Episode 4.22: The Next Generation of Security and Defence

Welcome to a new episode of Battle Rhythm, with co-host Anessa L. Kimball, Ph.D., Professor at Université Laval; Steve Saideman and Anessa discuss the Canada - US trade war and its implications for defence, a review of the 2026 Summer Institute including the briefing from NDHQ, along with a NATO Summit post mortem. For today’s feature interview, Anessa Interviews 4 Student Delegates about their Model NATO experience, Emma Breton-Chénier, Xavier Antonuk, Adrien Risch, Amal Belhaj share the highlights and opportunities of participating in this international learning experience. The Laval University Delegation for NATO Simulation, founded in 2007, is mandated to represent Laval University at the International Model NATO, which takes place annually in Washington DC. These events bring together around a hundred students from various universities, mainly North American, who represent the different member countries of the organization. The delegates embody the diplomats of the Member State they represent through various committees and address various topics submitted to the agenda by the organizers. This simulation presents an incredible opportunity to study the structure and functioning of NATO, as well as to better understand the various challenges and problems the organization faces. It also allows us to learn more about the states they represent.