@michaelmanulak.bsky.social
Associate Professor @npsia.bsky.social. Former advisor in the Government of Canada. Author of "Change in Global Environmental Politics" @cambridgeup.bsky.social. www.michaelmanulak.com
PM @mark-carney.bsky.social speech yesterday made clear: we’re in a period of rupture, not transition. Middle powers can’t rely on old assumptions. Much of the analysis closely echoes an argument Lloyd Axworthy, Allan Rock, and I made last year in Policy.
www.policymagazine.ca/the-time-has...
Looking forward to having Duncan back to share this paper, written together with @michaelmanulak.bsky.social , that seeks to understand institutional change
17.10.2025 04:05 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0The United Nations is facing its toughest test in decades—budget cuts & waning support. What role should Canada play at this crossroads? My new piece for the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations. blogue.corim.qc.ca/un-crossroads/
22.09.2025 14:07 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
La table ronde finale de l'atelier du 22 septembre portera sur le thème « Sauver les meubles : la gouvernance climatique ».
Avec @greenprofgreen.bsky.social, Daniel Muth et @ryankatzrosene.bsky.social, sous la présidence de @michaelmanulak.bsky.social.
>>> bit.ly/4m6PBzv
The final panel for the Sept.22nd workshop will discuss “Saving the Furniture: Climate Governance”.
Featuring @greenprofgreen.bsky.social, Daniel Muth & @ryankatzrosene.bsky.social, chaired by @michaelmanulak.bsky.social
Register to join virtually 💻 >>> bit.ly/3V9kNmY
Amid volatility, it’s tempting to respond with outrage. Stoics remind us that leadership is about clarity, discipline, & principle. Focusing on what we control. In @foreignpolicy.com, I explore how Stoicism can inform foreign policy today. There is a reason these ideas have survived for 2000+ years
28.08.2025 13:59 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Going to the polls today with foreign policy on your mind? Here is a comparison of the platforms of@mark-carney.bsky.social's @liberalca.bsky.social & Pierre Poilievre Conservatives. The difference is stark. They have very different visions for Canada's global role
blogue.corim.qc.ca/election-for...
Sixth, Stoics see obstacles as drivers for growth. Aurelius said “The impediment to action advances action, what stands in the way becomes the way.” Though much today appears bleak, Stoics see an opportunity to improve our condition. Crises often precede change. 7/7
25.04.2025 13:41 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Fifth, those in power must be governed by integrity through the pursuit of virtue. Concern even for one’s life and reputation are intolerable impediments to virtue. This emphasis seems alien to modern sensibilities, where the self-interested will to power is assumed and widely condoned .6/7
25.04.2025 13:41 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Fourth, Stoics emphasize the need for reflection. Stoic foreign policy is guided by a similar reflective ethos, via good policy planning and strategic analysis. In today’s social media-dominated world, there is less time for careful analysis. Stoics would guard against reactivity. 5/7
25.04.2025 13:40 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Third, Stoics draw a stark line between things within their control and things beyond. Stoic foreign policymakers direct their attention and efforts to what they can control, including national flourishing and contributing to global public goods. 4/7
25.04.2025 13:39 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Second, Stoics such as Cato the Younger and Marcus Aurelius, were strong believers in institutions as checks on the abuse of power. Stoics prioritize the common good. For Aurelius, “What injures the hive injures the bee.” Attacks on (inter)national institutions are hugely problematic for Stoics 3/7
25.04.2025 13:39 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0First, Stoics focus on pursuing four Cardinal Virtues: Justice, Prudence, Temperance, & Fortitude. Stoics have little patience for realpolitik, or an ill-disciplined, self-serving approach to statecraft. Stoics pursue virtue in all things. A Stoic Foreign Policy reflects this.2/7
25.04.2025 13:37 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
What would Stoics say about Donald Trump and current U.S. foreign policy? A thread on my new article in @foreignpolicy.com on Stoicism and foreign policy. It turns out that the Stoics can teach us a lot . I draw six main implications from Stoic ethics. 1/7
foreignpolicy.com/2025/04/18/f...
Canada is entering a period of threats to national unity and its sovereignty. It has a vital interest in global rules & institutions. We need greater unity at home, including something more closely resembling a foreign policy consensus 6/6
24.04.2025 13:14 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0As an analyst of world affairs, I was surprised by the extent of the divergence. While the Liberal platform seeks to advance Canada's core national interests in cooperation, the Conservative approach is a striking departure from the Conservative foreign policy tradition. 5/6
24.04.2025 13:14 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0Pierre Poilievre's platform entails an historic retreat from the world. He'd cut international assistance and support to global institutions. The platform is animated by its opposition to "hostile" regimes. This is a striking departure from past Conservative governments 4/6
24.04.2025 13:14 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0On other issues, however, there are stark differences. The @liberalca.bsky.social would engage actively in the world. They'd conduct a foreign policy review, enhance Canada's diplomatic presence abroad, & would be engaged multilaterally to reinforce a rules-based international order 3/6
24.04.2025 13:13 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0There are some areas where the differences are smaller, especially on Canada-U.S. relations, Defence spending, and Arctic Security. On these issues @mark-carney.bsky.social and Pierre Poilievre present similar visions. 2/6
24.04.2025 13:12 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
The party platforms are out! On foreign policy, I summarize the @liberalca.bsky.social and Conservative Party platforms for the Montreal Council on Foreign Relartions. A thread below with some main findings (1/6):
blogue.corim.qc.ca/election-for...
What foreign policy lessons can we learn from the Stoics? Many, it turns out. Check out my latest in @foreignpolicy.com, where I derive ancient lessons for the current period of global disorder. @npsia.bsky.social @balsillieschool.bsky.social @politicsoxford.bsky.social
22.04.2025 13:10 — 👍 2 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. His pontificate was truly transformational. His climate advocacy & encyclical, Laudato Si, influenced the Paris Climate Conference. His emphasis on the poor and marginalized was a reminder to a world increasingly turning its back on them.
21.04.2025 12:08 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
What can foreign policymakers learn from the Stoics? A lot, it turns out. In my latest with @foreignpolicy.com, I draw six lessons from Stoicism for the current political moment. How do Donald Trump and other current leaders measure up? Spoiler: Not very well.
foreignpolicy.com/2025/04/18/f...
NPSIA’s @michaelmanulak.bsky.social argues it's time for Canada to rediscover the Commonwealth as a tool of foreign policy. His new op-ed in The Hill Times explores its renewed potential in a divided world. 🌍
📖 Read it here: www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0...
#cdnfp #Commonwealth #NPSIA
Last month, Lloyd Axworthy, Allan Rock, & I wrote that Canada should mobilize a diplomatic coalition to push back on U.S. coercion. We called on our friends to back Canada. These calls are even more true today. Check it out!
www.policymagazine.ca/the-time-has...
Canada needs a diplomatic strategy to complement its economic measures to retaliate against any US tariffs. Lloyd Axworthy, Allan Rock, & I argue for convening the Alliance for Multilateralism to coordinate a firm response to US bullying. The Time has come for Canada to Hit Back. @npsia.bsky.social
05.02.2025 00:37 — 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
2024 was a disappointing year in global environmental politics and 2025 could be more challenging still. There is a need for renewed leadership in tackling a triple planetary crisis, including from Canada. Check out my latest article with the Conseil des relations internationales de Montréal!
03.02.2025 20:12 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
2024 was a disappointing year in global environmental politics and 2025 could be more challenging still. There is a need for renewed leadership in tackling a triple planetary crisis, including from Canada. Check out my latest article with the Conseil des relations internationales de Montréal!
03.02.2025 20:12 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
The biggest issues we face today require global cooperation. On the AMDG pod, @michaelmanulak.bsky.social, associate professor at @npsia.bsky.social, discusses how Catholic social teaching & Ignatian spirituality demand we contemplate the complex reality of our time & respond.
🎧 ow.ly/IOuV50UGT2f
