Publications - Strategic Analysis Network (SAN)

Strategic Reports

Canada’s Strategic Autonomy in the 21st Century: A Roadmap

Justin Massie, Philippe Lagassé
September 9, 2026

Executive Summary For the first time in its history, Canada is making strategic autonomy a guiding principle of its defence policy. However, the government has provided neither a concrete definition…

Policy Forums

What security benefits or risks should the Government of Canada consider when thinking about AI?

Matthew da Mota, Balkan Devlen, Jennifer Irish, and Dave McMahon
August 5, 2026

Policy Forum Politique is a publication format that aims to stimulate debate by presenting a wide range of expert opinion on a topic of national security significance to Canada. For this seventh…

Analyses

Canada should seek more than observer status on GCAP

Brian Wu
July 15, 2026

The multilateral collaboration is an unprecedented opportunity for Canada to build the next generation of air power The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a trilateral collaboration between Italy, Japan,…

Strategic Reports

Sustaining Public Engagement on Canada’s Security and Defence Priorities

Emmylou Sergentand Gabrielle Andrychuk
July 14, 2026

This policy brief is part of a special series, directed by Laurent Borzillo (Forum de défense et stratégie, FDS), Teodora Morosanu (FDS), and Benjamin Boutin (Association France-Canada) with support from…

Analyses

Buyer or Co-Producer? Canada Must Decide What It Wants from the Acquisition of New Submarines

Justin Massie
July 9, 2026

By selecting ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the preferred supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, the Carney government has settled the largest military procurement in the country's history. The…

Strategic Reports

Cooperation in the Arctic and the North Atlantic: Roles to Play by Canada, France, and Portugal in a Changing Maritime Order

Céline Rodrigues and Homa Azodi
July 7, 2026

This policy brief is part of a special series, directed by Laurent Borzillo (Forum de défense et stratégie, FDS), Teodora Morosanu (FDS), and Benjamin Boutin (Association France-Canada) with support from…

Analyses

Alliance Commitment and the Limits of Strategic Reorientation in Canada

Nicolas-François Perron
June 29, 2026

Deterring with Partners: Where should Canada focus its alliances, and to what ends? Where should Canada focus its alliances, and to what ends? The question sounds forward-looking but, answering it…

Analyses

Why Not Canadian Nuclear Submarines?

Jonathan Cassels
June 22, 2026

Canada’s submarines are running out of time. Built over thirty years ago for service with the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy, the four-boat Victoria-class was acquired by Canada in the 1990s…

Strategic Reports

Credibility First: Rethinking Canadian Strategy in the Face of American Hostility

Walid Ferguen
June 19, 2026

Introduction: The Missing Link in Canadian Strategy The Canadian strategic debate is monopolized by rearmament, military deterrence, and alliance management. These priorities are legitimate and this paper does not challenge…

Analyses

Rethinking Moderation Through an International Lens: The Case of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham in Syria Between Statecraft and International Pressure

Gianmarco Fontana
June 15, 2026

Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham's (HTS) shift from one of the most radical jihadist movements of the Syrian war to a globally acknowledged ruling authority of post-Assad Syria is one of the…