Let’s look at this issue from a strategic point of view. In my personal opinion, if there were a blatant attack on Estonia, or Latvia, or (name the NATO member) and that country invoked Article 5 of the NATO Charter, then I believe that NATO would respond. How NATO would respond is a different issue. There would be individual countries that might not offer combat … Continue reading Would NATO go to war with Russia over Estonia? Latvia?
Nobel prize winning economist Paul Krugman published an OpEd in today’s New York Times titled “The Moose That Roared”. Nice little article referring PM Carney ordering his negotiators to walk away from the US trade negotiators and come home to Canada. Dr Krugman (alluding to the movie where a small European Duchy declares war on the US) boldly predicts that Canada will come out ahead … Continue reading Don’t Mess With the Moose
Having a leader who understands the difference between immediate gain and long-term success is existentially important. This distinction is true for all leaders, but especially at the national level. Irrespective of the form of government, having a leader who, to paraphrase the poet Robert Browning, has a reach that exceeds his grasp, can be the difference between peace and war; prosperity and impecunity; calm and … Continue reading Engagement is not Approval
I well recall early commercial diesel engines and how difficult they could be to start. Diesel fuel was cheap; repairs were expensive and so drivers left their rigs idling — sometimes for hours — while they sat at loading docks or they went into truck stops for a meal. Certainly, some trucks needed to idle because they had temperature-controlled cargo but generally, they were wasting … Continue reading When Memory Teaches Incorrect Lessons
Last year I wrote a post entitled The Wounding of the Great Republic (5 Oct 2025), where I discussed my opposition to a written constitution and how it can be abused, especially as we see happening in America. I’ve always believed in the strength of Common Law and that it was a better system than written “black letter law.” Likewise, I am a staunch believer … Continue reading Piercing the Bubble of Reality
Marty and I have dropped our newest short discussion. In this episode, we discuss the sudden surge of funding towards the Canadian military and what it means for the nation’s defence forces. While increased spending aims to bolster security, concerns arise about whether the funds are being used wisely and efficiently. The conversation touches on the potential consequences of rapid expansion, risks of lowering quality … Continue reading Newest Podcast
If you are like me this morning, and sick of hearing about the US President’s single-handed “victory” in Iran (aka the WORST foreign policy debacle in America’s 250-year history), you’ll be pleased to return to Ukraine and review a bit of military theory regarding that war. I have talked about this issue before, but there has been a change that prompts me to return. The … Continue reading Strategy/Operations/Tactics Part II
One year ago, almost exactly, in my post Unintended Consequences (3 June 2025), I commented on frequent discussions I have had over the years with senior foreign officers. Living so close to the US, and being constantly influenced by the American obsession with “national security” (even before the tragedy of 9/11), it is easy to forget that Canadians do not necessarily share this obsession. In … Continue reading Purpose of National Leader
The Enlightened Soldier 