Jeffrey B . Kucharski | Royal Roads University (original) (raw)

Books by Jeffrey B . Kucharski

Palgrave Macmillan, 2024

This book describes and analyzes the choices that Canada, as a Middle Power, has regarding the st... more This book describes and analyzes the choices that Canada, as a Middle Power, has regarding the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. The administrations of Republican Donald Trump and his successor Democrat Joe Biden have taken a hardline stance toward Beijing, which in turn has adopted an increasingly belligerent tone toward Washington. The posture of the United States toward China has put traditional American allies in a difficult position. They must choose whether to join the effort to counter China’s ambitions, support those ambitions or take some intermediate stance. As one of America’s closest and longest-standing allies, Canada must make decisions that will affect its position in the world for the rest of the twenty-first century. The book argues that Canada’s national interests are best served by alignment with the confrontational posture of the United States while at the same time joining the efforts of U.S. allies Japan, India, and South Korea to moderate the thrust of Washington’s Indo-Pacific Strategy in a direction more consistent with multilateralism and the preservation of the rules-based international order. The book has important implications for other U.S. allies, including the member states of the European Union, Organization of American States and Association of Southeast Asian Nations, each of which finds itself caught in the middle between the world’s two greatest powers.

Peer reviewed academic papers by Jeffrey B . Kucharski

Inside Policy, 2024

Canada and South Korea are deepening their bilateral relations, with a view toward strengthening ... more Canada and South Korea are deepening their bilateral relations, with a view toward strengthening their mutual economic and security positions in the Indo-Pacific.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2023

Canada's deteriorating relations with India and already poor relations with China have some quest... more Canada's deteriorating relations with India and already poor relations with China have some questioning whether Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy can remain effective. A closer relationship with Japan is therefore called for.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2023

This paper examines how Europe is affected by the energy crisis, what steps the European Union (E... more This paper examines how Europe is affected by the energy crisis, what steps the European Union (EU) is taking to deal with it, and the implications of these policies on European energy security.

Canadian Foreign Policy Journal, 2022

As the holder of the some of the world’s largest reserves of oil and gas, along with world class ... more As the holder of the some of the world’s largest reserves of oil and gas, along with world class deposits of many critical minerals needed for the energy transition, Canada is well-positioned to meet the energy needs of our allies and partners. Canada must act fast to remove impediments to energy investment, production and export capacity at a time when geopolitics is upending global energy markets and demand and supply are becoming unbalanced. Stable, secure and affordable energy supplies are vital to human well-being and economic development. Canada has the capacity to play a role in ensuring the energy transition occurs in a way that does not create unnecessary economic hardship, foment inequality and civil unrest, or threaten global energy security.

Canadian Global Affairs Institute, 2022

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process that will likely be followed in considering ... more The purpose of this paper is to describe the process that will likely be followed in considering the applications for accession by both Taiwan and China, the factors that may influence the decision, the key hurdles both economies face, and our assessment of the probable outcomes and policy implications for member states, including for Canada.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2022

A new paper by Jeff Kucharski and Heather Exner-Pirot examines how Canada’s ability to emerge as ... more A new paper by Jeff Kucharski and Heather Exner-Pirot examines how Canada’s ability to emerge as a global energy provider has been restricted.

UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, 2020

This paper analyzes Japan’s energy leadership in the Indo-Pacific region under the "Free and Open... more This paper analyzes Japan’s energy leadership in the Indo-Pacific region under the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) framework and in the context of both the China threat and the weakening U.S. guarantees. In its energy strategy in the Asia Pacific, Japan seeks to counter China, but also cement closer relationships with countries around the region and ensure high transparency and standards of the emerging energy infrastructure. It is recommended that Canada pursue closer cooperation and coordination with Japan and seek new opportunities to bolster its foreign policy by using its energy supply advantages, clean energy expertise and soon to be significant export capacity to leverage broader gains in the pursuit of Canada's interests in the region.

MacDonald-Laurier Institute, 2020

This paper examines the role that Canada’s energy resources could play in strategic thinking abou... more This paper examines the role that Canada’s energy resources could play in strategic thinking about Canada’s foreign policy in a rapidly changing and challenging global environment. Specifically, it explores the ways that Canada could potentially use what may be called its
“strategic energy resources” to advance this country’s interests in the Indo-Pacific as well as address important foreign policy challenges, especially those related to supporting free and open trade, the multilateral rules-based order, and energy security.

While most studies of Japan’s energy sector have focused analysis on why Japan’s energy sector ha... more While most studies of Japan’s energy sector have focused analysis on why Japan’s energy sector has managed to resist change, the aim of this study is to show how Japan’s energy institutions have been and continue to evolve, especially in the post-Fukushima period. Rather than adhering to single model of institutional analysis, the approach in this study is broader and more systematic, integrating various economic, political and sociological perspectives on institutions in order to gain insights into Japan’s energy transition. In so doing, this study provides new evidence on the impact of policy reforms on energy sector structure and performance and demonstrates that significant structural and institutional changes are underway in Japan's energy transition.

School of Public Policy Briefing Paper, University of Calgary, 2018

Canada’s growing interest in trade with countries in the Indo-Pacific region corresponds with an o... more Canada’s growing interest in trade with countries in the Indo-Pacific region corresponds with an ominous growth in geopolitical instability and insecurity in that part of the globe. With Indo-Pacific hunger for oil expected to soar – especially in China, where demand will translate to 80 per cent of imports in 10 years – Canada needs to develop policies to deal with the region’s turbulent realities.

This study is a review and analysis of the Japanese government's 2014 Strategic Energy Plan (SEP)... more This study is a review and analysis of the Japanese government's 2014 Strategic Energy Plan (SEP). As the first plan to be issued after the Fukushima disaster of March 2011, the 2014 plan incorporates policies that represent the most comprehensive and systematic changes ever proposed for Japan's energy system. The study reviews the key elements of the plan, employing a framework that explains the nature and magnitude of the changes planned for Japan's energy system and related institutions. The analysis demonstrates that the shock of the triple disaster opened up a window of opportunity in Japan's policy environment for a fundamental change in energy policy, allowing for major reforms to the energy industrial structure and energy institutions. A unique aspect of this study is that it draws upon in-person interviews conducted with key government officials who were directly involved in the formulation of the SEP, providing new insights into Japan's energy policy planning process and the drivers behind the planned reforms. Given the nature and magnitude of the potential changes implied in the SEP, this paper concludes that the 2014 SEP is best understood as a comprehensive blueprint toward a major planned transition of the Japanese energy system.

The purpose of this paper is to review Japan's energy security and sustainability (i.e.: climate ... more The purpose of this paper is to review Japan's energy security and sustainability (i.e.: climate change) policy targets during the 2000-2013 period, to evaluate whether the country was successful in meeting these targets, and to assess the extent to which it was able to balance energy security and sustainability goals. This paper thus aims to fill a gap in the literature with respect to knowledge about the effectiveness of energy and sustainability policymaking in Japan. Our results show that in the 2000-2010 period, Japan pursued both energy security and climate change policies simultaneously and the country's energy and climate policies reflected an integrated approach, with mixed results. While Japan did make progress in improving its energy security situation and did manage to achieve its Kyoto commitments, the achievement of some policy targets fell short of expectations. Sustainability performance after the Fukushima accident was more negatively impacted than would have been the case had there been a greater share of other (non-nuclear) low-carbon sources in the electricity generation mix. We also show that in the wake of the Fukushima disaster and the subsequent shutdown of nuclear power capacity, sustainability issues were overshadowed as Japan's priorities turned toward dealing with disaster recovery, energy security and economic issues. Four years after Fukushima, policy trends indicate that a restoration of the balanced approach to energy security and sustainability issues is underway as Japan recommits to global climate change targets, announces new sustainability initiatives and initiates nuclear power plant restarts.

Procedia Environmental Sciences, 2015

Modern energy systems are increasingly complex and face ever-changing demands. As energy markets ... more Modern energy systems are increasingly complex and face ever-changing demands. As energy markets become increasingly global and interdependent, the issues affecting energy systems have also increased in number and complexity. Geopolitical events, natural disasters, severe weather, public acceptance of energy activities, increasingly automated and integrated energy systems, and the impact of climate change are just some of the factors impacting on energy systems. Consequently, the assessment of risks, threats and vulnerabilities in energy systems has become more urgent and more challenging.

Studies of energy security have been criticized on various grounds, including that they employ a narrow conception of energy security and rarely use a systematic approach. Various conceptual models have been proposed to evaluate energy security but are usually limited to the effect of supply disruptions. There are few examples of models that clearly define the broad range of risks faced by contemporary, complex energy systems.

This paper seeks to address these issues by taking a broader, policy-oriented approach to the factors affecting modern energy systems. We employ a complex systems perspective in conceptualizing the energy system and a more comprehensive approach to identifying risks, threats and vulnerabilities for energy security assessment purposes.

Conference Presentations by Jeffrey B . Kucharski

Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2022

This webinar discusses the opportunities for hydrogen and ammonia could help Canada enhance inter... more This webinar discusses the opportunities for hydrogen and ammonia could help Canada enhance international energy security.

Canadian International Council Foreign Policy by Canadians Initiative, 2020

This presentation to the Canadian International Council describes the current trade and security ... more This presentation to the Canadian International Council describes the current trade and security relationship between Canada and Japan. It also identifies opportunities Canada has to engage in a deeper, more strategic and more meaningful way with Japan in the post-Covid era.

This presentation discusses the strategic possibilities for enhancing Canada-Japan relations in b... more This presentation discusses the strategic possibilities for enhancing Canada-Japan relations in both the trade and security realms, with a special emphasis on energy cooperation.

For a copy of this presentation, please contact the author.

Presented to the Canada LNG Export Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Sept. 18, 2014

Woodrow Wilson Institute, Washington D.C.

Commentaries, blogs and short papers by Jeffrey B . Kucharski

Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada, 2024

This is an update to our previous paper on this topic.

Palgrave Macmillan, 2024

This book describes and analyzes the choices that Canada, as a Middle Power, has regarding the st... more This book describes and analyzes the choices that Canada, as a Middle Power, has regarding the strategic rivalry between the United States and China. The administrations of Republican Donald Trump and his successor Democrat Joe Biden have taken a hardline stance toward Beijing, which in turn has adopted an increasingly belligerent tone toward Washington. The posture of the United States toward China has put traditional American allies in a difficult position. They must choose whether to join the effort to counter China’s ambitions, support those ambitions or take some intermediate stance. As one of America’s closest and longest-standing allies, Canada must make decisions that will affect its position in the world for the rest of the twenty-first century. The book argues that Canada’s national interests are best served by alignment with the confrontational posture of the United States while at the same time joining the efforts of U.S. allies Japan, India, and South Korea to moderate the thrust of Washington’s Indo-Pacific Strategy in a direction more consistent with multilateralism and the preservation of the rules-based international order. The book has important implications for other U.S. allies, including the member states of the European Union, Organization of American States and Association of Southeast Asian Nations, each of which finds itself caught in the middle between the world’s two greatest powers.

Inside Policy, 2024

Canada and South Korea are deepening their bilateral relations, with a view toward strengthening ... more Canada and South Korea are deepening their bilateral relations, with a view toward strengthening their mutual economic and security positions in the Indo-Pacific.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2023

Canada's deteriorating relations with India and already poor relations with China have some quest... more Canada's deteriorating relations with India and already poor relations with China have some questioning whether Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy can remain effective. A closer relationship with Japan is therefore called for.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2023

This paper examines how Europe is affected by the energy crisis, what steps the European Union (E... more This paper examines how Europe is affected by the energy crisis, what steps the European Union (EU) is taking to deal with it, and the implications of these policies on European energy security.

Canadian Foreign Policy Journal, 2022

As the holder of the some of the world’s largest reserves of oil and gas, along with world class ... more As the holder of the some of the world’s largest reserves of oil and gas, along with world class deposits of many critical minerals needed for the energy transition, Canada is well-positioned to meet the energy needs of our allies and partners. Canada must act fast to remove impediments to energy investment, production and export capacity at a time when geopolitics is upending global energy markets and demand and supply are becoming unbalanced. Stable, secure and affordable energy supplies are vital to human well-being and economic development. Canada has the capacity to play a role in ensuring the energy transition occurs in a way that does not create unnecessary economic hardship, foment inequality and civil unrest, or threaten global energy security.

Canadian Global Affairs Institute, 2022

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process that will likely be followed in considering ... more The purpose of this paper is to describe the process that will likely be followed in considering the applications for accession by both Taiwan and China, the factors that may influence the decision, the key hurdles both economies face, and our assessment of the probable outcomes and policy implications for member states, including for Canada.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2022

A new paper by Jeff Kucharski and Heather Exner-Pirot examines how Canada’s ability to emerge as ... more A new paper by Jeff Kucharski and Heather Exner-Pirot examines how Canada’s ability to emerge as a global energy provider has been restricted.

UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, 2020

This paper analyzes Japan’s energy leadership in the Indo-Pacific region under the "Free and Open... more This paper analyzes Japan’s energy leadership in the Indo-Pacific region under the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) framework and in the context of both the China threat and the weakening U.S. guarantees. In its energy strategy in the Asia Pacific, Japan seeks to counter China, but also cement closer relationships with countries around the region and ensure high transparency and standards of the emerging energy infrastructure. It is recommended that Canada pursue closer cooperation and coordination with Japan and seek new opportunities to bolster its foreign policy by using its energy supply advantages, clean energy expertise and soon to be significant export capacity to leverage broader gains in the pursuit of Canada's interests in the region.

MacDonald-Laurier Institute, 2020

This paper examines the role that Canada’s energy resources could play in strategic thinking abou... more This paper examines the role that Canada’s energy resources could play in strategic thinking about Canada’s foreign policy in a rapidly changing and challenging global environment. Specifically, it explores the ways that Canada could potentially use what may be called its
“strategic energy resources” to advance this country’s interests in the Indo-Pacific as well as address important foreign policy challenges, especially those related to supporting free and open trade, the multilateral rules-based order, and energy security.

While most studies of Japan’s energy sector have focused analysis on why Japan’s energy sector ha... more While most studies of Japan’s energy sector have focused analysis on why Japan’s energy sector has managed to resist change, the aim of this study is to show how Japan’s energy institutions have been and continue to evolve, especially in the post-Fukushima period. Rather than adhering to single model of institutional analysis, the approach in this study is broader and more systematic, integrating various economic, political and sociological perspectives on institutions in order to gain insights into Japan’s energy transition. In so doing, this study provides new evidence on the impact of policy reforms on energy sector structure and performance and demonstrates that significant structural and institutional changes are underway in Japan's energy transition.

School of Public Policy Briefing Paper, University of Calgary, 2018

Canada’s growing interest in trade with countries in the Indo-Pacific region corresponds with an o... more Canada’s growing interest in trade with countries in the Indo-Pacific region corresponds with an ominous growth in geopolitical instability and insecurity in that part of the globe. With Indo-Pacific hunger for oil expected to soar – especially in China, where demand will translate to 80 per cent of imports in 10 years – Canada needs to develop policies to deal with the region’s turbulent realities.

This study is a review and analysis of the Japanese government's 2014 Strategic Energy Plan (SEP)... more This study is a review and analysis of the Japanese government's 2014 Strategic Energy Plan (SEP). As the first plan to be issued after the Fukushima disaster of March 2011, the 2014 plan incorporates policies that represent the most comprehensive and systematic changes ever proposed for Japan's energy system. The study reviews the key elements of the plan, employing a framework that explains the nature and magnitude of the changes planned for Japan's energy system and related institutions. The analysis demonstrates that the shock of the triple disaster opened up a window of opportunity in Japan's policy environment for a fundamental change in energy policy, allowing for major reforms to the energy industrial structure and energy institutions. A unique aspect of this study is that it draws upon in-person interviews conducted with key government officials who were directly involved in the formulation of the SEP, providing new insights into Japan's energy policy planning process and the drivers behind the planned reforms. Given the nature and magnitude of the potential changes implied in the SEP, this paper concludes that the 2014 SEP is best understood as a comprehensive blueprint toward a major planned transition of the Japanese energy system.

The purpose of this paper is to review Japan's energy security and sustainability (i.e.: climate ... more The purpose of this paper is to review Japan's energy security and sustainability (i.e.: climate change) policy targets during the 2000-2013 period, to evaluate whether the country was successful in meeting these targets, and to assess the extent to which it was able to balance energy security and sustainability goals. This paper thus aims to fill a gap in the literature with respect to knowledge about the effectiveness of energy and sustainability policymaking in Japan. Our results show that in the 2000-2010 period, Japan pursued both energy security and climate change policies simultaneously and the country's energy and climate policies reflected an integrated approach, with mixed results. While Japan did make progress in improving its energy security situation and did manage to achieve its Kyoto commitments, the achievement of some policy targets fell short of expectations. Sustainability performance after the Fukushima accident was more negatively impacted than would have been the case had there been a greater share of other (non-nuclear) low-carbon sources in the electricity generation mix. We also show that in the wake of the Fukushima disaster and the subsequent shutdown of nuclear power capacity, sustainability issues were overshadowed as Japan's priorities turned toward dealing with disaster recovery, energy security and economic issues. Four years after Fukushima, policy trends indicate that a restoration of the balanced approach to energy security and sustainability issues is underway as Japan recommits to global climate change targets, announces new sustainability initiatives and initiates nuclear power plant restarts.

Procedia Environmental Sciences, 2015

Modern energy systems are increasingly complex and face ever-changing demands. As energy markets ... more Modern energy systems are increasingly complex and face ever-changing demands. As energy markets become increasingly global and interdependent, the issues affecting energy systems have also increased in number and complexity. Geopolitical events, natural disasters, severe weather, public acceptance of energy activities, increasingly automated and integrated energy systems, and the impact of climate change are just some of the factors impacting on energy systems. Consequently, the assessment of risks, threats and vulnerabilities in energy systems has become more urgent and more challenging.

Studies of energy security have been criticized on various grounds, including that they employ a narrow conception of energy security and rarely use a systematic approach. Various conceptual models have been proposed to evaluate energy security but are usually limited to the effect of supply disruptions. There are few examples of models that clearly define the broad range of risks faced by contemporary, complex energy systems.

This paper seeks to address these issues by taking a broader, policy-oriented approach to the factors affecting modern energy systems. We employ a complex systems perspective in conceptualizing the energy system and a more comprehensive approach to identifying risks, threats and vulnerabilities for energy security assessment purposes.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2022

This webinar discusses the opportunities for hydrogen and ammonia could help Canada enhance inter... more This webinar discusses the opportunities for hydrogen and ammonia could help Canada enhance international energy security.

Canadian International Council Foreign Policy by Canadians Initiative, 2020

This presentation to the Canadian International Council describes the current trade and security ... more This presentation to the Canadian International Council describes the current trade and security relationship between Canada and Japan. It also identifies opportunities Canada has to engage in a deeper, more strategic and more meaningful way with Japan in the post-Covid era.

This presentation discusses the strategic possibilities for enhancing Canada-Japan relations in b... more This presentation discusses the strategic possibilities for enhancing Canada-Japan relations in both the trade and security realms, with a special emphasis on energy cooperation.

For a copy of this presentation, please contact the author.

Presented to the Canada LNG Export Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Sept. 18, 2014

Woodrow Wilson Institute, Washington D.C.

Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada, 2024

This is an update to our previous paper on this topic.

The Diplomat, 2022

The risks to Taiwan’s economy and its energy security are rising in the wake of China’s more aggr... more The risks to Taiwan’s economy and its energy security are rising in the wake of China’s more aggressive stance, as the island faces an elevated level of security threats that could further disrupt trade and cause financial and investment risk to rise. Given Taiwan’s almost total reliance on imports of energy resources to sustain its economy and the global reliance on Taiwan’s advanced semiconductors, Taiwan’s allies and partners have a real self interest in promoting peace and security in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan should review its energy policies with a view toward further diversifying its energy sources, developing contingency plans in the case of disruptions, and reviewing its policy on nuclear power.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2022

This paper discusses the evolution of energy security in the Indo-Pacific and suggests ways that ... more This paper discusses the evolution of energy security in the Indo-Pacific and suggests ways that Canada could play a role in enhancing energy security in that region.

Globe and Mail, 2020

An opinion piece. With the Keystone XL pipeline looking less and less viable, it is time to serio... more An opinion piece. With the Keystone XL pipeline looking less and less viable, it is time to seriously look at alternatives that will allow us to meet the world’s growing demand for energy and help lift Canada out of recession – and sustain an economic recovery.

Canada faces an uncomfortable energy predicament. The Keystone XL pipeline delay, the shale oil a... more Canada faces an uncomfortable energy predicament. The Keystone XL pipeline delay, the shale oil and gas revolution, energy price volatility and environmental politics have emerged as watershed issues confronting Canada’s energy system. These issues, along with internal constraints and developments beyond Canada’s borders, increasingly challenge the country’s ability to secure alternative markets for its energy resources and threaten Canada’s long-term economic prosperity. Canada needs to deal with these issues in a more comprehensive and coherent way by developing a strategy to preserve and enhance its energy security.

Macdonald-Laurier Institute, 2019

Recent tensions in the Middle East Canada highlight Canada's potential opportunity to help meet t... more Recent tensions in the Middle East Canada highlight Canada's potential opportunity to help meet the growing energy demand in the Indo-Pacific and reap economic benefits at home.

The purpose of this thesis is to assess the impact of energy policies and institutions on Japan’s... more The purpose of this thesis is to assess the impact of energy policies and institutions on Japan’s energy system in order to identify current energy security issues as well as assess the outlook for energy security in the future.

This author was the lead for the work team that conducted a comprehensive review of Alberta's ups... more This author was the lead for the work team that conducted a comprehensive review of Alberta's upstream oil and gas regulatory system. This report makes a number of recommendations that are currently in the process of being implemented in the Province of Alberta.

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2018

Canada's growing interest in trade with countries in the Indo-Pacific region corresponds with an ... more Canada's growing interest in trade with countries in the Indo-Pacific region corresponds with an ominous growth in geopolitical instability and insecurity in that part of the globe. With Indo-Pacific hunger for oil expected to soar-especially in China, where demand will translate to 80 per cent of imports in 10 years-Canada needs to develop policies to deal with the region's turbulent realities. The Indo-Pacific comprises countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia, and includes such unstable and unpredictable players as North Korea and Pakistan, both of which have nuclear weapons and long-simmering border tensions. India is an emerging economic and military rival to China. In the next 20 years, China and India are expected to lead the global demand for gas as coal consumption continues to decline, and Canada has a stake in this prosperous future. Along with territorial squabbles in the region, Canada will have to deal with complex issues such as terrorism, human trafficking, transnational crime, piracy and cybercrime, as well as the struggle for global dominance between China and the U.S. One key area for potential conflict is China's recent construction and militarization of artificial islands in the South China Sea. The Canadian government's new military strategy, Strong, Secure, Engaged does little more than make a plea for peace and the rule of law in the South China Sea. However, more trade crosses the Pacific Ocean from Canada than crosses the Atlantic. And with Canada signing on to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the region's troubles will need to be resolved by more than good intentions on paper. Canada must shift more diplomatic, security and military resources to the Indo-Pacific; otherwise, its efforts will be spread too thinly to be effective in the region. Trade, especially through a major route like the Strait of Malacca, could easily be disrupted by any one of a number of disputes, such as a conflict between China and Taiwan or if historic resentments boil over among competing territorial claimants in the region. Thus, Canada needs to step up and reaffirm its security commitments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a partner in the region. Participating in maritime exercises and Freedom of Navigation (FON) operations would also help to reinforce to countries in the region the importance of abiding by international law. Meanwhile, Canada should set aside for now any intentions to negotiate a free trade agreement with China. China does not share some of Canada's key trade and security goals and its aggressive behaviour in the South and East China Seas clearly signal that now is not the time to talk about a trade pact. China must demonstrate that it is willing to take a more cooperative approach to resolving trade and security issues in the Indo-Pacific and to support and respect the rule of law in the region. Canada has the potential to become a reliable, stable source of energy for Indo-Pacific countries. There is also an opportunity for provinces such as Alberta to strike their own strategic deals to provide energy resources to countries in that region, in return for trade and investment benefits. However, while investing at home in the necessary infrastructure and export capability to expand its role, Canada must also strive to bring its own unique approach to enhancing regional and energy security in the Indo-Pacific. 1 The "Indo-Pacific" is a broader term than "Asia-Pacific". It is generally understood to include the region bordering the Indian Ocean (and therefore includes India, Pakistan, etc.) and the western and central Pacific, including the South and East China Seas. The term has been used widely for several years in Australia, Japan and India and is also commonly used in global strategic/geopolitical discourse.

Journal of Energy, 2017

This study is a review and analysis of the Japanese government’s 2014 Strategic Energy Plan (SEP)... more This study is a review and analysis of the Japanese government’s 2014 Strategic Energy Plan (SEP). As the first plan to be issued after the Fukushima disaster of March 2011, the 2014 plan incorporates policies that represent the most comprehensive and systematic changes ever proposed for Japan’s energy system. The study reviews the key elements of the plan, employing a framework that explains the nature and magnitude of the changes planned for Japan’s energy system and related institutions. The analysis demonstrates that the shock of the triple disaster opened up a window of opportunity in Japan’s policy environment for a fundamental change in energy policy, allowing for major reforms to the energy industrial structure and energy institutions. A unique aspect of this study is that it draws upon in-person interviews conducted with key government officials who were directly involved in the formulation of the SEP, providing new insights into Japan’s energy policy planning process and t...

Canadian Foreign Policy Journal

As the holder of the some of the world’s largest reserves of oil and gas, along with world class ... more As the holder of the some of the world’s largest reserves of oil and gas, along with world class deposits of many critical minerals needed for the energy transition, Canada is well-positioned to meet the energy needs of our allies and partners. Canada must act fast to remove impediments to energy investment, production and export capacity at a time when geopolitics is upending global energy markets and demand and supply are becoming unbalanced. Stable, secure and affordable energy supplies are vital to human well-being and economic development. Canada has the capacity to play a role in ensuring the energy transition occurs in a way that does not create unnecessary economic hardship, foment inequality and civil unrest, or threaten global energy security.