Why joining the EU would undermine Canada’s global autonomy

Joining the bloc would undermine Canada’s global autonomy precisely at a moment when independence and flexibility are strategic assets. Ottawa must deepen its partnership with the EU without joining it, while continuing to build partnerships abroad as an independent middle power. Originaly published by the Hill Times. Link to article: https://www.hilltimes.com/2026/04/27/why-joining-the-eu-would-undermine-canadas-global-autonomy/500788/ VANCOUVER, B.C.—The idea is… Read More Why joining the EU would undermine Canada’s global autonomy

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Maximising the potential of the Canada–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

In Brief The Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement concluded negotiations in November 2024. The agreement, due to come into force in 2025, has great potential to economically benefit both nations, particularly Indonesia. But there are many challenges that, unless proactively addressed, will prevent Indonesia from taking full advantage of the deal. Originally published for the East… Read More Maximising the potential of the Canada–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

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My First Climate Change Book is Out! “Understanding Human Security and Climate Change”

The book that I co-authored with Dr. Ross Michael Pink “Understanding Human Security and Climate Change” has been published by Edward Elgar Publishing in September 2024. Overview of the book: This book provides a fascinating overview of the climate change phenomenon worldwide, with specific case study profiles of eight countries. The important theme of human… Read More My First Climate Change Book is Out! “Understanding Human Security and Climate Change”

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Canada’s Ambitious Relations with Indonesia: Hope vs. Reality

Originally published for the Canadian Global Affairs Institute‘s Policy Perspective. Co-authored with Randolph Mank, Global Business Executive and former Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan. After decades of hesitancy, the Canadian government is now vigorously pursuing relations with Indonesia, the largest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Officials are negotiating a… Read More Canada’s Ambitious Relations with Indonesia: Hope vs. Reality

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Designing a Federal Housing Program with the Help of Cities

Helping Cities build more homes Co-authored by: J. Barrett and L. Dhofier. This opinion piece was co-authored with my colleague at the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI). It is based on our work in designing the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a Federal government of Canada’s $4B funding program to accelerate the construction of homes across Canada.… Read More Designing a Federal Housing Program with the Help of Cities

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Canada is long overdue for a national climate security strategy

Climate change is impacting the global security landscape, and experts have warned about climate change’s implications on security risks such as political instability and conflicts. Photo by Wikimedia Commons, taken by the National Observer. Originally posted by the National Observer. Link to original article can be found here The impacts of climate change on security… Read More Canada is long overdue for a national climate security strategy

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Canada’s defeat in bid for UN Security Council seat also reveals Ottawa’s lingering problems at home

Originally published in the Hill Times After Canada lost its bid for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat on June 17, experts quickly blamed Ottawa’s lack of global engagement as the key reason. But Canada’s defeat tells of more than just its foreign policy failure. On many domestic issues, such as the environment and Indigenous rights, Canada’s… Read More Canada’s defeat in bid for UN Security Council seat also reveals Ottawa’s lingering problems at home

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Canada must honour its commitment to protecting refugees

Originally published on the Hamilton Spectator, co-authored with Elmer Dysalvador. Canada is considered a global leader in refugee protection. As a signatory of the 1951 Refugee Convention, Canada has the obligation to respect the rights of refugees and not turn them away from its border. Since Justin Trudeau became prime minister in October 2015, Canada… Read More Canada must honour its commitment to protecting refugees

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World Refugee Day 2020: Is It Time for a New Refugee Convention?

Originally published on The Globe Post. Op-ed written by Luthfi Dhofier, MPPGA and Dr. Ross Michael Pink. World Refugee Day is celebrated annually on June 20 to raise awareness of the challenges that refugees face around the world. There are some 26 million refugees worldwide, roughly the same as the population of Australia. Studies found that… Read More World Refugee Day 2020: Is It Time for a New Refugee Convention?

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COVID-19: What Indonesia Can Learn From South Korea and Taiwan

Originally published on Fair Observer For Indonesia, a total lockdown could have cataclysmic social and economic consequences. A different approach is needed. As the coronavirus spreads fast in Indonesia, experts believe that the country will become Asia’s new epicenter. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has been criticized for not implementing a nationwide lockdown. Yet such measures would not… Read More COVID-19: What Indonesia Can Learn From South Korea and Taiwan

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