War and Security (specific wars, terrorism, as well as a general view of armed forces and its theories):
Middle East/South Asia: My country currently has forces in this region, in Afghanistan. While I think there is a role for Canada and NATO as a whole in the fight against international Jihadi Terrorism, I don't think our role is a very effective or intelligent one. To sell the war to our nation, our politicians needed to sell it as rebuilding Afghanistan, with schools, hospitals, etc. This is not a useful purpose for our military force, and my neighbors, who have decided to defend my freedom do NOT deserve to lose their life so that some Afghan girl can go to school. It is the responsibility of the Afghans to give their lives for freedom, if they so wish. If NATO countries want to encourage the freedom of Afghan girls, INVEST IN THE NATION'S INFRASTRUCTURE!
North Africa: Potentially the next Jihadi hot spot. Al Qaeda intends to launch attacks against Europe from Tunisia and Morocco. Intelligence forces should be highly concerned with groups like The Salafist Group for Prayer and War (the initial name of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghrab).
The rest of Africa: Much is contained to local conflict and warlordism. However, these power vacuums have proven a breeding ground for groups who strike outside their borders, often drawing several African nations into a single conflict zone. Unlikely that these conflicts pose a threat for westerners who do not live in the nations themselves, though it has been seen in Sudan (technically a North African Arab nation), and one must watch Somalia closely, that international terrorists intent of striking the west can find sanctuary in these nations.
Russia: The west needs to engage them as a powerful ally. They are only a security threat because NATO nations are interested in reducing its power internationally. Because of this, a new cabal of anti-american allies is forming, drawing together Putin, Ahmadeenajad, and Chavez.
China: Though they might surpass America in economic might, their army is relatively obsolete and highly immobile. They will need to engage in war soon for oil resources, likely in the 'stans. They have major investment in some of the oil rich areas of Africa, which may spur proxy conflict with Western nations as the supply runs out.
South America: Currently experiencing a revival of socialism. They rhetorically oppose America, though I feel they are more threatened than a threat. Gangs immigrating through mexico, and the drug trade are probably the largest security threats here.
Israel: The most internationally de-stabalizing nation on the planet. They risk drawing America into a full out war on the Muslim world with their constant threatening rhetoric and behaviour against Iran. If Iran were to attack Israel, that would be one thing. However, Israel has and is making continuing threats against Iran, and many military analysists fear they will preemptively strike its nuclear sites. Due to America's unwavering support for Israel, it is predictable that they would be involved in another war of aggression, this time with Iran AND with the involvement of Israel....
Al Qaeda: The money spent on any bullet or bomb used to kill an Al Qaeda soldier would be better spent training Farsi, Urdu, Pashtun and Arabic speakers to infiltrate these organizations. I am 100% in favor of military action intent on killing Al Qaeda operatives, I am just 100% positive that intelligence operations will be more successful and have far less lasting consequences.
Domestic: Canada does not protect its borders, nor does it properly fund its military. Our soldiers are some of the best trained in the world, yet they are consistently let down by a lack of interest from the voting public.
Civil Rights (marriage, abortion, age of consent, voting, etc.):
Mostly I am for the government not being involved with civil rights until it comes to their protection. I don't support any government involvement in marriage (potentially including age of consent).
Abortion I view as morally wrong, though I am in favor of choice for a woman. I would support any woman I impregnate's choice, and at this point in my life would be in favor of not having a child. The reason it should be legal has nothing to do with right or wrong, but the simple fact that it will be done anyways and it causes much more damage to society while it is illegal.
Canada largely has few civil rights problems, and even our "war on drugs" or "racist prison complex" don't come close to the problems in the states, so just a passing mention probably will suffice. Our police force has a problem with abusing Natives, and the federal police (RCMP) have problems with highly aggressive tactics, as apparently Canada has no entrapment laws.
Economic Issues (free trade/protectionism, taxes, etc.):
Free trade is a wonderful ideal which should be striven for, however, issues of currency inequities between nations, corporate protectionism, and gross deregularization have largely crippled capitalism internationally and domestically.
I was just talking about this the other day. While I support free trade and am largely against nationalization of resources, Canada currently sits on top of more oil than Saudi Arabia and a good portion of the world's fresh water. We appear to have no policy, aside from "Come and get it, American companies". Given the realities of the world, some nationalization with specific end goals of not creating droughts in either resource should be considered. Capitalism can have negative effects that can be mediated without gross government involvement. Ideally, we could establish a free economy that, under its own power, supplies resources in a beneficial way to people.
Immigration and Foreign Relations (international groups, diplomacy, immigration legislation, etc.):
We need you, please come!
Canada has major problems with not recognizing the academic achievements of immigrants. There is the wonderful story of the Woman who worked on the Chinese space program immigrating to Canada, only to find a job as a hamburger flipper on the Toronto subway.
We should have and attempt diplomatic relations with all nations. Quebec should no longer have its own international delegations or immigration rights (or all provinces should have unique immigration rights, like quebec, though I still believe only the Federal government should have representatives abroad [unless it is obviously applicable]).
Other Issues You Find Important:
Education reform is the most important thing we can do to improve the world.
What country are you citizen of/do you live in?
Canada
The one North of the states 😉
What political ideology do you identify yourself with?
in a left right distinction: Conservative
On the political diamond: Libertarian
I hope that I appear a pragmatist before either of those, as I prefer demonstrable results to ideologically motivated decisions.
I consider myself an non-revolutionary Technocrat (in the actual technocratic movement, there are many who feel a revolution after the downfall of capitalism is needed to fully implement technocratic change, I happen to believe capitalism is the mechanism through which technology can be implemented to its fullest, as the market provides the incentive [if the gvt hadn't made short term investment more important than long term investment] to invest into technological and efficient solutions).
My political philosophy is rooted in individualist anarchy
Comments
interesting, lots of stuff to argue about in this thread