Mobilize Knowledge. Train the Next Generation.
The Strategic Analysis Network (SAN) is a bilingual, independent, and nonpartisan research center specializing in defense and international security issues. Its mandate is to provide the Defense Team with rigorous, timely, and relevant expertise on the transformation of the international order and its implications for Canada’s defense policy.
The Network’s work focuses on:
- Analysis of strategic competition and cross-domain threats, including the strategies of Canada’s adversaries, lessons learned from contemporary conflicts, the evolution of deterrence strategies, NATO’s adaptation, and new allied security initiatives;
- The study of issues related to the defense of the Arctic, the North, and North America, including the evolution of Canada-U.S. defense relations, changes in the U.S. strategic posture, and their implications for continental security;
- An examination of Canada’s defense industrial and technological base, including issues related to capability acquisition, interoperability with allies, the development of sovereign capabilities, and the implementation of Canada’s Defense Industrial Strategy.
Objectives
In this context, the Network pursues three objectives:
- Mobilize – in French and English – innovative and multidisciplinary research in the field of defence and security in order to develop synergies and amplify the voice of experts;
- Disseminate the results of strategic analysis to the Government of Canada, partner organizations and the general public so as to inform political decisions and public debate;
- Train the next generation of security and defence experts by integrating students into the development and dissemination of knowledge and through the professional development of young researchers, with a particular concern for equity, diversity and inclusion.
The RAS/SAN is a research incubator that is committed to the academic freedom and non-partisan nature of its analyses. Through an inclusive approach, these values guide the RAS/SAN’s mission and direct its activities. Our strategy on intersectionality, designed by our GBA+ leader, Isabelle Caron, structures all of our mobilization, dissemination, and training activities. The RAS/SAN’s community of diverse viewpoints and members is fundamental to achieving its mission. Pluralism is a virtue recognized as such by the Network. Particular attention is given to including ideas from marginalized groups and/or those with minority status.
Led by Justin Massie (UQÀM) and a steering committee comprising Frédérick Gagnon (UQÀM), Thomas Hughes (Mount Allison University), Alexander Lanoszka (Waterloo), Sarah-Myriam Martin-Brûlé (Bishop’s) and Jonathan Paquin (uLaval) the Network brings together more than 80 leading researchers and experienced practitioners. In addition to researchers working on at least one of the three topics mentioned above, the Network mobilizes the expertise of international collaborators, a Strategic Steering Committee and emerging researchers.
Members
The SAN has five membership categories to represent its professional, faculty, graduate and undergraduate members. Our members are bilingual, which means they have the ability to understand both of Canada’s official languages, English and French. All members are free to express themselves in the official language of their choice. In addition to bilingualism, each category of membership has its own eligibility criteria, details of which are provided below.
Scholar
- Professor in a Canadian university or researcher at a Canadian research center
- Expert in at least one of the SAN research themes
Collaborator
- Experienced practitioner
- Expert in at least one of the SAN research themes
Associate Researcher
- Professor at a foreign university or researcher at a foreign research center
- Expert in at least one of the SAN’s research areas
Emerging Scholar
- Graduate student or young professional
- Supervised or sponsored by a SAN scholar or collaborator
- Actively working on at least one of the SAN research themes
Intern
- Student credited by their University institution
- Participates in the organization of SAN activities
- Supervised by one of the members of the SAN team
For a spontaneous application, contact us at info@ras-nsa.ca.
Publications
The SAN is proud to mobilize research in the field of defence and security through four types of bilingual publications (Analyses, Strategic reports, Policy forums and Debriefs). Read our publication guidelines here: Publications RAS/SAN.
