On December 16, 2024, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, in partnership with the Korea Foundation, hosted a private breakfast roundtable at the Rideau Club in Ottawa to examine the growing security challenges posed by North Korea.
Moderated by Jonathan Berkshire Miller, MLI’s Director of Foreign Affairs, the discussion featured James Trottier, Fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, and Sandra Fahy, Associate Professor at Carleton University.
With his extensive diplomatic experience, including leading multiple Canadian delegations to North Korea and serving as a key liaison to U.S. Forces Korea, James Trottier provided valuable insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Korean peninsula, and reflected on the recent turmoil in South Korea, including the proclamation and subsequent rescindment of martial law, and how these developments shape the security environment on the Korean Peninsula.
Sandra Fahy brought her expertise on North Korean human rights and state-led abuses, discussing how these issues intersect with the regime’s broader strategic objectives.
The discussion also explored North Korea’s asymmetric tactics, cyber operations, and potential responses from Canada and its allies.
At the event were leading policymakers, analysts, and security experts who engaged in a post-discussion Q&A session on how to formulate a strategic response to North Korea’s actions and the role of multilateral cooperation in maintaining regional and global security.
