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CASIS 2025 Annual Symposium: Disorder at the Gates - Canada’s Role In A Fragmenting World

  • November 07, 2025
  • Canadian War Museum - 1 Vimy Place Ottawa, ON Canada, K1A 0M8

CASIS 2025 Annual Symposium: 

Disorder at the Gates - Canada’s Role In A Fragmenting World




Welcome to the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies Conference

We are delighted to welcome you to the annual conference of the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies (CASIS). This event brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to explore critical issues in security and intelligence in Canada and beyond.

Join us for engaging discussions, innovative research presentations, and networking opportunities that will enhance our understanding of the evolving landscape of security and intelligence in the 21st century.

Location

Canadian War Museum

1 Vimy Place Ottawa, ON Canada, K1A 0M8

Dates

Registration period:

June 18, 2025 - 2:35 PM EDT - October 10, 2025 - 11:00 PM EDT

https://event.fourwaves.com/casissymposium2025

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact casis.acers@gmail.com


 

Registration

Registration deadline is October 10, 2025

  • https://event.fourwaves.com/casissymposium2025

Schedule

* All times are based on Canada/Eastern EDT.

Friday, November 7 - 8:15 AM

Canada/Eastern

8:15 AM - 8:50 AM EST
Reception Hall

Registration Desk Opens

Our team will be ready to assist with your registration, provide conference materials, and answer any queries.

9:00 AM

Canada/Eastern

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM EST
Main room

Opening remarks

A distinguished member of the research community will set the tone with a brief overview of the conference's themes, objectives, and a warm welcome to all participants.

9:15 AM

Canada/Eastern

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM EST
Main room

Opening Keynote: Michael Kovrig

Keynote Address by Michael Kovrig

10:15 AM

Canada/Eastern

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM EST
Buffet room

Networking break

Take a breather and mingle with peers during our coffee break. It's the perfect opportunity to discuss the morning's insights, refresh, and energize yourself for the upcoming sessions.

10:30 AM

Canada/Eastern

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM EST
Room A

Panel 1: Economic Security

Canadians are increasingly paying attention to economic security threats and international trade relationships as external shocks threaten to impact our prosperity and competitiveness. In this panel, we will discuss what "economic security" means as well as the primary challenges to being secure. Issues discussed in this panel will include: Is there any reason to distinguish between "economic security" and "national security" in today's discourse? How do Canada and like-minded countries build resiliency and mitigate short-term disruptions to its economic security? What role does intelligence and information sharing play in maintaining economic security, for example, in mitigating risks related to foreign investment? What are some risks "on the horizon" we should be thinking of? How do we remain innovative and competitive on the global stage in an era of increasing uncertainty? Participants: Goldy Hyder Tricia Geddes Wendy Wagner Moderator: Akshay Singh, CASIS

Economic Security

11:30 AM

Canada/Eastern

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM EST
Room B

Lunch


Intelligence Collaboration in Canada

12:30 PM

Canada/Eastern

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM EST
Buffet room

CASIS Essay Competition Winners

Join us as we hear from the winners of this year's CASIS student essay competition!

1:00 PM

Canada/Eastern

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
Main room

Panel 2: Crime and National Security

In an era of geopolitical fragmentation, the lines between organized crime and national security are increasingly blurred. This panel will examine how states exploit criminal networks to advance their strategic objectives—whether through targeted assassinations, transnational repression of diaspora communities, or covert influence campaigns. At the same time, powerful criminal organizations have evolved beyond traditional illicit enterprises, amassing economic and political influence that threatens state sovereignty and stability. From cartel violence undermining governance to cybercriminal syndicates disrupting global financial systems, these entities are no longer just a law enforcement problem—they are a national security threat. This discussion will explore the evolving nexus of crime and statecraft, the implications for Canada, and how policymakers must adapt to this complex threat landscape. Participants: Jeremy Whitman Caroline Rose Dr. Karen Nershi Moderator: Jessica Davis, CASIS

2:00 PM

Canada/Eastern

2:00 PM - 2:15 PM EST
Main room

Networking Break

Networking break

2:15 PM

Canada/Eastern

2:15 PM - 2:25 PM EST
Main room

CASIS Research Project

We'll discuss the findings of our CASIS research project, in honor of CASIS' 40 year anniversary.

2:25 PM

Canada/Eastern

2:25 PM - 3:25 PM EST
Ball room

Panel 3: Lone Actors vs Collective Actors

This panel features perspectives from a sociological, psychiatric and legal lens about what makes, drives, and maintains extremist actors ranging from those who act alone, in concert with others, and/or in the name of a terrorist organization. Panelists will discuss the latest trends about the prevalence of lone versus collective actors on the spectrum of extremism in Canada and across the world. Discussions about grievances, as understood from a psychiatric and sociological perspective, will inform questions around “why” people radicalize, what drives radicalization to violence, how we measure the risk of radicalization using actuarial tools, and how early interventions can make a difference.” Participants: Dr. Hy Bloom (Forensic Psychiatrist - formerly assessed members of Toronto-18/member of ORB - focus to be on grievances) Dr. Michael Nesbitt (University of Calgary; on empirical data and trends re lone v. collective actors) Reem Zaia (Gowling WLG Canada LLP and Part-Time Law Professor at the University of Ottawa teaching “Extremism in Canada”. Elena Martynova Moderator: TBD, CASIS

3:25 PM

Canada/Eastern

3:25 PM - 4:25 PM EST

Panel 4: Intelligence Relationships

The new world disorder is causing nations to re-examine relationships and alliances that have historically contributed to international stability. This panel will consider how Canada’s intelligence relationships been affected by this disorder and how they might be impacted in the future. Can existing partnerships be relied upon to continue to provide the quality and quantity of information required by Canada? Is there a need to consider the establishment of new intelligence relationships? To whom should Canada turn to fill the void created by the possibility of a withdraw from long established relationships? As Canada seeks new business relationships, do they present opportunities for new intelligence partnerships? What are the risks and opportunities for Canada? Participants: Kent Roach Stephanie Carvin CSIS Moderator: Robert Gordon, CASIS

4:25 PM

Canada/Eastern

4:25 PM - 4:30 PM EST

Closing Remarks

Closing remarks by Jessica Davis - CASIS President

 
 

Dr. Jessica Davis is an international expert on terrorism and illicit financing, President and Principal Consultant with Insight Threat Intelligence, and President of the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies. 





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