Provost L. Pauline Rankin has announced the appointment of Prof. Elisabeth Gilmore (Civil and Environmental Engineering; Norman Paterson School of International Affairs) as 杏吧原创鈥檚 inaugural , effective July 1, for a three-year term.聽

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NPSIA is thrilled to share that professors Philippe Lagass茅 and Stephen Saideman have been awarded the 2026 Prize in Comparative Politics by the for their co鈥慳uthored book Overseen or Overlooked? Legislators, Armed Forces and Democratic Accountability with .

Their award鈥憌inning book tackles a foundational question in civil鈥搈ilitary relations: who among civilian leaders truly ensures democratic control of the armed forces? While traditional analyses focus on presidents, prime ministers, and defence ministers, Lagass茅 and Saideman argue that effective oversight cannot rest solely with the executive. Drawing on more than a dozen democratic case studies from around the world, they examine why legislatures often struggle to hold the military accountable 鈥� from limited access to information to political disincentives 鈥� and propose practical reforms to strengthen transparency, oversight, and public trust.

The CPSA Prize in Comparative Politics, awarded every two years, recognizes outstanding scholarly contributions that deepen our understanding of political institutions and governance. This honour highlights not only the impact of Lagass茅 and Saideman鈥檚 research, but also NPSIA鈥檚 leadership in the study of defence policy, civil鈥搈ilitary relations, and democratic accountability.

We extend our warmest congratulations to both professors on this well鈥慸eserved national recognition.

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It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of NPSIA Alum, Brian Finlay (MA鈥�98). , he led with vision and humanity, building bridges across sectors and communities to tackle some of the world鈥檚 most complex challenges.

We were honoured to welcome Brian back to NPSIA in Fall 2023 for our event, 鈥淐ooperative Threat & Risk Assessment in a New Global Context,鈥� where he shared thoughtful insights on nuclear disarmament and the evolving landscape of global risk.

Brian鈥檚 legacy endures in the students he inspired, the colleagues he mentored, and the policies and partnerships he helped shape. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends, and the Stimson Center community.

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At a time when communities across Canada face floods, wildfires, coastal erosion, and permafrost thaw, Elisabeth Gilmore is examining what equitable climate adaptation looks like鈥攁nd who decides. A new SSHRC Connection Grant brings together researchers, Indigenous Knowledge holders, and policymakers to link local action with global adaptation efforts under the Paris Agreement.

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The visit brought together students, faculty, diplomats, and members of Ottawa鈥檚 policy community for a timely conversation on global security, alliances, and the future of democratic cooperation.
The event opened with remarks from NPSIA Director Teddy Samy and 杏吧原创 President Wisdom Tettey, who highlighted the importance of dialogue on international affairs at a moment of global uncertainty.

President Stubb then joined Dr. Fen Hampson for a moderated discussion, followed by a dynamic Q&A with between the President and 杏吧原创 students. Topics ranged from European strategic autonomy and support for Ukraine to the role of middle powers and the evolution of the transatlantic community. The President emphasized the value of engaging directly with students, who contributed thoughtful, challenging questions throughout the session.

NPSIA was honoured to host this important conversation and thanks the Embassy of Finland, Global Affairs Canada, and the many members of the diplomatic community who attended.

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We鈥檙e thrilled to share that our Director, Teddy Samy has contributed to a newly published research initiative in partnership with Canada鈥檚 International Development Research Centre (IDRC): 鈥淭rade for development: Towards a research, evidence and innovation agenda.鈥�

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At a moment when executive authority is under renewed scrutiny, Philippe Lagass茅 is tracing the roots and limits of supreme military command. His work connects centuries-old constitutional ideas to modern debates on defence spending, procurement, and democratic accountability.

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Kevin Budning can鈥檛 say much about one of his first jobs after earning his PhD from NPSIA.

鈥淚 was working in a very secretive environment where you would leave your phone at the door, cover your identity in public, and never talk about your work.鈥�

This was at the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency, where Kevin was charged with 鈥渞eviewing the activities of the intelligence community to make sure that they鈥檙e complying with the law and not violating our rights as citizens.鈥�

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Teaching and Learning Services has announced the recipients of the 2025鈥�26 Future Learning Innovation Fellowship, a program that supports instructors in advancing innovative teaching and learning practices across the university. This year鈥檚 fellows are exploring immersive technologies鈥攊ncluding digital storytelling, mixed reality, simulations and 360鈥慸egree video鈥攖o address pedagogical challenges and strengthen student engagement.

Among the recipients is Professor Lama Mourad of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, whose project will introduce a fully immersive, narrative鈥慸riven simulation into her course. Designed to give students structured, experiential practice with negotiation and collaboration, the simulation places learners inside the politically complex dynamics of global negotiations.

A key feature of Mourad鈥檚 project is the integration of AI 鈥淒eputies鈥� that generate real鈥憈ime prompts, counterarguments and narrative developments. These adaptive elements will challenge students to think critically, respond strategically and reflect deeply on their decision鈥憁aking. Supported by TLS鈥檚 Experiential Learning Hub, the fellowship will help bring this innovative learning environment to life, enhancing students鈥� policy鈥慳nalysis skills and preparing them for the complexities of international governance.

Congratulations Dr. Mourad!

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Rouben brings more than two decades of leadership across Canada鈥檚 federal government, including senior roles at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Privy Council Office, and Global Affairs Canada. He currently serves on the RCMP鈥檚 Senior Executive Committee as Chief Strategic Policy, External Relations and Communications Officer, where he leads policy development, cabinet and parliamentary affairs, and national communications.
His career spans Canada鈥檚 COVID鈥�19 response, whole鈥憃f鈥慻overnment policy coordination, international diplomacy, defence and security relations, and oversight of sensitive trade and export controls. He has held postings in London, Beijing, Amman, and Riyadh, and is a recipient of the King鈥檚 Coronation Medal.
Rouben will engage with students and faculty through guest lectures, mentorship, and policy discussions, enriching NPSIA鈥檚 community with his extensive experience in public safety, international affairs, and strategic governance

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