The Torch
Illuminating Security and Defence Issues
Welcome to The Torch, RKUSI’s curated roundup of timely and thought-provoking content from across the defence, security, and military affairs landscape.
Each edition brings together insightful articles, expert commentary, and notable developments—from Canada and around the world—that matter to our community of informed citizens, veterans, and professionals.
Explore the latest links and stay sharp on the issues shaping today’s strategic environment.
Great Power Competition
Russia
Flamingos even things up a bit for Ukraine
13 October 2025
Last February, U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance launched a televised frontal attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House, telling him Ukraine had “no cards.” Zelensky should let Russia keep the conquered territories (about 20 per cent of Ukraine) in return for peace. Yet ...
USA
The US Badly Needs Rare Minerals and Fresh Water. Guess Who Has Them?
13 October 2025
As China tightens its grip on critical resources, Trump eyes Canada’s riches
China
China launches a controversial shipping route across the melting Arctic
13 October 2025
This sea route has been dismissed as too treacherous. China’s taking the risk.
Emerging Technologies
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE’S GROWING ROLE IN MODERN WARFARE
13 October 2025
Nations are racing to integrate AI into military operations, with Ukraine and Russia at the forefront of developing autonomous systems for battlefield advantage....
Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI)
Reflections on Artificial intelligence and Canadian Defence
13 October 2025
The question is no longer whether armed forces will adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI), but how deeply it will be integrated into their operations. ...
Is AI Ready for Golden Dome’s Three-Minute War?
13 October 2025
President Trump’s Golden Dome initiative has certainly created buzz within the Space industry. There are a lot of questions still unanswered, namely what the architecture of the system will be. Despite this, some inferences can be made as to what this space-based system will eventually consist of.
Canada
As China explores the Arctic, Canada’s military is preparing for confrontation
13 October 2025
Beijing wants critical minerals. The North is rich in them....
German or South Korean subs? Ottawa’s pick will hinge on economic windfall
13 October 2025
Spending on major military projects must boost economy, says Carney's defence procurement secretary of state....
How Canada Lost the Drone Race (And How We Can Win It Back)
13 October 2025
We slipped from pioneer to bystander, but the war in Ukraine is forcing a reboot....
5 Eyes Partners
A top secret US spacecraft takes flight tonight – and it could rewrite the rules of future warfare
13 October 2025
The X-37B returned to Earth this month, but details of its time in space remain hazy, to say the least....
First Sea Lord Sets Very Ambitious Targets For Royal Navy Transformation
13 October 2025
We face a world that is increasingly contested and unpredictable, with rapid technological advancements reshaping warfare. My mission is to move the Royal Navy to warfighting readiness over the next four years....
Good enough to win: rethinking risk in innovation
13 October 2025
Innovation policy is often built around optimism. But in a world of live contest across the economy, the environment and the broader geostrategic landscape, progress cannot afford to wait for perfection....
Podcast
What challenges and opportunities will the River-Class Destroyer pose for Canada’s naval strategy?
13 October 2025
The River-class destroyer is needed to address the aging and retiring fleet of Iroquois and Halifax-class warships, whose capabilities no longer meet current and future operational demands. These new ships will ensure Canada maintains a credible naval presence to support national defence, international alliances, and emerging security challenges, particularly in strategic regions like the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic....
Associate Event
The Kingston Consortium on International Security: Securing the Seas
13 October 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....
Video
Are China, India and Russia banding together against the U.S.?
13 October 2025
An economic summit in China is highlighting a significant warming between Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Andrew Chang explains what each leader stands to gain from an emerging alliance that comes as U.S. President Donald Trump's global tariffs and negotiating tactics upend the world order we've come to know....