A new era for global security

Join us for our first Speaker Series featuring Branka Marijan, senior researcher at Project Ploughshares and a CIGI Senior Fellow.

Branka Marijan is a lecturer in the Master of Global Affairs program at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto.

At Ploughshares, Marijan leads research on the military and security implications of emerging technologies. Her work examines concerns regarding the development of autonomous weapons systems and the impact of artificial intelligence and robotics on security provision. Her research interests include trends in warfare, civilian protection, use of drones and civil-military relations.

Marijan is a graduate with an Honours BA in German & Peace Studies and an MA in Globalization from McMaster University. She holds a PhD. from the Balsillie School of International Affairs with a specialization in conflict and security. She has conducted research on post-conflict societies and published academic articles and reports on the impacts of conflict on civilians and diverse issues of security governance, including security sector reform.

Profound shifts in geopolitics and global security are increasingly influenced by the rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics. This presentation will examine the far-reaching implications of these developments, highlighting how they challenge existing international norms and underscore the urgent need for greater civic engagement.

Drawing on real-world policy debates and advocacy initiatives, particularly the sustained efforts of civil society organizations in Canada and around the world, the discussion will explore how direct engagement with policymakers, technical and legal experts, and the general public can shape decisions in international forums.

Through interactive dialogue, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the forces reshaping global security and discover the vital role that civic engagement plays in fostering responsible oversight and governance of emerging security and military technologies.

When: February 26, 2025, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Where: In-person at LRW 3001

Hosted by Wilson College of Leadership & Civic Engagement at McMaster University
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