KCIS Conference 2023 | Kingston, ON

September 19-21, 2023

Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre

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page updated: March 22, 2024

Standing at an inflection point in history, over the past few years it has become painfully evident that a new era is upon us. From the challenges to the current rules based international system to its potential impacts on partnerships, globalization, and the environment; from new contests for influence in regions stretching from the Arctic to Europe and all across Asia; from the [un]changing character of warfare of major combat operations in Europe to multi-domain operations across the Indo-Pacific. Each of these focus and friction points offer opportunities for the development of new strategy, policy, and security and defence. KCIS 2023’s theme is ‘the [un]Changing Character of War’.

The aim of this conference is to identify and analyze the impacts of recent major shifts in the international security environment on the changing character of war, with a particular emphasis on the current flashpoints observed in the Indo Pacific, Central Europe, as well as the impact upon human security. Though broad in its interest, this conference seeks to bring together scholars and practitioners into the spotlight of those issues that resonate across all domains related to security and defence in this new era.

Join us in person this September for KCIS 2023.

Conference
- Dining Recommendations:
  - The Everly https://theeverly.ca/ a mid-century inspired stylish space, offering a rotating menu of classic dishes made with local ingredients
  - Baja Craft Kitchen https://www.bajacraftkitchen.com/ Mexican, Casual
  - Pizza Monster, https://pizzamonster.ca/ Pizza & wine
  - Miss Bao https://www.missbao.ca/contact-us, Modern fare, chinese, taiwanese etc..
  - Kingston Brewing CO. https://www.kingstonbrewing.ca/ Pub fare.
  - Podo Namu (no website) korean fare.
  - Chez Piggy https://chezpiggy.ca/ fine dining
- The Reception (Sept 19) is located at the David Walker Atrium, School of Medicine Building -
  15 Arch Street | Kingston, Ontario K7L 3L4
  The atrium is located on the North side of the building just in the doors off of Arch Street.
- The 2-day conference is located at the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre -
  421 Union Street | Kingston, Ontario K7L 4L6
  Complimentary onsite parking is available during the event.
- The 2-day conference will take place entirely in English.
- There is no streaming option for this year’s event.
  Dress Code
- For CAF Members
  For the Reception: Business Casual
  For the two days of the conference: 3B
- For US Military
  For the Reception: Business Casual
  For the two days of the conference: Class B
  Registration
- Photo ID will be required to receive registration credentials at the Venue.
- There are no “partial” or “day” rates for registration.
  
  Refunds & Substitution
- Registration fees are non-refundable, however substitution of registrants is permitted. Please notify us by September 5, 2023 if you wish to arrange for a substitute on your registration.
- In the event that a registrant can no longer attend or a substitution is required, please contact the conference team at: kcis@queensu.ca
  
  Recording
- KCIS 2023 will be recorded and will be freely accessible on the KCIS YouTube Channel indefinitely for public consumption and research purposes. Clips may also be used in advertising or for promotional use.
- By attending KCIS 2023 you are consenting to being recorded, and waive any rights to compensation for video or stills in which you may appear.
  Anti-harassment policy
- KCIS values maintaining an environment free of, and will not tolerate, Harassment, Discrimination and Reprisal. This includes Harassment and Discrimination based on race, gender identity, ancestry, gender expression, place of origin, age, colour, record of offences (employment only), ethnic origin, marital status, citizenship, family status, creed, sexual orientation, sex, and disability. Conference participants seen violating this policy will be asked to leave the conference venue, without a refund and at the discretion of the organizing committee.

Opening evening, David Walker Atrium, School of Medicine Building, Queen’s University

1800 Reception Opens

1830 Opening Remarks and Introductions
- Colonel Kyle Solomon, Canadian Army Command & Staff College
- Stéphanie Martel, Centre for International & Defence Policy
2130 Reception Ends
Donald Gordon Centre, Conference Room B

0810 Welcome Announcements
Emcee: Colonel Mike Babin, Canadain Armed Forces, Centre for International and Defence Policy
0815 Welcome to Territory & Opening Remarks
- Allen Doxtator, Culture Advisor/Elder – Queen's University
- Dr. Stéphanie Martel, Centre for International & Defence Pollicy
0830 Challenge to the Conference
Florence Gaub, Director of the Research Division - NATO Defense College

0845 Opening Keynote - RAdm (ret’d) The Honorable Rebecca Patterson, Senator for Ontario
Moderator: Stéfanie von Hlatky, Queen’s University

0930 Panel 1: Understanding Military Roles and Human (In)Security in War Torn Areas

This opening panel will discuss opportunities and challenges for militaries to formally operationalize a human security framework to increase the efficacy of interventions in the context of complex security environments.
Moderator: Sarah-Jane Meharg, Dallaire Centre of Excellence for Peace and Security

- LCol (Ret’d) David Lambert, Lambert Consulting
- Clare Hutchinson, RedHed Consultancy
- Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Rachel Grimes, ACT NATO

1100 Break

1130 Panel 2: Evolving Forms of Hybrid Warfare and Below the Threshold Conflict
This panel looks at how the nature of international security and conflicts remains the same. States are involved in military and economic competitions, armed conflicts still seem inevitable, security dilemmas and strategic competition is unceasing. However, the methods are no longer always the same. Conflicts are simultaneously fought in both conventional and innovative ways. Some adaptive techniques make use of Hybrid Warfare and Below the Threshold Conflict to achieve their aims.
Moderator: Brigadier-General Tod Strickland, Canadian Forces College

- Marc Ozawa, Researcher - NATO Defense College
- Dimitru Minzarari, Lecturer, Baltic Defence College
- Marta Kepe, Senior Defense Analyst - RAND Corporation
- Howard Coombs, Deputy Director - CIDP

1300 Lunch

1400 Panel 3: Women, Peace and Security in Conflict Zones
WPS calls for on-the-ground conflict responses make gender equality and the needs of women and girls an integral part of their efforts during conflict, intervention and post-conflict situations.
Moderator: Major-General Denis O’Reilly, Canadian Defence Academy
- Jacqueline O’Neill, Ambassador - Women, Peace & Security
- Dr. Stéfanie von Hlakty, Queen’s University
- Dr. Yolande Bouka, Queen’s University
- Dr. Yannick Veilleux-Lepage, Royal Military College

1530 Break

1600 Keynote Address - Charlotte McGlade, International Programs, Canadian Red Cross

Moderator: Dr. Kim Nossal, Queen’s University
Donald Gordon Centre, Conference Room B

0825 Welcome Announcements
Emcee: LTC Tyler Donnell, US Army, Centre for International and Defence Policy

0830 Day 2 Keynote - Brigadier-General John W. Errington, Strategic Joint Staff, Canadian Armed Forces
Monderator: Brigadier-General (ret’d) Brian McPherson

0915 Panel 4: Strategic Insights and Observations from the Ukraine-Russia War (Virtual Panel)
This panel will provide real-time insights from USAWC researchers and sheds light on important issues related to Russia's attack against Ukraine.
Introductions: Dr. Michael Lynch, Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College
Moderator: Dr. Carol Evans, Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College

- Dr. Robert Hamilton, Strategic Studies Institute and USAWC Press
- Dr. Antulio Echevarria, U.S. Army War College Quarterly
- Dr. John Deni, JIIM Security Studies

1030 Break

1100 Panel 5: Technology and the New Wars
In the twenty first century, technological development has reduced the opportunities for war, but new technologies have facilitated new forms of conflict. These developments affected our understanding of war's character and its interaction with the state.
Moderator: Dr. Rebecca Jensen, Royal Danish Defence College
- BGen (ret’d) David Anderson, Mithraic Solutions Inc.
- Dr. Leah West, Carleton University
- Kristen Csenkey, Balsillie School of International Affairs
- Col. Catherine Marchetti, Commander - 7 Wing (Space)
1230 Lunch

1330 Closing Keynote - General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Armed Forces
Moderator: Stephen Saideman, Director, Canadian Defence and Security Network

1415 Closing Remarks
- Dr. Howard Coombs, Centre for International and Defence Policy