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The principal defence publication of the Institute is SITREP, a bi-monthly magazine that allows for the collection of topical, policy-oriented articles on Canada's contemporary security environment. Its brief format allows for concise and very informative articles on a range of important issues, such as US nuclear strategy, regional security dynamics in both the Middle East and Northeast Asia, the threat posed by global terrorist networks and weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and Canadian foreign and defence policy. Distributed to RCMI members and policy-makers, this publication brings critical perspective to a range of issues by some of the world's top defence analysts.
SITREP Needs You! Call for Submission of Articles
SITREP provides the opportunity for our readership and members of the academic, professional and policy communities, to comment on issues of contemporary defence and security. It is mailed to our 1700 members and stakeholders and receives further distribution via our website, www.rcmi.org. From the feedback we receive world-wide, we are heartened to know how widely read is especially in the academic community and sister institutes. We especially encourage young, graduate-level writers to contribute.
Key considerations in the selection of authors will include the ability to write short, policy-relevant articles on military and strategic issues; experience and credentials in the relevant field along with the author's institutional affiliations; and most importantly, willingness to contribute to the ongoing debate in the field. Publication in is ideal for both established academics and young scholars, and for professionals and policy specialists who seek the opportunity for intellectual outreach within the broad community of defence and international security studies.
Articles average from 850 (a one-pager) to 3000 words in length. Footnotes are kept to a minimum or eliminated entirely. Submissions should be in Word (DOC or DOCX) format. Photographs, illustrations, charts, and other graphic material must be provided by the author, either in JPG or PDF format, separate from (i.e., not embedded in) the article.
To contact SITREP please write to our Executive Director/Editor, Col (ret'd) Chris Corrigan, at ccorrigan1@cogeco.ca.
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SITREP, vol 72, no 6 (November-December 2012)
Contents
Reviving the Volunteers: The case for a voluntary auxiliary in Canada: Nick Gunz -3
The Transfer of Power in China: Weixin Lu - 6
Iran: Geopolitical Conundrum: Reza Akhlaghi - 10
Syria: To Fly or not to Fly: Joshua Samac - 12
Vacation for Vets: Thanks to a Good Corporate Citizen: Jenny Newton - 14
SITREP, vol 72, no 5 (September-October 2012)
Contents
Chemical Weapons and the Middle East: John C. Thompson - 3
Who Killed Europe? A Provocation: Ronald J. Granieri - 6
The End of Counterinsurgency and the Scalable Force: George Friedman - 11
A bloody disaster in Dieppe: Dr. J. L. Granatstein - 13
I Was a Soldier Once: Anonymous 14
Book Review: Patrick Graham, ‘The Man Who Went To War’: Eric Morse - 16
SITREP, vol 72, no 4 (July-August 2012)
John Thompson writes about the rise of narcoterrorism and the hemispheric drug wars, in a level of unspeakable violence, have resulted in the brutal deaths of hundreds of thousands. Is Canada prepared to meet this threat? Garrett Jones explores the very topical question “Will nuclear weapons be used by Israel against Iran?” Robert Kaplan analyses the future of NATO and the continuing dominance of NATO by the U.S. He cites the continuing relevance of NATO despite the benign neglect by Europeans. Europe needs NATO for its collective defence and the U.S. needs NATO to leverage the Europeans to take ownership of their security and defence obligations. Eric Morse comments on the current Canadian conceptions on the endgame in Afghanistan post 2014.
SITREP, vol 72, no 3 (May-June 2012)
Sarwar Kashmeri provides a compelling argument that the world’s most successful alliance NATO has evolved and continues to be relevant on the World stage. Peter Pigott presents a little known perspective on how the Second World War changed our North – specifically the US placing troops on Canadian soil ostensibly to defend the continental US. George Friedman writes of the ever changing fortunes of nations and the cycles of geopolitics. The demise of the Soviet Union 1989-91 still has a profound impact throughout Europe. Lawrence Husick addresses the problem of spent nuclear fuel – nuclear safety is both a national and international security issue especially since the natural disaster induced reactor accident of Fukushima. Thomas Fitzgerald provides a review of Dan Bjarnason’s excellent “Triumph at Kapyong: Canada’s Pivotal Battle in Korea” – a must read for everyone wishing to know more about this important event in our nation’s military history. Eric Morse comments on Turkey's threat to invoke NATO Article V against Syrian violations of its border. Commodore (ret’d) Robert N. Baugniet, in his Letter to the Editor, comments on “DND Acquisition in an Era of Reform”, by Rodnie Allison which appeared in the previous issue.
SITREP, vol 72, no 2 (March-April 2012)
Rodnie Allison addresses the timely issue of reforming defence procurement in the present and future era of austerity. His article is prophetic in that until recently the federal government stridently affirmed purchasing 65 F-35 fifth-generation fighter aircraft yet most recently the government appears to be less committed. Sean Clark’s excellent contribution serves as a reminder that war has traditionally been a state’s foremost concern. This concern is driven by the need to win and thereby survive rather than by considerations moral. He provides a compelling argument for the need for study in and the development of theories of victory. Kavita Bapat examines the pervasive demand for illegal drugs and the strategic geopolitical and security impact on Central America and Guatemala that serves as the chief route for illegal drugs going to North American consumers. Pavle Levkovic offers an excellent retrospective on the UN peacekeeping mission in Bosnia 1992 to 1995.
SITREP, vol 72, no 1 (January-February 2012)
This first Sitrep of 2012 is dedicated to the young scholars of Canada represented in its pages, to CDAI, to the Atlantic Council and to their sponsors, who do so much to encourage them. Megan Gregory of Georgetown University writes about anticipating regime responses to unrest in the context of the Arab awakening of 2011. Rebecca Jensen of University of Calgary writes on ‘considerations other than war: social and institutional catalysts for change in the Canadian Forces’. Allen Pietrobon of American University discusses the impact of the Avro Arrow program on US procurement policy. Once more from the Atlantic Council, intern Rodnie Allison, a recent graduate from Dalhousie University, Halifax writes about recent developments in the Indial aerospace industry. And the RCMI’s own Dr. Charles Godfrey, whose own graduate studies lie somewhat deeper in the past, takes us back to 1866 and the Fenians’ invasion of Canada.
SITREP, vol 71, no 6 (November-December 2011)
John Thompson provides us with an alarming article on Sharia Law and why we must resist its application. Kavita Bapat discusses the key challenges in stabilizing Kashmir and safeguarding the interests and rights of the Kashmiri people. Derwin Mak writes of the Canada Memorial in Green Park, London, a few meters from Canada Gate, across the street from Buckingham Palace. Maj Thomas E.K.Fitzgerald comments on LCol Malevich’s and Mr. Youngman’s The Afghan Balance of Power and the Culture of Jihad (July-August, 2011 Sitrep).
SITREP, vol 71, no 5 (September-October 2011)
Tom Mykytiuk examines the trends defining future conflicts and considers options for how Canada can best address the security threats of the 21st century. John Thompson examines the future of Canada’s military in the context of its rich history and the recent end of combat operations in Afghanistan. Derwin Mak writes of the loss of innocence in Norway caused by the horrendous mass murders perpetrated by Anders Breivik. He asks “What motivated Breivik to draw up this radical plan for Europe?” George Friedman writes that Since World War II, a new class of war has emerged that we might call humanitarian wars — wars in which the combatants claim to be fighting neither for their national interest nor to impose any ideology, but rather to prevent inordinate human suffering.
SITREP, vol 71, no 4 (July-August 2011)
Tom Aagaard provides an update on Russia’s military modernization program in relation to NATO’s increasing efforts at military cooperation. John Malevich and Daryl Youngman writes that it is essential not to forget the lessons learned in Afghanistan especially in defining the root causes of insurgency and why an otherwise docile population would take up arms against its government. John Thompson examines the unrest throughout the Middle East and the unintended consequence of 'democide' (murder by government) that can claim millions of lives. Marko Papic discusses the threat to economic and fiscal security to the continuing unity of the European Union (EU) caused by the fiscally responsible member states subsidizing the fiscally irresponsible PIGs – Portugal, Italy and Greece.
SITREP, vol 71, no 3 (May - June 2011)
Captain (Navy) Tom Tulloch provides a fascinating perspective on the piracy that continues to prevail despite the continuous presence of the world’s navies off the Horn of Africa. Jonathan Preece posits that the use of anticipatory force, prevention and pre-emption in the evolution of NATO’s future strategic doctrine to counter terrorism is most timely. David McDonough discusses the politically charged F – 35 (JSF) procurement and presents alternative solutions that reflect budgetary restraints. Barak Mendelsohn questions will the death of Osama bin Laden's bring an end to jihadi terrorism. Eric Morse follows this up on why killing Gadhafi is not preferable. Jack Granatstein examines the recent Liberal and NDP election platform positions on peacekeeping.
SITREP, vol 71, no 2 (March - April 2011)
Andrew Stewart writes that 2012-14, the bicentennial of the War of 1812, is a once-in-a-century opportunity to revitalize the Fort York National Historic Site. The fort is a symbol of the distinct nation that we became in the aftermath of the War of 1812. Jonathan Preece writes of the possible return to the national myth of Peacekeeping - that has taken the shape of folklore and elevated to a higher narrative form through romanticism and nostalgia - a myth that is politically expedient but may need debunking given the present and evolving nature of conflict. Robert Sarfi and Leopoldo Gemoets review the capability and intent, and present a critical review of the vulnerabilities of the smart grid. The reality of cyber security is very simple: heightened protection is inherently an economic challenge. Marko Papic and Sean Noonan discuss whether or not social networks have made regime change easier to organize and execute.
SITREP, vol 71, no 1 (January - February 2011)
Senator Hugh Segal discusses the benign neglect with which Canada has treated its citizen soldiers. Peter Pigott suggests that if Afghanistan is ever to attain some form of stability, a viable air arm is essential. John Thompson examines the internal and regional power struggles in relation to the intentions of Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas and the heightening of security concerns of Israel that predict a likely future war. George Friedman writes on the failure of multiculturalism in Germany which should be considered in the broader context of Europe’s response to immigration, not to Germany’s response alone. |
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SITREP, vol 70, no 6 (November - December 2010)
Our own LCol Jenny Newton provides us with a fascinating glimpse of the logistic challenges in supporting the G20 summit in Toronto. Eric Morse, Assistant Editor and Vice-Chair of the Strategic Studies Committee, has shared the address that he delivered 13 November to the 2010 Queen’s University Foreign Policy Conference on the impact of journalism on foreign policy. A frequent traveller to the region, your Editor finds George Friedman’s analysis of the strategic significance of the Caucasus most worthy.
SITREP, vol 70, no 5 (September - October 2010)
In this centennial year of our Navy, a former Army officer has contributed an in-depth article on “Canada’s Navy at 100”. Accordingly John Thompson, an RCMI member and President of the Mackenzie Institute, examines Canada’s long and rich naval history, the present and future roles and capabilities. David Jones a retired U.S. career diplomat who served as minister-counselor for political affairs at the U.S. embassy at Ottawa during the mid-1990s has kept a close interest in Canadian politics. As the Canada’s most important geopolitical relationship is with the U.S., his “Canada at Mid-Year 2010: A view from North of the Border” as seen through his American lenses is an insightful commentary on Canada. In the last issue I wrote on the state of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets which has fomented considerable discussion, both supportive and contrary. Included is a Letter to the Editor from the National President of The Army Cadet League of Canada.
SITREP, vol 70, no 4 (July - August 2010)
John Thompson, an RCMI member and President of the Mackenzie Institute, examines the events of the June G20 Conference and provides us with a street level view of what he witnessed. Eric Morse discusses the concept of ‘empire’ that has made an intellectual comeback. The Editor takes a look at the present and future health, or lack thereof, of our Army Cadet Corps and offers some remedies to improve this vital institution that educates young Canadians on the responsibilities of citizenship. Richard Desjardins reviews Matthew Kroenig’s, Exporting the Bomb: Technology Transfer and the Spread of Nuclear Weapons. The Editor examines the intriguing case of General McChrystal’s dismissal and fall from grace.
SITREP, vol 70, no 3 (May - June 2010)
Nathan Flight examines police reform in Afghanistan and Canada's investment in police mentoring. Chris Kilford, our Deputy Defence Attaché to our Ambassador in Kabul, takes us to the Sherpur Cantonment Cemetery in Kabul, where the names of of 43 Canadian soldiers are listed - who lost their lives in and around Kabul between April 2002 and November 2006. The Editor reports on his extended stay in Baku, Azerbaijan. Eugene Lang and Eric Morse posit that our political leadership owes Canadians a conversation about the military as an instrument of Canada's foreign policy. Trudy Kearns, our resident War Artist, presents an interesting perspective on war art.
SITREP, vol 70, no 2 (March - April 2010)
Eric Jardine presents the logical case for countering the mobility of an insurgency. Eugene Lang and Eric Morse present a compelling argument on why the issue of the treatment of Afghan detainees may have been lost in the halls of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Jenny Newton writes of the enormous logistics support challenges found in sustaining the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Peter Pigott provides an interesting and compelling look at the challenges of our helicopter crews in the harsh environment of Afghanistan. and the vital support they provide. Peter Zeihan does a comparative analysis of Germany’s status in the European Union and the changing nature of geopolitics and economics within the Eurozone.
SITREP, vol 70, no 1 (January - February 2010)
Vincent Curtis writes that Maneuver Warfare exhibits all the worst characteristics that military theorizing has evinced in the last thirty years. The Editor examines “When should an officer disobey orders?” in consideration of constraints on warfare, the responsibility of the state and the individual to include coercion and superior orders, democracy and conscience, and the precedent of Nuremberg. Alex Roland contends: (1) technology, more than any other outside force, shapes warfare; and, conversely, war (not warfare) shapes technology. (2) Military technology is, however, not deterministic. Rather, (3) technology opens doors. And, finally, (4) these characteristics of military technology are easier to see in the modern period than previously, though they have always been at work.
2009
SITREP, vol 69, no 6 (November - December 2009)
SITREP, vol 69, no 5 (September - October 2009)
In this issue: Your Editor argues that there is a severe capability gap in the protection of our Arctic sovereignty. Charles Godfrey writes of the government’s decision to end our military commitment in 2011. Eric Morse and Eugene Lang critique the first venture of Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the newly minted NATO secretary-general, into Canadian policy. Bruce Rolston shares his most recent ‘mentoring’ experience in Afghanistan. Scott Stewart and Fred Burton critique the Scottish decision to release Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi, the former Libyan intelligence officer convicted of terrorism charges in connection with the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. Richard Desjardins reviews David M. Lampton’s, The Three Faces of Chinese Power: Might, Money, and Minds.
SITREP, vol. 69, no. 4 (July - August 2009)
In this issue: Ted Lennox examines the challenge of creating a new Canadian strategy for military search and rescue, Thomas Adams discusses Australia's 2009 Defence White Paper, Andrew Ross reviews the role of nuclear weapons in international politics, and George Friedman summarizes the July US-Russia Summit.
SITREP, vol. 69, no. 3 (May - June 2009)
In this issue: John Thompson explores "Is it right to use violence outside of the law against domestic terrorism, and if so, what are the advantages and what are the potential penalties? Stewart and Bokhari examine declining security in Pakistan and the threat posed by Al Qaeda to Saudi interests in Pakistan. Richard Maltz makes the case for a practical, accessible Epistemology that can be consciously invoked by anyone, at any time, to help address practical, real-world, day-to-day challenges.
SITREP, vol. 69, no. 2 (March - April 2009)
In this issue: Racouchot and Vandomme write that ideas drive the world. Fred Burton and Scott Stewart contend that Mexico is in the middle of a war involving the Mexican drug cartels that has also made Mexico the kidnapping capital of the world. Nipa Banerjee examines the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of aid programs in Afghanistan. Michael Radu writes that Sri Lankans finally think they have defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Eric Morse posits that the attack on Sri Lanka's national cricket team in early March marked the end of the long-standing truce that terrorism has had with the Olympics and sporting events in general.
SITREP, vol. 69, no. 1 (January - February 2009)
In this issue: David T. Jones , a former US consular official stationed in Ottawa, presents a ‘outside looking in' perspective of how ‘we' govern ourselves. Kamran Bokhari and Reva Bhalla comment on the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the mixed messages by principal Arab states that blame Hamas publicly for the crisis "while privately often expressing their support for Israel's bid to weaken the radical Palestinian group." Peter Pigott spans 100 Years in exploring the origins of flight and the evolution of aviation in Canada. Vincent Curtis examines the objects and nature and the limits of precision in military theory and science that would assist military leadership and doctrine writers.
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