Mark your calendars for the 2026 edition of the Montreal International Security Summit taking place on 26 and 27 October under the theme “Security and Defence in the Age of AI: Risks, Rivalries, and Resilience”. In partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Canada, the Summit will bring together policymakers, military leaders, diplomats, industry experts, and journalists to discuss the future of global security and Canada’s role in navigating geopolitical and technological uncertainty. MIGS will also organize three side events with Volatus Aerospace (drone wargame simulation), the Centre for International Governance Innovation (AI safety), and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (hybrid warfare). While the event is invite only, please email info@migsinstitute.org to express your interest in attending. Sponsorship opportunities are welcomed as well.
 |
MIGS welcomed new members to its Board of Directors, bringing expertise across geopolitics, law, business, public policy, and global security. The new members include Martin Corbo, legal and strategic advisor; Elisabeth Vallet, UQAM and Royal Military College Saint-Jean; John Packer, University of Ottawa; Margaret BK Shepherd, Bishop’s University; Celine Cooper, Public Policy Forum; Claude Théoret, Innovobot; Kyle Matthews, Executive Director of MIGS; and Marie Lamensch, Director of Global Affairs at MIGS. You can read the announcement here.
MIGS also welcomed Monique Goffinet and D. Matthew Millar as new members of its Advisory Board and appointed Anne Delorme as Senior Fellow for Humanitarian Affairs.
Following MIGS’ delegation to Mongolia last June, our Director of Global Affairs Director, Marie Lamensch, recently completed a week-long visit to Taiwan as part of a Canadian delegation, where she met with leading research institutions, technology organizations, and senior government officials, including the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Members of Parliament, and former Minister of Digital Affairs of Taiwan Audrey Tang. The visit included meetings with Doublethink Lab, Taiwan AI Labs, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Center for Asia-Pacific Resilience and Innovation, Academia Sinica, Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, and the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, helping strengthen partnerships and advance dialogue on democracy, security, emerging technologies, and Canada–Taiwan cooperation.
 |
Senior Fellow Jonathan Berkshire Miller wrote a guest essay titled “Defence industry boom can be a dividend for Canada-Japan ties.”
MIGS staff joined international experts in signing “Canada Must Lead to Find Billions in Frozen Russian Assets”, which calls on Canada to take a leading role in using frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction.
Executive Director Kyle Matthews published two op-eds, in Open Canada and La Presse, arguing that Montréal should become the headquarters of the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank. He highlights the city’s strengths in finance, aerospace, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, research and international cooperation, making the case that Montréal is uniquely positioned to host this major new security institution.
On September 10, 2026, in Ottawa, MIGS will co-organize “25 Years After 9/11: Terrorism, Security and the Changing Canadian Landscape,”
On September 18, MIGS is co-organizing “Canada and the International Use of Force Regime: Preserving, Reforming, and Rebuilding the Rules-Based Order”. This one-day conference will bring together leading scholars, diplomats and practitioners to examine how Canada can help strengthen the international rules governing war and peace. To attend, email info@migsinstitute.org.
MIGS’ Executive Director will speak at the upcoming “Confronting Hybrid Threats in the Arctic: Foreign Information Manipulation and Civilian Resilience” conference to be held on 22-23 September in the Yukon, and will also speak Canadian International’s Couchiching Annual Conference on 7 October focusing on “International Disorder: Building Bridges in a Fragmented World”.
MIGS staff will also participate in the upcoming Trilateral Seminar on the Transatlantic Security Architecture , a track 1.5 dialogue , to be held in Berlin in October.
On 22 June, MIGS, in collaboration with Optimum Publishing International, hosted a discussion with Rushan Abbas, prominent Uyghur-American activist and leading advocate for Uyghur human rights, on the growing challenge of transnational repression in the digital age and the ways emerging technologies.
On 19 June, Jonathan Berkshire Miller spoke at an event organized by the Canadian Ambassadors Alumni Association at the University of Ottawa to discuss realities and illusions in Canadian foreign policy.
MIGS Fellow Melissa Chan joined this year’s San Diego Comic-Con to discuss storytelling, authoritarianism, and the power of graphic novels to explore today’s global challenges.
On 21 August. Kyle Matthews participated in the Canadian Foreign Minister’s Roundtable on Multilateralism and Variable Geometry
From May through August, MIGS staff, fellows and an advisory board member contributed to or were featured in 25 distinct media and policy pieces, while a MIGS report received additional coverage. Their commentary addressed G7 unity, Iran’s nuclear program, Chinese interference and cyber threats, Arctic security, Canada’s defence partnerships, authoritarianism, autonomous weapons, global health and Indo-Pacific geopolitics. Outlets included CTV News, Radio-Canada, eNCA, CJAD, The Globe and Mail, La Presse, National Post, South China Morning Post, The Japan Times, The Korea Times, The Australian, The Walrus, The Hill Times, Policy Magazine, Global Asia, CIGI, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and others.
|
||
|
|
On May 27, MIGS launched the report Guarding the G7: Countering Beijing’s Interference Operations at the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa. The report examines how Chinese influence networks operate across G7 democracies and highlights the systemic nature of foreign interference targeting democratic institutions.
The launch was broadcast nationally by CPAC and followed by discussions with diplomatic representatives, including officials from the Embassy of France and the British High Commission. The report generated significant media attention in Canada and abroad, with coverage in outlets including Global News, Le Devoir, Le Figaro, Intelligence Online, and La Tribune.
Building on the report’s findings, Global Affairs Director Marie Lamensch published an op-ed in La Presse examining Beijing’s long-term strategy of influence.
Upon the invitation from Global Affairs Canada, MIGS sent a delegation to Mongolia from June 4 to 9. MIGS Executive Director Kyle Matthews and Fellows Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Elizabeth Donkervoort, and Chris Beall travelled to participate in two major international forums: the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security and the Democratic Resilience and Cyber Threats Conference, hosted by the Embassy of Canada in Ulaanbaatar.
The delegation engaged policymakers, diplomats, and security experts from across the Indo-Pacific and beyond on issues ranging from cyber threats and democratic resilience to regional security and strategic competition.
The visit reinforced MIGS’ growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted the institute’s role in advancing international dialogue on emerging security challenges in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment.
|
|
|
MIGS continues to expand its network of experts and institutional partnerships.
In April, MIGS appointed Jonathan Berkshire Miller as Senior Fellow for the Indo-Pacific. A leading expert on Asian security and geopolitics, his appointment strengthens MIGS’ capacity to address the rapidly evolving security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.
MIGS also deepened its collaboration within Canada’s policy community, with Marie Lamensch joining the Network for Strategic Analysis as an expert.
MIGS continues to produce research that equips policymakers and citizens to navigate emerging threats.
In April, MIGS published Navigating Online Hate: A Community Guide as part of the Canadian Digital Resilience Network Against Online Hate initiative, supported by Canadian Heritage. The guide provides practical tools to strengthen resilience against online harms and disinformation.
MIGS also released four new episodes of the Threatscape podcast featuring leading experts on global affairs, security, and Indo-Pacific issues through its CJ-CABLE project supported by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
Over the past two months, MIGS fellows and leadership participated in high-level forums and dialogues across Canada and internationally, contributing expertise on economic security, democratic resilience, AI governance, and emerging technologies.
MIGS representatives took part in events including:
· The Lennart Meri Conference in Estonia
· The Africa-Europe Forum in Angola
· NATO’s Riga StratCom Dialogue in Latvia
· The Kazakhstan–Canada Business Council Meeting in Astana
MIGS experts also engaged with military leaders, diplomats, policymakers, and technology communities on issues ranging from cyber defence and AI-enabled warfare to foreign interference and international security.
MIGS continues its longstanding work on international accountability and the rule of law.
Senior Fellow David Donat Cattin co-organized a panel discussion on The Crime of Aggression and Challenges to International Jurisdiction, further advancing international conversations on accountability for acts of aggression.
Across Europe and North America, MIGS fellows and staff contributed to discussions on Baltic security, North Atlantic defence, and the implications of emerging technologies for democratic societies.
MIGS experts continue to shape public conversations on global affairs through commentary, analysis, and publications.
Recent highlights include:
· Marie Lamensch’s articles for CIGI and OpenCanada on AI in warfare and information integrity.
· Jonathan Berkshire Miller’s Globe and Mail piece on Japan’s evolving defence posture.
· Elizabeth Anderson’s analysis on North Atlantic defence and cognitive warfare.
· Melissa Chan’s reporting on Baltic security and transatlantic relations.
· Chris Beall’s article on democratic resilience and institutional memory.
· Elizabeth Donkervoort on Beijing global reach over Chinese tech companies.
· Kyle Matthews also provided commentary to Canadian and international media on U.S.–China relations, misinformation in Canada, and the elections in Hungary.
On June 22, MIGS will host Repression in the Age of AI: A Discussion with Rushan Abbas. A leading Uyghur-American activist and founder of Campaign for Uyghurs, Abbas will examine how emerging technologies are transforming authoritarian repression, surveillance, and influence beyond national borders.
Later this year, MIGS Fellow Sandra Aubé will moderate a panel at the Sommet national sur la francophonie économique 2026, contributing to conversations on innovation and economic security.
As the international environment grows increasingly complex, MIGS remains committed to generating actionable research, convening decision-makers, and strengthening democratic resilience in Canada and beyond.
A More Dangerous World Is Here—Canada and Other Democracies Must Respond
The threats facing democracies are no longer distant—they are on our doorstep.
Foreign governments are targeting individuals inside Canada and across the G7. Artificial intelligence is accelerating surveillance and influence operations. Geopolitical competition is fragmenting the global order.
The result: a world where security is no longer just about borders—it is about systems, societies, and information.
Since February 2026, the Montreal Institute for Global Security (MIGS) has been actively shaping how Canada and its democratic allies understand and respond to this new reality.
Advancing Accountability for Aggression
With new support from the Global Challenges Foundation, MIGS is launching the next phase of its work on international justice in partnership with the Global Institute for the Prevention of Aggression.
Led by Senior Fellow David Donat Cattin, this initiative will convene policymakers and legal experts at King’s College London on April 17, 2026, for a high-level discussion on:
“The Crime of Aggression and Challenges to the Exercise of International Jurisdiction.”
Strengthening Strategic Leadership
MIGS is also expanding its leadership network with the appointment of Guillaume Sirois to its Advisory Board. A strategic legal advisor and litigator specializing in public law, Guillaume brings deep expertise at the intersection of national security, democratic integrity, and human rights—core priorities for MIGS as threats to democratic systems intensify.
Investing in Strategic Foresight
To deepen its capacity to anticipate global risks, MIGS has appointed Balkan Devlen as Senior Fellow – Strategic Foresight. A leading geopolitical forecaster with decades of experience advising governments and institutions, Balkan will support MIGS in navigating an increasingly volatile international landscape—from great power competition to the geopolitics of artificial intelligence.
Actionable Research: Turning Analysis into Policy Impact
MIGS continues to deliver research that goes beyond analysis—directly informing government decision-making.
China and Arctic Security
On March 9, MIGS, in partnership with the China Strategic Risks Institute, hosted a press conference on Parliament Hill to launch a report examining the national security implications of China’s expanding activities in the Canadian Arctic. MIGS and CSRI also conducted targeted briefings with Global Affairs Canada, the and the Department of National Defence.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Past Events: Convening Where It Matters Most
Across Canada and internationally, MIGS continues to bring together decision-makers and experts to address today’s most pressing challenges.
-Berlin (Feb 26): At Café Kyiv 2026, MIGS and the European Resilience Initiative Center co-hosted “Democratic Firewall: Ukraine’s Systemic Status in Russian Hybrid Warfare” —highlighting lessons from Ukraine’s response to disinformation and cyber threats.
– Montreal (Mar 18): Kyle Matthews spoke at the Forum des Affaires Internationales at HEC Montréal, engaging business leaders and students on global risk.
– Montreal (Mar 24): MIGS hosted the final workshop of its Digital Resilience Network Against Online Hate, featuring Lucina Di Meco and the MIGS Youth Ambassador Network.
– Paris (Mar 26): David Donat Cattin moderated a discussion at Sciences Po on the armed conflict in Sudan.
– Ottawa (Apr 13): MIGS Fellow Monika Le Roy testified before the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights on the global situation for democracy and human rights defenders.
MIGS in the Media: Shaping the National and Global Conversation
MIGS’ research and expert analysis continue to drive national and international media coverage—amplifying key security issues and influencing public debate.
China, the Arctic, and National Security
MIGS’ March 9 press conference on China and Arctic received wide national and international coverage, including by the Canadian Press, the CBC and Radio Canada International.
Transnational Repression: A National Debate
MIGS’ report, “Transnational Repression in Canada: A Threat to Democracy and Public Safety,” sparked significant media attention and policy discussion, including Global News.
Global Security and Terrorism Trends
The launch of the Global Terrorism Index 2026—produced with the Institute for Economics and Peace—was covered by Global News and broadcast nationally on CTV National News. The full press conference was also featured on Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC), extending its reach to policymakers and the public. MIGS also briefed officials at Global Affairs Canada, Public Safety Canada and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
Expert Voices on Global Crises
MIGS experts continue to provide timely analysis across major international issues:
– Chris Beall published a new article in Lawfare, “Narrative Integrity Risk: The Next Frontier in Financial Stability”.
– Marie Lamensch spoke to Libre Media on growing strategic uncertainty amid the retreat of the U.S. security umbrella.
– Kyle Matthews appeared on CTVNews to discuss U.S.–Iran relations, and on CJAD 800 with Elias Makos on the Iran ceasefire.
– Senior Fellow Terence McNamee provided analysis to Channel Africa and 702 on Iran-related tensions and South Africa–U.S. relations.
As geopolitical tensions intensify – from Russian hybrid warfare and Arctic competition to AI-enabled disinformation and transnational repression – Canada and its allies face mounting strategic challenges. The Montreal Institute for Global Security continues to advance policy solutions, convene international partnerships, and elevate Canada’s voice on democratic resilience at home and abroad.
MIGS Joins Coalition to Bring the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank to Montreal
MIGS has joined a broad coalition of public and private sector leaders, spearheaded by Montreal International, to support Montreal’s bid to host the proposed multilateral Defence, Security and Resilience (DSR) Bank. MIGS signed an open letter and participated in a press conference with senior political and financial leaders.
Advancing Canada – Japan Security Cooperation
At a time of growing concern over critical infrastructure sabotage and geopolitical instability in the Indo-Pacific, with the support of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, MIGS led a high-level delegation to Tokyo to strengthen Canada–Japan cooperation on security and strategic resilience – with a particular focus on subsea cable protection.
Institutions engaged during the visit included: Embassy of Canada to Japan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, The Nippon Foundation, Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, Nakasone Peace Institute, International House of Japan, Institute of Geoeconomics, Japan Institute for International Affairs – Center for Global Outreach, The University of Tokyo, Temple University Japan, United Nations University, Fujitsu Future Studies Center, The Mainichi Newspaper.
Canada–Germany Initiative on AI and Democratic Integrity
MIGS secured funding from the Heinrich Böll Stiftung to launch the Canada–Germany Initiative on AI, Security, and Democratic Integrity, examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping democratic institutions and international security.
Launch: Transnational Repression in Canada
On 17 February, MIGS will launch its new report titled“Transnational Repression in Canada: A Threat to Democracy and Public Safety” at the Canadian Parliament.
MIGS continues to elevate Arctic security issues through expert commentary, research, and participation in international forums addressing sovereignty, hybrid threats, and strategic competition.
The Institute engaged in consultations with Global Affairs Canada in preparation for the 24th Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Humanity.
Monika Le Roy – Fellow
Alex Dalziel – Senior Fellow for Arctic Security
Thelma Caye – Project Assistant
In December and January, MIGS advanced its work on international justice, democratic resilience, and emerging security threats through a series of high-level engagements across North America and Europe. In partnership with the Global Institute for the Prevention of Aggression (GIPA), MIGS co-organized a panel on accountability for the crime of aggression following the ICC Special Session, while Executive Director Kyle Matthews spoke on democracy and disinformation in liberal societies and moderated discussions on digital transnational repression at a European Union event in Ottawa. He also delivered a keynote for the Canadian High Commission of the United Kingdom on authoritarianism in the digital age. Meanwhile, MIGS fellows contributed expertise on Arctic and High North security at the Royal United Services Institute, AI weaponization and disinformation at WIIS McGill, and Arctic preparedness at the Arctic Frontier Conference in Norway, while Melissa Chan spoke in Texas on global revolution and democratic struggle – collectively reinforcing MIGS’ role as a leading voice on international justice, hybrid threats, and democratic security.
Opinion & Commentary
Media Appearances
Authoritarian states are escalating hybrid warfare tactics. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global information battlefield. Canada’s sovereignty, critical infrastructure, and democratic institutions face growing pressure. Independent, policy-driven research remains essential to strengthening democratic resilience.
Attend our events, read and share our reports, and support independent research defending Canada’s sovereignty and democratic resilience.
As we mark the first anniversary of the Montreal Institute for Global Security (MIGS), we are proud to share highlights from a year of growth, global engagement, and impact. From high-level dialogues and new partnerships to major reports and policy influence, MIGS continues to position Canada at the forefront of defending democracy and global security.
New Fellows Join MIGS
We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Terence McNamee, Elizabeth Anderson, Christopher Alexander, Chris Beall, Melissa Chan and Sandra Aubé as our newest Fellows. Their expertise will further strengthen MIGS’ research and global network.
New Report — “Wired for War: How Authoritarian States Are Weaponizing AI Against the West”
In partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Canada and written by Kyle Matthews and Marie Lamensch, this report explores how autocratic regimes are leveraging artificial intelligence to challenge open societies. It was launched during a press conference at the Canadian Parliament, covered by The Canadian Press and numerous media outlets, and featured in Les Grands Dossiers de Diplomatie (No. 88).
Read the full report here.
Policy Impact
MIGS submitted recommendations to the House of Commons Finance Committee for creating a Global Impact Fund to better support Canadian think tanks advancing democracy, human rights, and global security.
Leadership Update
MIGS Executive Director Kyle Matthews has been appointed McConnell Professor of Practice at McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy.
June 7: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk spoke at an event co-organized by MIGS and the Global Institute for the Prevention of Aggression.
June 9: MIGS met with the Asia Pacific Foundation’s Indo-Pacific Young Professionals Network to discuss foreign interference, transnational repression, and Canada’s role in the region.
June 10: Hosted Carl Miller, Chief Strategist at DISARM, for a discussion on AI, civic tech, and foreign influence.
September 12: Presented AI, Drones and the Future of Defense at the Canada–UK Defence Colloquium.
September 29–30: Kyle Matthews spoke at the Couchiching Conference on Cultural Security Under Pressure: Platforms, Policy, and Power.
October 2: Presented MIGS’ AI and Defense report to Germany’s Junge Union (CDU Youth Wing).
October 4: Participated in Canada’s Cross-Cultural Roundtable on Security.
October 6: Met with experts through the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Outlook Initiative to discuss maritime security, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
October 8–9: MIGS Global Security Officer Jack Rath attended the Montreal Climate Security Summit, hosted by NATO’s Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence. MIGS’s Global Affairs Director Marie Lamensch gave a guest lecture on cyberwarfare at Carleton University.
October 10: Met with participants from the Heinrich Böll Stiftung’s Grow the Future 2025 initiative to discuss digital authoritarianism and threats to democratic discourse.
Montreal International Security Summit — October 15–16
Our flagship annual summit brought together global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and human rights defenders from Canada, Europe, Asia, and the U.S. This year’s theme — Authoritarian Resurgence: The Fight for Democracy and Global Security — underscored MIGS’ mission to defend democratic values in an era of growing threats.
Watch the recordings: Day 1 | Day 2
Photos are available here.
October 16: In partnership with the EU Institute for Security Studies, MIGS hosted a closed-door side session at McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy on strengthening EU–Canada collaboration to counter foreign interference.
October 22: Welcomed EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law, and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath in Montreal for a discussion on defending democracy.
October 28: Attended the opening of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism Digital Transnational Repression Detection Academy, hosted by Global Affairs Canada.
MIGS released four new episodes featuring Andrew Leslie, Charles “Duff” Sullivan, Karsten Friis, Stephen R. Nagy, Nanae Baldauff, and Alicia Hennig. Listen here.
“The Hidden Threat of Transnational Repression in Canada” – Marie Lamensch, CORIM, June 2.
“Fighting Fragmentation: Canada’s Strategic Role at the G7” — Kyle Matthews, Policy Magazine, June 15
Quoted in: “Carney Seeks to Reshape Canada’s Role in NATO” — Canadian Affairs, June 23
Canada Needs to Ramp Up Its Defence Engagement in Asia” — Richard Shimooka & Jonathan Berkshire Miller, August 28
“Can Canada Build a Smarter Military? Ukraine’s Innovation Shows the Way” — Marie Lamensch, CIGI, September 2
“More Than Money: America’s UN Retreat Is Costing Lives” — Kyle Matthews, Policy Magazine, September 18
CTV News (October 20): Kyle Matthews on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
New AI-Generated Information Weapons Pose Problems” — Marie Lamensch, CORIM, October 27
