Afghan children greet a Canadian soldier with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, patrolling Salavat, Panjwayi district, southwest of Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Thesis
This series grew out of the question, where does the Canadian military go after Afghanistan? Would the Canadian public support a similar mission in the future? Should we return to a peace-keeping role? Beyond those issues, the series examined other aspects of the Canadian military. Some of those issues included:
How important is Arctic defence to our military strategy?
What role does the Canadian navy play and can its potential be realized without a significant equipment update?
How do governments go about winning public support for often messy and open-ended conflicts?
Canada has repeatedly said no to a mission in the Congo. Can we continue to neglect failing UN missions?
Most-viewed, most-discussed stories
Canada's next battle Afghanistan has been a tough war for Canada, but this country's military has emerged as something the world desperately needs - a capable, credible force. More...
Ships from the past power Canada's navy of the future Decades of neglect of the fleet threaten to undermine the navy's unique advantages for modern assignments. More...
How much is Arctic security worth? Canada must decide if it wants to spend $16-billion for sophisticated fighter jets to patrol its northern boundary. Then add a link More...
Top scored Catalyst comment
The discussion should start with building a consensus on what Canada's strategic interests are and what role the military should play in supporting them. The debate must rise above partisan politics and any single minority ideology... MGAEdwards
Top scored Reader comment
Exactly the way it should be. Canada needs to play a constructive role in the world - seeking to reduce violence rather than contribute to it. Kjell Anderson
Expert panel debate: Most viewed video
Part 1: Has Canada failed in Afghanistan? Featuring defence analyst Peter Langille, Ret. Lt-Gen. Michael Jeffery and Globe reporter Campbell Clark. More...
Most viewed interactive
Scenes from Cold Lake. Images of life at CFB Cold Lake. View.. .
Most active live chat
What do Canadians think about the military? Featuring Nanos Research CEO Nik Nanos and Globe reporter Campbell Clark. More...
Most active poll and results
Will having a strong military be more or less important in the future?
Of 10,991 votes cast:
48% More important
26% Less important
25% Same importance as today
Editorial