In the 15th episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve and Stef discuss the implications of the US airstrike for the Canadian led NATO mission in Iraq, along with new year resolutions and Pokémon infrastructure. Steve speaks with Rachel Schmidt [22:55] about her PhD research on female rebel disengagement and we have an interview with CDSN Military Personnel co-directors, Irina Goldenberg and our very own Stéfanie von Hlatky [29:00] discussing the exciting plans they have coming up in this research theme. Meanwhile, Steve [52:55] is peeved about international relations media coverage.

Participant Biographies:

• Stéfanie von Hlatky: Associate Professor of political studies at Queen’s University and the former Director of the Queen’s Centre for International and Defence Policy (CIDP). Her research focuses on NATO, armed forces, military interventions, and defence policy. Fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.
• Stephen M. Saideman: Paterson Chair in International Affairs, as well as Director of the Canadian Defence and Security Network – Réseau Canadien Sur La Défense et la Sécurité, and Professor of International Affairs at Carleton University. Fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute
• Rachel Schmidt: a PhD candidate in International Conflict Management and Resolution at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. She is currently completing her fieldwork in Colombia, which involves interviewing ex-combatants from various non-state armed groups. Her research focuses on why combatants defect from insurgent groups, with comparative analysis of men and women’s pathways out of violence, as well as comparisons of defectors with ex-combatants who demobilize collectively through peace processes. Rachel also works as a senior editor for OpenGlobalRights, a leading online human rights forum. She holds an MA from NPSIA and a BA from the University of British Columbia.
• Irina Goldenberg: Co-Director of CDSN-RCDS & Acting Director Research Operational and Organizational Dynamics (DROOD) in the Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis (DGMPRA) in the Department of National Defence. Her research focuses on recruitment and retention in the armed forces and military-civilian personnel collaboration in defence organizations.

Related Links:

• CDSN-RCDS
• Stéfanie Von Hlatky’s book: "American Allies in Times of War: The Great Asymmetry"
• Steve Saideman & David P. Auerswald’s book: "NATO in Afghanistan: Fighting Together, Fighting Alone"
• CDSN Military Personnel Theme
• CDSN Capstone Event
• CDSN Post- Doc Competition