La table ronde finale de l'atelier du 22 septembre portera sur le thème « Sauver les meubles : la gouvernance climatique ».

Avec @greenprofgreen.bsky.social, Daniel Muth et @ryankatzrosene.bsky.social, sous la présidence de @michaelmanulak.bsky.social.

>>> bit.ly/4m6PBzv

Sixth, Stoics see obstacles as drivers for growth. Aurelius said “The impediment to action advances action, what stands in the way becomes the way.” Though much today appears bleak, Stoics see an opportunity to improve our condition. Crises often precede change. 7/7

Fifth, those in power must be governed by integrity through the pursuit of virtue. Concern even for one’s life and reputation are intolerable impediments to virtue. This emphasis seems alien to modern sensibilities, where the self-interested will to power is assumed and widely condoned .6/7

Fourth, Stoics emphasize the need for reflection. Stoic foreign policy is guided by a similar reflective ethos, via good policy planning and strategic analysis. In today’s social media-dominated world, there is less time for careful analysis. Stoics would guard against reactivity. 5/7

Third, Stoics draw a stark line between things within their control and things beyond. Stoic foreign policymakers direct their attention and efforts to what they can control, including national flourishing and contributing to global public goods. 4/7

Second, Stoics such as Cato the Younger and Marcus Aurelius, were strong believers in institutions as checks on the abuse of power. Stoics prioritize the common good. For Aurelius, “What injures the hive injures the bee.” Attacks on (inter)national institutions are hugely problematic for Stoics 3/7

First, Stoics focus on pursuing four Cardinal Virtues: Justice, Prudence, Temperance, & Fortitude. Stoics have little patience for realpolitik, or an ill-disciplined, self-serving approach to statecraft. Stoics pursue virtue in all things. A Stoic Foreign Policy reflects this.2/7

Canada is entering a period of threats to national unity and its sovereignty. It has a vital interest in global rules & institutions. We need greater unity at home, including something more closely resembling a foreign policy consensus 6/6

As an analyst of world affairs, I was surprised by the extent of the divergence. While the Liberal platform seeks to advance Canada's core national interests in cooperation, the Conservative approach is a striking departure from the Conservative foreign policy tradition. 5/6

Pierre Poilievre's platform entails an historic retreat from the world. He'd cut international assistance and support to global institutions. The platform is animated by its opposition to "hostile" regimes. This is a striking departure from past Conservative governments 4/6

On other issues, however, there are stark differences. The @liberalca.bsky.social would engage actively in the world. They'd conduct a foreign policy review, enhance Canada's diplomatic presence abroad, & would be engaged multilaterally to reinforce a rules-based international order 3/6

There are some areas where the differences are smaller, especially on Canada-U.S. relations, Defence spending, and Arctic Security. On these issues @mark-carney.bsky.social and Pierre Poilievre present similar visions. 2/6