The Torch
Illuminating Security and Defence Issues
Associate Events
TransformativeTechnologies: Reshaping Defence and Security
13 July, 2026
In an era where emerging technologies are disrupting societies and transforming the character of war, the security and defence sectors must adapt. Advances in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cyber capabilities, digital infrastructure, and algorithms are altering how states defend themselves and conduct operations. At the same times, these innovations represent major economic opportunities for rapid development of high-value industries. ...
Reserves at the Ready: Transforming Total Defence Forces in War and Peace
14 July 2026 -
In the face of the rapidly changing defence and security environment, states are increasingly struggling to counter conventional and hybrid threats, while also standing by to respond to domestic emergencies. As a result, many states have increased defence spending, sought to boost military recruitment efforts, and developed integrated defence force models. Reserve forces are key components of such models. ...
Diversifying Canada’s Security and Defence Partnerships: Challenges and Opportunities
2 June 2026 -
Much has been said in the past year about the need for Canada to diversify its international partnerships given the challenges posed by the return to the American presidency of Donald Trump. This, however, is much easier said than done. This conference brings together former senior Canadian officials and experts to help us better understand what diversifying security and defence partnerships means in practice: What should the concrete objectives be? What are the main obstacles? Does Canada have the right tools to do this?
Lies in the Skies: Limits of the Drone Warfare Evolution and the Rise of Countermeasures
24 April 2026 -
Drones represent an evolution in warfare, not a revolution, and the full implications of drone warfare have not yet been felt. The ability to operate effectively despite drone threats is the necessary precondition for success and the reason counter-drone capability deserves even greater attention than drone capability itself. Battle-winning operations will continue to require modern, specialized platforms operated by increasingly informed, connected, protected, and adaptive personnel. Drones will be an important part of that future, but they will not fundamentally replace it.
Individualized Deterrence: Hyper‑Personalized Dissuasion in the Information Age
27 March 2026 -
Traditional deterrence assumes countries act like calm, rational players pursuing clear national interests. But in many authoritarian systems, that’s not how decisions are really made. Power often rests in the hands of one individual — and that individual may care less about abstract national goals and more about staying in power, protecting loyal elites, building personal wealth, or shaping their legacy in history. If we want deterrence to work in those contexts, is it possible to think less about “what does the other country needs?” and more about “what does the leader want?” ...
Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada
36th Canadian Military History Colloquium
8 May 2026 - 9 May 2026
The Canadian Military History Colloquium is the largest gathering of military historians in Canada, bringing together academics, students, independent scholars and members of the public to share the latest work in Canadian military history and war and society....
Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence
4 March 2026 - 5 February 2026
If you are unable to attend in person, the conference will be livestreamed publicly on Canada’s parliamentary cable network, CPAC. There is no cost or registration required to watch, and session recordings will be available afterward through the CPAC Video Archive....
What is China’s vision for a new world order?
22 January 2026 -
As America retreats from its dominant role on the global stage changes, experts debate Beijing’s international ambitions and how it aims to remake the world order....
The Kingston Consortium on International Security: Securing the Seas
18 November 2025 - 20 November 2025
In an era of growing geopolitical tensions, cyber threats, and economic vulnerabilities, maritime security is a critical concern for North America and Europe. This conference brings together defence leaders, military practitioners, and academics to assess emerging threats to maritime trade, undersea infrastructure, and naval operations. Discussions will explore the impact of global disruptions, the role of naval forces in deterrence, and the need for transatlantic cooperation to safeguard economic stability and uphold the rules-based international order....