The unintended consequences of our policy decisions
The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine brings several immediate thoughts to mind. In a dangerous world, being able to look after yourself is highly advantageous We talk a lot about how war has become obsolete, how a rules-based international order can substitute for a robust defence capability, and how attachment to the nation-state is increasingly passé.…
Manipulative fantasy crises and villains fail to gain traction when met with healthy public skepticism
The world has been shocked by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression in neighbouring Ukraine and we all watch in horror as millions of people are made to suffer. What lessons does this situation reveal about our humanity? We’re capable of responding to people in need with empathy. The media coverage of the Ukraine crisis has…
Unfortunately, Canada is in no position to help because of decades of poor energy policy
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine didn’t cause the energy crisis in Europe. Rather, the energy crisis enabled the invasion – and it’s been decades in the making. So what are we going to do about it? Energy policy must be strategic. Unless Western nations address our energy security, we may be destined to see this kind…
Could be another challenging year for our farmers, and consumers
Humanity just got dealt another blow with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Just thinking of the human cost is unbearable. And the agri-food sector has already been impacted by the conflict in more ways than one. Ukraine is Europe’s breadbasket, so this conflict will affect global commodity markets in a meaningful way. Wheat and corn futures…
Zelenskyy’s refusal to give in to Putin’s demands and dreams of rebuilding the Soviet Union is awe-inspiring
During times of war and conflict, many memorable lines have been delivered by political and military leaders. A few notable examples include: Pericles’s appeal for war against Sparta, 432 BC: “We must live up to the standard they set: we must resist our enemies in any and every way, and try to leave to those…
Putin reignites the Cold War
I don’t often write about house-to-house combat, so I’ll seize this opportunity as Russians attempt to seize cities in Ukraine. A primary consideration in war is how to get from one spot to another while supplying your troops. In the U S. Civil War there was a good road from the south winding up to…
Why isn't the West reacting more strongly to Russian aggression? Energy supplies
Ukraine is under fire and United States President Joe Biden and his NATO colleagues are talking tough on the Russian invasion of the country. But their hands seem tied. Russian President Vladimir Putin, the ex-KGB man, is already emerging as the winner of the first round of the battle for Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy…
Russia terrorizing Ukraine because America isn't demonstrating the resolve Trump did four years ago
ORLANDO, Fla. – Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the world is a more dangerous place under President Joe Biden than it was under Donald Trump. Speaking Friday at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando (CPAC), Pompeo recited a laundry list of what he said are Trump’s accomplishments, including building a border wall,…
Geopolitics has been behind the surging markets
Oil and politics go hand in hand. They’re virtually inseparable. Recent events once again highlight the energy world’s dynamics. Fundamental factors have played a significant role in getting crude oil prices to the current levels. Yet, none can deny that, to a great extent, geopolitics has been behind the surging markets. Recent events underline this.…
The U.S. made it clear that Russia will pay for a Ukrainian invasion. But so will other nations
The possibility of Russia invading Ukraine is the hottest geopolitical issue today. And this carries implications for the global energy balance. Growing concerns over the possible military conflict in Ukraine, resulting in disruption of natural gas supplies to Europe, is a point of deliberation in Washington and other NATO capitals. The United States has made…