Project Ploughshares

In a changing world, middle power statecraft isn't an inherited status, it’s an active practice.

​Our new report, "Canadian Strategy in a Changing World: Middle-Power Statecraft amid Geopolitical and Technological Uncertainty," examines how Canada can adapt its foreign policy to build strategic autonomy and drive global stability in an era of rapid disruption.

​Key Takeaways from the Report:

​Beyond Historical Reputation: Nostalgia for historical "middle power" status won't yield influence. Influence requires clear priorities, credible contributions, and targeted investments.

​Navigating Critical Infrastructure: Cyber competition, AI, quantum tech, and privately controlled digital infrastructure are reshaping power and military capabilities.

​Comparative Lessons: Insights from the Netherlands, South Korea, Australia, Sweden, and Japan highlight strategic models for managing tech dependencies and expanding international partnerships.

​Read the full report on our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7511783668882010112

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www.linkedin.com

Thank you for marking a half century of peace building with us 🕊️

On Monday, September 21, on , over 280 supporters came together to celebrate 50 years of leadership in disarmament efforts in Canada and around the world. The energy and positive spirit in the room was palpable.

We are so grateful to each and every person who has made Project Ploughshares possible over the years.

As we look forward, we need your help to rebuild the Project Ploughshares Future Fund to provide fiscal stability for the next 50 years. We are excited to be well past our initial goal of raising $50,000 through our anniversary gala.

We are only $15,000 away from $100,000! Please add your support so we can secure our future: https://www.gifttool.com/donations/Donate?ID=1701&AID=67

Kelsey Gallagher, senior researcher at Project Ploughshares, will be a panelist for Sudan’s Conflict: Examining Canada’s Responsibility on Thursday, October 1st at 12pm Eastern.

The panel will discuss how Canadian weapons exports, trade relationships and corporate accountability are impacting the war in Sudan.

The conversation will be moderated by Steven Staples, with an introduction by Rita Morbia of Inter Pares. Panelists are Duha Elmardi, Kelsey Gallagher, Penelope Simons, and Stuart Trew.

Co-hosted by Women, Peace and Security Network - Canada (WPSN-C), Inter Pares, Sudan Solidarity Collective, Project Ploughshares, and CCPA.

Register at https://bit.ly/sudan-webinar-october

📢After prayerful consideration and thoughtful discussion, the Governing Board of The Canadian Council of Churches is excited to announce that The Reverend Janet M. Anstead has been appointed as the next General Secretary!

A public Leadership and Commissioning Service will be planned and organized for the Fall.

Stay tuned for details!

Read the full announcement on our website! Link in bio.

📢 Après un temps de prière, de discernement et de réflexion, le conseil de direction du Conseil canadien des Églises est heureux d’annoncer la nomination de la révérende Janet M. Anstead est nommée prochaine secrétaire générale !

Une célébration publique d’installation et d’envoi en ministère sera organisée en automne. Restez à l’affût pour plus de détails !

Lisez l’annonce complet sur notre site web ! Lien dans la bio.

Project Ploughshares’ director Paul Heidebrecht is in Oxford with University of Waterloo’s finalists: Prishaa, Sadia, Chloe, and Zoraiz.

They join finalists from 19 other countries to compete in the global finals.

Follow and for live updates.

AI warfare is already here Even Anthropic seems to think its red lines won’t hold for long.

Post-secondary students: are you looking for a summer job in marketing and communications where you can make a difference?

Apply now for our Multimedia Intern role through Canada Summer Jobs. Full job post at ploughshares.ca/multimedia-intern

🚨New leadership and a renewed path forward for peace research in Canada!

The Canadian Council of Churches and Conrad Grebel University College have announced a two-year partnership to support Project Ploughshares, with Paul Heidebrecht appointed as the organization’s new Director.

The initiative aims to strengthen Ploughshares’ governance, funding, and long-term sustainability while expanding collaboration with churches, researchers, and civil society. As a peace research institute, Ploughshares works to advance policies that prevent war, reduce armed violence, and promote peaceful solutions to political conflict.

With global tensions rising, the organization is positioning itself to deepen research, partnerships, and policy engagement in support of sustainable peace.

Spending more in space doesn’t automatically mean greater security.

Space systems power everything from Arctic surveillance and military communications to emergency response and the global economy. But they operate in a crowded and fragile environment where disruptions can affect both military and civilian systems.

In Dr. Jessica West’s recent essay for Strategic Outlook 2026 (Conference of Defence Associations Institute), she argues that Canada’s real challenge isn’t dominating space — it’s sustaining access and managing risk in a contested and ambiguous domain.

That means prioritizing resilience, stronger coordination with allies and commercial partners, and protecting critical systems without escalating conflict.

🔗 Read the full essay using the link in our bio: “Space Defence in an Age of Ambiguity”