Knowledge, Power, and Alliances: Rethinking Transatlantic Cooperation in the Face of 21st-Century Challenges
This event will be held in French
This exceptional day, designed to resonate between Montreal and Paris, is guided by a shared commitment to strengthening ties between Canada and France.
Objective: To provide a high-level space for reflection and exchange on new transatlantic convergences. By intersecting strategic, industrial, and diplomatic perspectives, it aims to inform future choices regarding security, innovation, and international cooperation.
PROGRAM:
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Welcome Coffee
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Panel Discussion – Globalization Under Strain
Reconfiguration of powers, new interdependencies, and the future of international governance
Introductory Remarks & Moderation: Aubin Gonzalez Lapos
The geopolitical upheavals of recent years have challenged the analytical frameworks that long structured our understanding of international relations.
Supply chains are reconfiguring, technological rivalries are intensifying, industrial policies are returning to the forefront, and international institutions are being called upon to transform.
How should we understand these shifts? Are we facing a fragmentation of the world or a reconfiguration of its interdependencies?
Building on the work of the Globalization Under Strain group, this discussion will bring together political science, sociology, international political economy, and strategic studies perspectives to better understand ongoing transformations.
Speakers:
Alex Tipei, Professor, Université de Montréal (TBC)
Romain Lecler, Professor, Université du Québec à Montréal (TBC)
Frédéric Mérand, Chair of the Department of Political Science, Université de Montréal (TBC)
Vincent Pouliot, Professor, Université de Montréal (TBC)
Miriam Cohen, Professor of Law, Université de Montréal (TBC)
Sarah-Myriam Martin-Brûlé, Professor, Bishop’s University
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Under the Wings of the Alliance: Defense, Innovation, and France–Americas Cooperation
Introductory Remarks: Aubin Gonzalez Lapos, and Colonel Romain Béthoux, Board Member of France-Amériques
Moderation: Sarah-Myriam Martin-Brûlé and Aubin Gonzalez Lapos
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Keynote Speaker: Her Excellency Nathalie Drouin, Ambassador of Canada to France
In 2026, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. This anniversary also serves as a reminder of a foundational moment in the relationship between France and the Americas: an alliance forged in the struggles for freedom that, for two and a half centuries, has continued to evolve alongside global changes.
The presence of the Patrouille de France adds special significance to this reflection. Far more than an aerobatic display team, it symbolizes trust, excellence, precision, innovation, and the capacity for collective action—qualities that remain central to contemporary alliances.
In a context marked by power rivalries, artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities, space, and emerging technologies, how can France, Canada, and their partners continue to innovate, cooperate, and ensure their collective security?
This panel will bring together military leaders, defense industry representatives, researchers, diplomats, and members of the Patrouille de France to explore the new conditions of transatlantic cooperation and the role of innovation in tomorrow’s security.
4:00 PM – 4:20 PM | Break
4:20 PM – 5:40 PM | Reception with the Patrouille de France
Honorary Address: Brigadier General Pierre GAUDILLIERE, Deputy Chief of Staff “Operations” of the Air and Space Force.
5:40 PM | Closing Remarks
Conclusion of the Day: Aubin Gonzalez Lapos and Sarah-Myriam Martin-Brûlé
What lessons can be drawn from this day?
From knowledge diplomacy to strategic alliances, the discussions will have shown how closely knowledge, technology, industry, and international partnerships are now interconnected. This conclusion will also outline perspectives for upcoming France-Amériques initiatives.
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Networking Reception
A dedicated moment for speakers, France-Amériques members, and representatives from diplomatic, military, industrial, academic, and institutional backgrounds to continue discussions, foster connections, and launch new Franco-Canadian collaborations.
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