Affaires publiques et internationales - Mémoires // Public and International Affairs - Research Papers

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10393/23244

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 481

VOUS ÊTES LES BIENVENUS, MAIS PAS CHEZ NOUS LES POLITIQUES QUÉBÉCOISES AU SERVICE DE LA DROITE RADICALE
(2024-04) Joly-Charette, Félixe; Clark-Kazak, Christina
Le présent travail de recherche se penche sur la question de la montée des tendances de la droite radicale au Québec. Depuis le début des années 2000 , les preuves d ’idéologie raciste au sein des politiques québécoises à l’égard des populations immigrantes visibles et religieuses se font de plus en plus flagrantes. Qui plus est, les problématiques décriées par le Gouvernement du Québec en matière d’immigration laissent présager que les demandes ne se basent pas sur des statistiques et des faits concrets , mais sur des préférences idéologiques . Les médias, la littérature existante dans le domaine de l’immigration, du multiculturalisme, de l’interculturalisme et de la droite radicale nous permettent de tisser des liens entre les revendications et les décisions québécoises et la fermeture de la province à la diversité. Ce que nous appr enons est que le discours gouvernemental est de plus en plus ethnocentrique et qu’il est effectivement basé sur des données peu probantes. Qui plus est, il semble que la population n’agi t pas complètement dans le sens du gouvernement, bien qu’une partie soit en accord avec le discours . Le présent travail de recherche nous apprend que bien que certains individus faisant partie de groupes minoritaires visibles ou religieux aient été victimes de la hausse des crimes haineux, la majorité de la population québéc oise n’agit pas sur des pulsions de droite radicale. Mots clés: Extrême droite, politiques linguistiques, Québec, Canada, immigration, ethnocentrisme, multiculturalisme, interculturalisme, racisme, laïcité, nationalisme.
Les défis/obstacles rencontrés par les gouvernements dans l’application de la taxe carbone : l’approche canadienne
(2024-08) Sacko, Niamé Dite Agna; Juillet, Luc
Expanding International Services Trade in Developing Economies: Understanding How Trade in Digital and Technology Services Can Empower Economic Development Opportunities for Global South States in the Indo-Pacific Region.
(2024-08) Carter Clarke, Evan; Notten, Geranda
The expansive globalization and advancements in digital information and communication technologies have facilitated the integration of the global economy and reshaped the conditions of international trade. Enabling the digitalization of cross-border trade through the digital transmission of data and information to facilitate transactions. An emerging proponent of this digitalized economy has been the digital trade in services, which seeks to facilitate the cross-border transfer of knowledge and the global division of labour. Through expanding digital trade in services economies can foster economic growth through increased product efficiency, integrated new business models, and broadening the access of firms able to engage in the global economy. However, due to the uneven development of digital technology infrastructure and integration into the digital economy, technologically advanced high-income economies predominate the digital service trade environment. Thus, as developing economies expand their technological infrastructure, they serve to be the greatest benefactors of this digital economy. Upon this background, this paper aims to explore the evolving approaches that Global South states of the Indo-Pacific are employing to advance their trade in digital and technology services. Through focusing on the economic digitalization strategy of the Philippines and analyzing the current state of their determinants of comparative advantage in digital service trade. We identify effective digitalization policies currently being adopted and highlight future policy areas that can advance broader economic development.
L’ÉCHEC DE L’INTERVENTIONNISME AMÉRICAIN DANS LA LUTTE CONTRE LE TERRORISME EN AFGHANISTAN ENTRE 2001 ET 2021 ET LES REPERCUSSIONS SUBSEQUENTES SUR LA POPULATION AFGHANE
(2024-09) Bhujun, Gnaviksha Devi
LEGAL SHORTCOMINGS IN THE PROSECUTION OF WAR CRIMES: THE CASE FOR CONTINUED USE OF AD HOC TRIBUNALS IN UPHOLDING INTERNATIONAL LAW
(2024-08) Heeney, Madison; Robinson, Paul
Exploring the Personal and Professional Outcomes for Skilled Immigrants Under Canada's Point-Based System: A Comparative Study with Traditional Immigration Pathways
(2024-08) Okafor, Nnedi Cynthia; Bernier, Luc
This research aims to explore the personal and professional outcomes of skilled workers under Canada’s point-based system in comparison with those of immigrants who arrive through traditional pathways. The growing emphasis on attracting skilled labour to Canada for the purpose of addressing economic needs like labour shortage influenced the prioritization of merit-based selection when deciding which immigrants are accepted. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis to understand the impact of these immigration pathways on the social integration, psychological well-being , family dynamics and professional achievements of immigrants. The mixed-methods approach, which is a combination of quantitative data from questionnaires and qualitative insights from an extensive literature review is employed in this research to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Key factors such as language proficiency, foreign credentials recognition, access to social networks and the availability of support services are identified as influencing the experiences of immigrants and determining their overall outcomes in terms of sense of belonging, employment opportunities, career projection, job stability and income levels. These factors are extensively discussed in this paper. According to the research, skilled immigrants admitted through the point-based system generally record more favorable personal and professional outcomes when compared to those who arrived through traditional pathways. This could be attributed to the fact that immigrants coming through the point-based system undergo a rigorous selection process which ensures that they are better equipped to integrate and thrive in the Canadian system; labour market and culture, leading to higher employment rates, higher earnings and better cultural experiences. On the other hand, traditional pathway immigrants such as those arriving through family unification or as refugees, face greater challenges such as language difficulties, non-recognition of foreign credentials, or difficulty in finding suitable and fulfilling employment. The study concludes with recommendations to inform the development of more effective immigration policies that will address the challenges faced by immigrants such as simplifying the recognition of foreign credentials, providing expansive language training and mentorship and fostering inclusive community support systems which will ultimately ensure that Canada remains a preferred destination for skilled talent. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on immigration policy and integration, and provides valuable insights for policymakers, social service providers, and immigrant advocacy groups. The comparative analysis of skilled immigrants under different pathways adds depth to the discussion and highlights the challenges that immigrants experience as well as the need for support that promotes successful integration and leads to an all-round more fulfilling experience for all Canadian immigrants.
“Managing the hungry and disciplining the poor”: A critical examination of the paradox of food insecurity policy in Canada and the transformative power of narrative
(2024-08) Burton, Laurel; Fafard, Patrick
Over forty years ago the first food bank opened in Canada, marking the beginning of an institutionalized system that would replace social welfare policies as the primary way to “…help Canadians put food on the table ”. Household food insecurity in Canada refers to inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints. Research overwhelmingly shows that income redistribution policies are far more effective at reducing food insecurity than food charity or other food (re)distribution interventions. Yet, institutionalized food programs continue to dominate policy discussions, even as food insecurity rates soar to unprecedented levels across the country. There is a paradox here: despite clear evidence that income inequality drives food insecurity in Canada, governments consistently fail to implement effective income redistribution policies, opting instead for ineffective food programming. In their book, Why isn’t government policy more preventive (2020), Cairney & St Denny explore the intersection of three policy theories – Multiple Streams Approach (MSA), Social Construction and Policy Design (SCPD), and Complexity Theory – offering a nuanced framework for understanding why prevention policy consistently challenges governments. This paper applies these theories to the paradox of food insecurity policy in Canada, using it as a compelling case study of how governments struggle to implement effective prevention policies, despite their potential to significantly improve public health outcomes. Key words: prevention policy; multiple streams analysis; social construction and policy design; complexity theory; household food insecurity; food insecurity; charity; food banks 2 The Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food: Office of the Prime Minister of Canada. (2020). Prime Minister announces additional support for food banks and local food organizations.
Melting Ice, Rising Interests: Assessing China’s Arctic Ambitions and their Geopolitical Impacts.
(2024-08) Cianflone, Alex Joseph; Robinson, Paul
This paper identifies the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) objectives and goals in the Arctic Region. The paper examines China’s interests in the Arctic, particularly relating to Arctic governance, science, and hydrocarbon and mineral extraction. The PRC’s relationship with Russia is also examined. The PRC’s “near-Arctic state” status and Arctic White Paper have made China an ambitious Arctic player. This paper makes it clear that, in order to succeed, China should focus its efforts on areas with the greatest potential for growth, such as Arctic science, resource extraction, and strengthening bilateral ties with the Arctic states other than Russia. The paper concludes by arguing that China’s most viable future path as an Arctic player requires it to acknowledge that it is better to complement the existing system (e.g. Arctic Council and the Arctic Eight) with its current observer status rather than to try to be viewed as an equal and legitimate Arctic state.
The Shift to a Multipolar World: The Opportunities and Challenges this will Present to the African Union in achieving its Objectives set out in Agenda 2063
(2024-08) Richardson, Liam; Abrahamsen, Rita
The current international order is going through an important shift. As Western dominance declines and non-Western states such as China, Russia, India and the Gulf states see their power and influence rise, the hierarchical, American-led unipolar order is giving way to a new a new era of multipolarity. As countries strive for greater power under this multipolar order, geopolitical tensions are once again increasing as states attempt to shape the shifting international system to best reflect their preferred norms, values and institutions. This rising tension and competition are leading current and emerging powers to actively court countries across the Global South to help expand their influence and secure new partners. One of the regions that has witnessed an abundance of this attention in recent years is Africa. The renewed geopolitical competition that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the new multipolar era will undoubtedly impact the continent’s most important regional organization, the African Union (AU). As the distinct features of the bipolar and unipolar orders of the 20th and 21st century shaped the structure and functioning of the Organization of African Unity and AU, it should be expected that the new features of the multipolar international order will once again have a significant impact on the organization. However, the exact nature of this impact is still largely unknown. This paper sets out to further explore this topic through analyzing the opportunities and challenges facing the AU in achieving the objectives set out in its Agenda 2063 document in the context of the current multipolar shift of the international order. Specifically, the paper focuses on the impact of two objectives that are pinnacle to the AU achieving its Agenda 2063 and broader Pan-African objectives. These objectives are: (1) An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law and (2) Africa as a strong, united, resilient, and influential global player and partner. Through conducting an extensive analysis of both primary and secondary documents and research, the paper argues that while the new era of multipolarity could provide the AU with greater power and leverage in international politics, it could also further divide the continent while eroding democratic and liberal values that are cornerstone to the AU. Recognizing these opportunities and challenges highlights that the shift to a multipolar has placed the AU at a critical point in time. On one hand, a multipolar world could allow the AU to secure greater influence in international relations through leading a united African continent on the international stage. However, multipolarity could also undermine the power of the organization through dividing the continent into competing factions as African states choose to prioritize national policies and sovereignty at the expense of greater continental unity. Should this occur, the chance of achieving its Agenda 2063 objectives becomes virtually impossible. Keywords: African Union, Africa, Multipolarity, Global Governance
The NATO Precedent: How Russia’s Conceptions of Sovereignty Dictate Strategic Narratives in Ukraine
(2024-08) Makiyenko, Darya; Zuercher, Christoph
The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine spawned an abundance of narratives from Russia in its attempt to justify its actions. Many scholars have established that Russia’s strategic narratives in previous controversial military engagements with former Soviet states have mirrored Western narratives in the 1999 NATO bombing of Kosovo, as well as the subsequent support for Kosovar independence. The breach of Serbia’s sovereignty for humanitarian reasons was contrary to Russia’s foreign policy at the time, but this has changed since. Kosovo was instrumental in shifting Russia’s view on sovereignty away from dominant Westphalian sovereignty focused on territory and recognition towards one focused on citizens and shared values, known as organic sovereignty. This paper will demonstrate that this view of sovereignty not only originated with Western narratives in Kosovo in 1999, but also that has been present in narratives justifying Russia’s involvement in Georgia in 2008, Crimea in 2014, and Ukraine in 2022. “It is not the territory and borders that I am concerned about but the fates of people.” Russian President Vladimir Putin, 2016.
Diversifying Canada’s trade relations in the Indo-Pacific: what role for ASEAN?
(2024-08) Tran, Hang Phuong; Leblond, Patrick
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: The Potential for an International Legal Framework, based on the European Union’s Regulation
(2024-08) Wong Kwan Wing, Elodie Megane Mee Gnane; Paris, Roland
La dissuasion en temps de guerre à travers la Marine russe au XXIe siècle
(2024-08) Calvo, Pierre-Alexis; Robinson, Paul
Regional Governance of Internal Displacement and Peacebuilding in North Kivu
(2024-04) Keza, Tessah; Huggins, Christopher
This research paper discusses the failure by regional peacebuilding efforts in North Kivu to produce better conditions for peace and stability over the last ten years. Years of conflict in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo have resulted in one of the worst displacement crises on the globe, with North Kivu being home to 2.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the end of 2023. Poor governance and recurring violence have allowed this crisis to become protracted, which creates critical challenges for populations in North Kivu and in turn fuels key conflict dynamics that drive armed group proliferation and conflict regeneration. This is despite the presence of regionally supported peace operations over the last several years, which have evidently failed to prevent recurring conflict induced displacement and protect IDPs. This paper therefore studies two regional frameworks on the management of internal displacement, the Protocol on the Protection and Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons, as well as the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons and examines why they have not been able to address the displacement crisis in North Kivu and the implications this has had for peacebuilding. This analysis concludes that the institutions behind these regional frameworks – the ICGLR and the AU – have been characterised by significant gaps and weaknesses which limit their ability to implement and operationalize their regional principles on managing displacement – resulting in peacebuilding initiatives that not only fail to manage the consequences of displacement in North Kivu, but at times exacerbate the crisis and thereby contribute to conflict regeneration. This indicates that beyond the deficiencies of the state in Kinshasa, the failure to tackle root causes of insecurity in eastern Congo can also be attributed to a crisis of governance at the regional level. Keywords: peacebuilding, regional conflict management, internal displacement
Ability to Care Understanding the role of care ethics in disability policy design in Canada
(2024-04) Mughal, Maryam; Orsini, Michael
For decades, persons with disabilities have advocated for a leadership role in shaping the policies that affect them. While Canada, along with the international community, has moved toward a greater recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities, there remains a major gap between what is needed and what public policies currently provide. To ameliorate this, disability policy design in Canada should move toward a participatory model, in which critical decisions should come from within the disability community. However, in advancing this new model, decisionmakers must ensure empathy in their approach, in order to subvert some of the risks that can be associated with participatory approaches to policy design. To do this, I argue for the use of feminist care ethics, which offers a conceptual framework by which participatory approaches to disability policy design can be constructed equitably, in order to meet the needs of both the disability community as well as their family/friend caregivers. I find that care ethics works to bolster and enhance existing scholarship in disability studies, and thus can act as a positive (and crucial) conduit to achieve justice for persons with disabilities in Canada. Keywords: Policy design, participatory policy design, critical disability studies, disability policy, feminist policy, care ethics
Médias d’information, GAFAM et politiques publiques à l’ère numérique Étude de cas : Les géants d’Internet et la L oi sur les nouvelles en ligne au Canada
(2024-04) Ikhlef, Nahla; Leblond, Patrick
Cette étude vise à analyser de manière approfondie les implications cruciales découlant de l'instauration de la Loi sur les nouvelles en ligne du Canada (anciennement Projet de loi C-18), destinée à encadrer la diffusion d'informations sur les plateformes numériques. Le contexte médiatique actuel est caractérisé par une incertitude croissante, incitant ainsi à une réévaluation du paysage médiatique canadien. Dans cette perspective, notre recherche s'attache à comprendre l'impact des plateformes numériques sur l'avenir du journalisme, mettant en lumière l'influence croissante des géants d’Internet sur le secteur de l'information, ainsi que sur la nécessité de mettre en place des réglementations adéquates. L'analyse développée dans ce travail s'articule autour de trois axes majeurs. Tout d'abord, une exploration des objectifs et des implications potentielles de la Loi sur les nouvelles en ligne est entreprise. Ensuite, une évaluation critique des positions des acteurs clés tels que les médias, les géants du web et le gouvernement est réalisée. Enfin, une analyse des répercussions de l'influence des parties prenantes sur la mise en place de la Loi et sur le secteur de l'information. Le principal objectif de ce mémoire est de contribuer à une compréhension plus élargie des enjeux complexes liés à la régulation des plateformes numériques. Dans cette optique, des recommandations concrètes sont formulées afin d'améliorer la mise en place de politiques publiques adaptées à l'ère numérique. En somme, il s'agit d une modeste contribution visant à éclairer les débats actuels et à orienter les décideurs vers des solutions pertinentes pour faire face aux défis posés par l'évolution rapide du paysage médiatique en ligne. Mots clés : Canada, Contenus en ligne, Géants d’Internet, Loi sur les nouvelles en ligne, Médias, Plateformes numériques, Projet de loi C-18, Régulation.
Feminist Perspectives in Conflict: Unraveling Motivations Behind Female Combatants in Insurgent Groups
(2024-04) Coady, Andrea; Zuercher, Christoph
The shift from interstate wars to civil conflicts has blurred the lines between combatants and civilians, which has increased the visibility of women in these roles. However, despite their roles, women have historically been overlooked in research on the motivations of participation of insurgents. This paper seeks to rectify this by focusing on female combatants in asymmetric conflicts. Using various insurgent groups as reference, and drawing on anecdotal and empirical evidence, the study highlights the intersectional factors that influence women’s participation in such groups. Despite their significant involvement, female combatants remain under-researched, particularly in non-state conflicts. This paper seeks to bridge this gap by creating an evidence map that categorizes existing research and identifies unanswered questions, building a foundation for future studies and potential policy development. The methodology involved a comprehensive search across databases, highlighting the challenges of researching within the field, from insufficient reporting on the presence and role of women to a lack of infrastructure for filtering in databases. These gaps highlight the need for better research tools and broader contextual studies. This evidence map revealed that motivations for participation are not gender-based, but rather the difference in participation is influenced by intersecting contexts such as religious, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. By examining the evolving landscape of non-state conflicts, this paper underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of women’s participation in irregular armed forces, informing future research directions and enhancing the discourse on gender and conflict.
Mapping the Debate of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy
(2024-04) Trevisani, Vanessa; Zuercher, Christoph
The 2017 implementation of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) marked an important step towards gender-focused foreign aid. The policy has since generated a robust debate regarding its effectiveness and soundness in reducing poverty and creating a more peaceful and secure world. This paper evaluates the debate on the FIAP by identifying and organizing the primary arguments that have surfaced. The debate is organized into three main categories. The first category explores the discourse surrounding the policy development stage of the FIAP. The second category focuses on policy effectiveness specifically regarding monitoring, reporting, and evaluation. The last category presents the main strengths and weaknesses of the theoretical approach of the FIAP and considers its theoretical integrity. The purpose of the mapping exercise is to create a roadmap to facilitate the understanding of the main successes and failures of the policy and in the long term, contribute to the policy improvement processes. Mapping the policy debate is a beneficial exercise for gaining clarity on the key strengths and weaknesses of the FIAP. By methodically outlining these components, policymakers, practitioners, stakeholders, and implementation partners can achieve a thorough grasp of the issues, pinpoint areas of agreement and contention, and identify obstacles to consensus or action. This approach can support informed decision-making, integrate diverse perspectives, enhance transparency and accountability, and ultimately foster the creation of stronger and more effective policies that cater to the needs and interests of all parties involved. This paper seeks to contribute to the improvement of future international assistance policies by creating a roadmap for better understanding the factors that are contributing to the successes and failures of Canada’s international assistance.
The Great Debate: Prohibition or Regulation of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS)
(2024-04) Landaverde, Natalia; Juneau, Thomas
The development of new technology is proliferating within the realm of military weaponry. Lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) select and engage targets without human intervention once activated (i.e. armed drones, vehicles, submersibles, etc.). Various forms of automation have been present in military technology for decades, however the introduction and widespread use of artificial intelligence has raised concerns over how it will alter the field. There is a major ongoing global debate pertaining to whether LAWS should be prohibited or regulated. Those calling for prohibition claim that LAWS will never be able to comply with international humanitarian law, pose major moral and ethical concerns, create an accountability gap, and are susceptible to failure. Those who support regulation highlight the advantages of LAWS including operational advantages, economic efficiency, and humanitarian benefits. This research paper aims to explore both sides of the debate as well as potential policy options for both prohibition and regulation.
How is China countering “decoupling” from the Western world? An analysis of China’s “Anti-Decoupling” Strategies
(2024-04) Wu, Zehui; Leblond, Patrick
This major research paper (MRP) examines China's strategic responses to the evolving concept of "decoupling" in its relations with the United States and the European Union, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, the US's China policy transitioned from a policy of economic integration, known as “engagement”, to a Cold-War-Style “containment”, reflecting the threat to the US’s hegemony brought by the rise of China, a failure of democratization in China and a perceived increase in China's aggressive posturing under Xi Jinping's leadership. While also re-evaluating its strategy, the EU labelled China a "systemic rival," highlighting a cautious approach to economic interdependence after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. China's response to these shifts has been multifaceted. Firstly, Beijing adopted the Dual Circulation strategy, emphasizing a "controlled" market economy through significant investments in security and technology, which aims at mitigating external risks and reducing dependency on Western economic inputs. Secondly, Beijing is utilizing “securitization” to enhance control of the private section and foreign investments to reduce reliance on the West. Thirdly, while trying to divide the US and EU, China also introduced a series of measures to reduce its reliance on Western financial services. However, China’s ambiguous responses didn’t work as anticipated, forcing China to slow down the de-coupling process towards a New Cold War. Meanwhile, two major variables, Taiwan and Ukraine, might contribute to this fragile equilibrium, re-accelerating or even reaching the New Cold War, which is the end of the de-coupling process.

Browse

Recent Submissions