, Nova Scotia". Halifax International Security Forum. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "2009 Participants". Halifax International Security Forum. Archived from the original on 23 December 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "2010 Participants". Halifax International Security Forum. Archived from the original on 23 December 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "2011 Participants". Halifax International Security Forum. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ "2012 Participants". Halifax International Security Forum. Archived from the original on 28 June 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Fram Dinshaw (16 November 2016). "McCain, Kaine among security forum delegates". The Chronicle Herald. Archived from the original on 31 July 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
- ^ "Hanso to colleagues from the United Kingdom: Estonia's security policy will not change". Republic of Estonia Ministry of Defence. 22 November 2016. Archived from the original on 31 July 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
- ^ a b "Estonian Community meets Gen. Riho Terras". Eesti Elu. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ Caitlin Werrell and Francesco Femia (21 November 2017). "Climate on the Halifax International Security Forum Agenda". The Center for Climate Security. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
- ^ "Interview: Gen. Jarmo Lindberg, head of Finland´s Defence Forces". Defcon News. 5 December 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ "2013 Participants". Halifax International Security Forum. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
- ^ "2014 Participants". Halifax International Security Forum. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
- ^ H. J. Akbar (21 November 2014). "The next battle for modernity". The Chronicle Herald. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
- ^ "Asian Pivot, Take Two". The Wall Street Journal. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ a b Paul McLeod (15 November 2012). "Petraeus breaks security forum date". The Chronicle Herald. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Steve Clemons (28 November 2011). "NATO Messes With Pakistan". The Atlantic. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
- ^ Roger Cohen (23 November 2009). "Obama in His Labyrinth". The New York Times. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ Margaret Wente (18 November 2012). "Strange bedfellows want the U.S. to step up to the plate". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
- ^ a b c d Christopher Majka (17 November 2012). "Halifax International Security Forum: The new international normal". rabble. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Suat Kınıklıoğlu (26 November 2014). "Security notes from Halifax". Today's Zaman. Archived from the original on 24 June 2015. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
- ^ Eamonn Fingleton (26 November 2012). "Is This the Bill Gates of Energy?: Meet Nuclear Entrepreneur Taylor Wilson (18)". Forbes. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
- ^ a b John Vinocur (28 November 2011). "For Obama, No Endgame on Russia". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Campbell Clark (November 2011). "PM plans 'inside the wire' Afghan role while U.S. presses for riskier one". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ Joel Jacobson (24 November 2011). "Barak attends Halifax security meeting". The Canadian Jewish news. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
- ^ Janice Gross Stei (21 November 2014). "It's time to update the laws of war". National Post. Retrieved 9 September 2015.
- ^ "Agenda". Halifax International Security Forum. Retrieved 13 August 2013.