4 GLOBAL CONTEXT KEY TRENDS Canada has a long-standing, honourable tradition of robust engagement in support of global stability, peace and prosperity. We are uniquely positioned now to further this role. Arguably, our engagement has never been more necessary, or valued by our international allies and partners. We live in a time when economic growth has lifted billions from poverty. But fragile and conflict-affected states have been excluded from many of these gains. Economic inequality is rising, worldwide. This has brought with it rising instability. Canada is not immune from these concerns, and we must be part of the solution – a force for security, stability, prosperity and social justice in the world. Violent extremism is a global scourge that, left unchecked, can undermine civil society and destabilize entire regions. It must be steadfastly opposed through concerted action spanning intelligence, counter-radicalization, development, and the use of hard power. In the face of hateful ideologies and attacks on our values and way of life, Canada will respond with unwavering strength. Social media and smart technology have transformed every aspect of daily life, conferring great benefits on the people it connects, worldwide. But much greater access to communications technology has simultaneously fostered new vulnerabilities, which we are called to address. When large populations flee their homes in a desperate search for a better life, mass migration can undermine states and lead to humanitarian emergencies. But when managed properly, emigration and immigration are forces for diversity, for economic growth and vitality in the host countries. We Canadians know this first-hand. Climate change threatens to disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions around the world. It also presents us with an urgent call to innovate, to foster collective action, to work hand-in-hand with like-minded partners around the world to meet this threat and beat it, rather than stand passively by. In short, Canada – by virtue of our geography, our history, our diversity and our natural wealth – is called to leadership. We have the capacity to help those who live under the threat of violence, or have been consigned to protracted refugee status. We can reach out to those who suffer from weak governance. We can be a force for stability in the world. And that is why Canada’s ability to field a highly trained, professional, well-equipped military is so vital. Meeting these enormous collective challenges requires coordinated action across the whole-of-government – military capabilities working hand in hand with diplomacy and development. The right hand supports the left – and vice-versa. We have often heard the world needs more Canada. This policy puts us in a position to make this a reality. Within this broader context, three key security trends will continue to shape events: the evolving balance of power, the changing nature of conflict, and the rapid evolution of technology. 49