The Measure of a CDS
In Lt.-Gen. Lawson, the government has found a CDS who would seem be a team player says Philippe Lagassé.
Philippe Lagassé / @pmlagasse
Assistant professor of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa
Philippe Lagassé is assistant professor of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa. His research focuses on Canadian foreign and defence policy, Canadian defence governance, and the domestic politics of defence in Canada. He holds a B.A. in philosophy from McGill University, an M.A. in war studies from the Royal Military College of Canada, and a Ph.D in political science from Carleton University. He also works as a contract defence analyst for both the private and public sectors. He is currently completing a study of the Crown, Parliament, and national defence in Canada.
Most Recent Posts
Lagassé: Should Canada cut ties with the monarchy and become a republic?
Despite what is often claimed, moving toward a republic does not represent a necessary or inevitable step in the evolution of Canadian government and statehood. Whether Canada should remain a constitutional monarchy or become a republic is largely a question of personal preference and of the relative merits of two differing notions of state sovereignty. […]
Lagassé: Are drones a viable alternative to the F-35?
Drones are not yet a viable alternative to the F-35 or other piloted fighter aircraft. While drone technology will surely meet and surpass the capabilities of piloted aircraft in the coming decades, it would be irresponsible of the Canadian government to delay a replacement of the CF-18s in anticipation of this eventuality. The CF-18s should […]
Lagassé: What is the biggest lesson Canada can take from its experience in Afghanistan?
Ambition is not enough. Canada’s contribution to the Afghan war was both impressive and significant, given the relatively small size of the forces it deployed and the challenges the Canadian military faced. Yet Canadian decision-makers should acknowledge that they took on too much when the Canadian Forces were asked to secure Kandahar. Although the Canadian military performed valiantly, it was […]
Lagassé: Who is the most innovative thinker on Canada’s place in the world today?
Most of the ideas out there seem to be variants on tried and true stables of the CFP debate. That said, I think one of the provocative thinkers out there is Irvin Studin (UofT).
Lagassé: What will be the impact of the $1.1 billion cut to National Defence?
The immediate impact of the defence budget cut will not be all that significant. As David Perry from the Conference of Defence Associations Institute notes, the reductions will likely affect operational readiness, namely resources devoted to preparing the CF for international deployments. But beyond that, it is difficult to be confident about what the budget […]
Lagassé: What is the best international affairs book of 2011?
In terms of academic books, I would say that Richard Ned Lebow’s Why Nations Fight was my favourite since it brings status and prestige back to the fore of the study of conflict and international relations.
Lagassé: Does the ‘royal’ rebranding of the Canadian Forces have a wider meaning?
Whatever the motive behind the decision, the return of the ‘royal’ designation involves more than a reflection of the Conservative Party’s desire to appeal to their political base and veterans. We should also appreciate how these names inform Canadians and members of the armed forces about how the military is governed and controlled in Canada. […]
Lagassé: Does the ‘royal’ rebranding of the Canadian Forces have a wider meaning?
Whatever the motive behind the decision, the return of the ‘royal’ designation involves more than a reflection of the Conservative Party’s desire to appeal to their political base and veterans. We should also appreciate how these names inform Canadians and members of the armed forces about how the military is governed and controlled in Canada. […]