Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute

The Canadian Defence & Foreign Affairs Institute was incorporated as a charitable organization in 2001. CDFAI is an independent “research institute/think tank” based in Calgary. It pursues new ideas to focus the national debate and understanding of Canada’s international policies with the ultimate aim of ensuring a more globally engaged Canada. CDFAI believes that doing so enhances Canadian security and prosperity. The organization is dedicated to educating Canadians, and particularly those who have leadership roles in shaping Canadian foreign policy, about the importance of Canada always being proactive in world affairs with tangible diplomatic, military and aid assets.

Through its Fellows program, CDFAI has gathered a group of highly experienced and talented individuals with defence, diplomacy and development backgrounds—both academic and practitioners—who support the organization by authoring research papers and responding to media queries. CDFAI also runs conferences and courses, initiates polling, and develops outreach and education projects.

Background

CDFAI was created to teach Canadian citizens about Canadian international activities. Historically, Canadians tend to think of foreign policy as a matter of trade and markets. They are largely unaware of the importance of Canada engaging internationally in the ongoing struggle to maintain a world that is friendly to the free flow of goods, services, people and ideas across borders, and the promotion of human rights. Canadians are largely unaware of the connection between a prosperous and free Canada and a world of globalization and liberal internationalism. As a trading nation, 38% of Canada’s GDP comes from international trade and 84% of exports are traded with the USA.^{[citation needed]} When the world economy is constrained for whatever reason, Canada also feels this. It is, therefore, important for Canada to strive for a world that is safe, politically stable and prosperous.

CDFAI believes that Canada is a nation with significant international potential. The world is changing quickly and not necessarily for the better; therefore, new thinking is required to face new challenges. CDFAI is an independent organization drawing on the best talent, from both academia and the 'real' world, to provide rigorous analysis of, and workable ideas for, Canada’s international involvement.

Mission Statement

CDFAI is dedicated to be a catalyst for innovative Canadian global engagement.

Vision

Canada has a respected and influential voice in the international arena, based on a comprehensive foreign policy which expresses our national interests, political and social values, military capabilities, economic strength and willingness to be engaged with action that is timely and credible.

Assumptions

• CDFAI will focus on authoritative research as its core area of expertise.
• CDFAI can make a real difference in educating Canadians.
• CDFAI will collaborate with other organizations.
• CDFAI’s products will be objective and credible.

Values & Beliefs

• A nation’s international influence governs its ability to defend and advance its national interests, be they cultural, economic, social, or political.
• International status is determined by a combination of cultural influence, diplomatic leadership, economic power, military power or moral authority. As a nation small in population, Canada’s place in the world can only be maintained by a judicious balancing of these five factors, since the prospect of Canada acting as a dominant global power in any one of these areas is rather slim.
• Canada’s quality of life and standard of living depends on international trade and the free flow of people and ideas across international boundaries. Thus Canada has a vested interest in a peaceful, democratic world, wherein human rights and freedoms are sacrosanct.
• Canada’s global responsibilities ought to determine its spending on defence, security, foreign affairs and international aid.
• Canada has the economic potential and political and social values to make a significant contribution to international peace and security.
• If Canada were participating in international affairs at or near its potential, the world would be a more secure place and there would be less suffering as a consequence.
• Understanding Canada’s place in the world, and knowing its interests and the conjunction of Canadian interests with Canadian values, is a prerequisite to acting responsibly as a nation.
• Authoritative analysis and research is necessary to develop logical arguments and create innovative ideas that persuade Canadians to support an active global presence.

Corporate Structure

• Board of directors: Six directors focus on governance, stewardship and external relations.
• Advisory Council: Ten advisors provide feedback on current and future programs.
• Staff (four): President manages business and external relations, Director of Programs manages programs, Program Coordinator and Administrative Assistant.
• Fellows and Consultants: 35 Fellows (and retained consultants where necessary) prepare all research papers, courses, editorial review, and handle media contact.

Evaluation

Each of CDFAI’s projects is developed to bring attention to pressing defence and foreign policy issues with the ultimate aim of strengthening Canada’s international role. These projects not only analyze the issues but also offer solutions. By publishing the results of these research projects, CDFAI provides policymakers information, with which to carry out policy formulation and administration in a more informed manner. It also allows interested Canadians to become more knowledgeable.

CDFAI is making a difference and, although it cannot take credit alone, it was one of the first organizations to recommend a change away from values-based international rhetoric to investing in assets to help solve international problems. Both the recent Liberal and now the Conservative governments are beginning to do just that.

External links

• Official CDFAI website