Michael W. Manulak

Looking forward to having Duncan back to share this paper, written together with @michaelmanulak.bsky.social , that seeks to understand institutional change

The 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/

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

What the Stoic Philosophers Can Teach Today’s Policymakers The pursuit of virtue helps guide foreign policy in chaotic times.

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

The Stark Difference Between the Liberal and Conservative Platforms on Foreign Policy | Blogue CORIM La politique étrangère, la défense nationale et le commerce extérieur ont occupé une large place durant la présente campagne électorale. Les deux grands partis, les Libéraux et les Conservateurs, ont ...

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

Fifth, 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

Fourth, 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

Third, 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

Second, 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

First, 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

What the Stoic Philosophers Can Teach Today’s Policymakers The pursuit of virtue helps guide foreign policy in chaotic times.

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

As 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

Pierre 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

On 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

There 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

The Stark Difference Between the Liberal and Conservative Platforms on Foreign Policy | Blogue CORIM La politique étrangère, la défense nationale et le commerce extérieur ont occupé une large place durant la présente campagne électorale. Les deux grands partis, les Libéraux et les Conservateurs, ont ...

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

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.

What the Stoic Philosophers Can Teach Today’s Policymakers The pursuit of virtue helps guide foreign policy in chaotic times.

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

The Time Has Come for Canada to Hit Back - Policy Magazine Donald Trump has launched his second presidency with a fixation on Canada/Shutterstock

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...

The Time Has Come for Canada to Hit Back - Policy Magazine Donald Trump has launched his second presidency with a fixation on Canada/Shutterstock

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

It's time for Canada to take global leadership in green diplomacy | Blogue CORIM Le Canada a toujours joué un rôle de leader dans la gouvernance environnementale mondiale. Alors que le monde est confronté à une crise du multilatéralisme, un leadership fort s’impose, écrit Michael ...

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!

It's time for Canada to take global leadership in green diplomacy | Blogue CORIM Le Canada a toujours joué un rôle de leader dans la gouvernance environnementale mondiale. Alors que le monde est confronté à une crise du multilatéralisme, un leadership fort s’impose, écrit Michael ...

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!

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

Biden awards Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction The White House commended Pope Francis for his commitment to serving the poor, as well as advocating for peace and protecting the planet.

The White House commended Pope Francis for his commitment to serving the poor, as well as advocating for peace and protecting the planet.

This is absolutely worth a read. The risks of nuclear confrontation grow by the day and the institutions of arms control are withering. The world urgently needs to strengthen its disarmament diplomacy. We should not give in to cynicism.