Kevin Budning can’t say much about one of his first jobs after earning his PhD from NPSIA.

“I 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.”

This was at the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency, where Kevin was charged with “reviewing the activities of the intelligence community to make sure that they’re complying with the law and not violating our rights as citizens.”

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Congratulations to NPSIA MA students Alexandre Klaponski, Bilal Syed, Cassandra Klein, Francis Obeso, and Hannah Javanpour, who were awarded the CASIS-CSIS Essay Prize this year.

Their paper, “Anticipating Tomorrow: Foresight, Security, and the Social License in Canada 2040,” applied the to explore potential security threats Canada may face over the next 15 years, with a particular focus on the concept of the Social License to Operate.

The project was completed as part of INAF 5254: Capstone in Canadian Security Policy, taught by Professor Wilner, and required extensive collaboration beyond the classroom. Their success highlights both the strength of NPSIA’s academic training and the dedication of its students to tackling complex policy challenges.

In addition to receiving prize money, the team has been invited to attend the CASIS Annual Symposium on Friday, November 7 at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, where they will present their award-winning paper.

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NPSIA MA/JD Student Luke Kline has just published a piece in by the (IRPP). In this compelling analysis, Kline explores the staggering scale of food waste in Canada—nearly nine million tonnes and $58 billion worth annually—and its heavy environmental and social consequences, including biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the world’s third-largest emitter.

Kline proposes a novel legal approach: deploying public nuisance torts to reframe systemic food waste as a violation of the public’s right to a clean environment. He argues this could catalyze reform by raising awareness, pressuring businesses, and spurring policy change—even if actual litigation falls short ().

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We are happy to announce that Amy Hinchey, a Master’s student at NPSIA specializing in Intelligence and International Affairs (IIA) & Cybersecurity, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 WiDS-CGAI Fellowship!

The , a collaboration between the  (CGAI) and  (WiDS), provides professional development opportunities to support the careers of women in defence and security. Through this fellowship, Amy will have access to mentorship, research and analysis opportunities with CGAI, as well as access to their extensive publications and resources.

Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) works to promote and support the advancement of women in careers related to Canadian defence and security industries. The WiDS-CGAI Fellowship is awarded to outstanding female graduate and post-graduate students through the WiDS Annual Memorial Scholarship Process.

Please join us in congratulating Amy on this incredible achievement! We look forward to seeing the impact of her work in the field of cybersecurity and international security.

Thursday, February 13, 2025  |  Categories: Current Students, News
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NPSIA is thrilled to recognize Luke Kline, an MA/JD candidate, for receiving the William and Jeanie Barton Award in Disarmament, Arms Control, and Non-Proliferation. This prestigious award is presented annually to a graduate student conducting research in International Security, Arms Control, or Disarmament and aims to foster education and dialogue in these critical areas.

Luke earned this recognition for his exceptional work in Professor Michael Manulak’s  course. His briefing note, written from the perspective of an advisor within the Department of Defence, analyzed the risks and benefits of Canada entering negotiations with the United States on a potential Canada-US

 Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program. His analysis carefully weighed three potential policy options:

• Full participation – integrating Canada’s missile defense capabilities with the United States to enhance continental security.
• Non-participation – declining involvement in the BMD program and prioritizing Canada’s commitments to diplomacy and arms control.
• Limited participation – engaging in technology sharing, infrastructure support, and intelligence exchanges without committing to full deployment.

Through his research, Luke highlighted the broader implications for nuclear deterrence, global strategic stability, and Canadian multilateral engagement. His work aligns with the core objectives of the William and Jeanie Barton Award, which seeks to advance research and discourse on disarmament, arms control, and Canada’s role in promoting international security.

NPSIA congratulates Luke on this well-earned recognition and looks forward to seeing his continued contributions to the field.

ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ the William and Jeanie Barton Award

The William and Jeanie Barton Award in Disarmament, Arms Control, and Non-Proliferation is awarded to one graduate student annually who is entering or proceeding from one year to another and is conducting research in International Security, Arms Control, or Disarmament. The award encourages academic excellence and aims to inspire discussions on Canadian multilateralism and global peacebuilding.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025  |  Categories: Current Students, News
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As a graduate student specializing in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA), I’ve always known that understanding international affairs goes beyond just what’s in books and class lectures. But my recent exchange at the  drove that point home like nothing else could. Being there wasn’t just valuable—it was transformative.

Indo-Pacific Insights: Bridging Theory and Practice

The Indo-Pacific is one of the most geopolitically significant regions in the world, and it’s been a big focus in my studies at NPSIA. Even so, living in Japan gave me a new perspective on the region’s strategic importance in ways no lecture or article ever could. Seeing how global security, trade, and regional stability play out in real life deepened my interest in the area.

One of the highlights was my course on Japanese development cooperation, which gave me the chance to learn from experts at the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development. These sessions weren’t just theoretical—they were firsthand insights from people shaping Japan’s peacebuilding and development strategies. While academic case studies are helpful, there’s something uniquely eye-opening about hearing directly from the policymakers and practitioners themselves.

Cultural Immersion: The Real Test of Adaptability

Living in Japan wasn’t always easy, but that’s what made it so rewarding. Everyday things—like figuring out how to order food or navigating public transportation—felt like mini-challenges. Even something as simple as deciding which side of the escalator to stand on could throw me off. These moments showed me just how much we take cultural knowledge for granted and how important it is to adapt quickly when working or living abroad.

Although I’m far from fluent in Japanese, learning the basics made a huge difference. Sure, I made plenty of mistakes (and had some hilarious misunderstandings), but each effort to communicate built stronger connections. Those moments reminded me that language is more than words—it’s a bridge to understanding and mutual respect.

Why Global Experience Matters

This exchange wasn’t just about gaining academic knowledge—it was about growth. I learned how to solve problems on the spot, adapt to new environments, and navigate cultural nuances. These are skills that textbooks simply can’t teach but are crucial in a field like international affairs, where agility and informed decision-making are everything.

Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to have this opportunity. Not everyone gets to step into a completely different world and come out with a new lens on life. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and the ways it’s shaped me—not only as a student but as someone preparing for a career in international affairs.

The lessons I took away from Japan—about culture, resilience, and the importance of firsthand experience—will stay with me long after graduation.

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