60 Years of NPSIA

On September 18, 2026, NPSIA proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary with an unforgettable evening bringing together alumni, students, faculty, partners, and members of the diplomatic corps. We were especially honoured to welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Anita Anand, whose participation underscored NPSIA’s enduring role in shaping leaders and advancing dialogue on global issues.

The celebration was a powerful reflection of the vibrant community that has defined NPSIA for six decades and continues to inspire its future. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us to commemorate this milestone and look forward to the next chapter in NPSIA’s remarkable history.

60 years of impact. 60 years of leadership. 60 years of NPSIA.

60th Anniversary Event Recording

NPSIA at 60: A Canadian Foreign Policy Journal Conference

As part of its 60th Anniversary celebrations, the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, in partnership with the Canadian Foreign Policy Journal (CFPJ), brought together alumni, faculty, students, and members of the policy community on October 16, 2026, for a day of reflection and discussion on Canada’s role in the world and NPSIA’s enduring contribution to the study and practice of Canadian foreign policy.

The event opened with a keynote address by Christopher Sands, Director of the Center for U.S.-Canada Studies at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Throughout the day, distinguished NPSIA alumni and faculty engaged in four thematic panel discussions focusing on Diplomacy, Development, Security, and Trade and Investment. Drawing on decades of experience and scholarship, panelists examined the evolution of Canadian foreign policy, explored the challenges and opportunities confronting Canada today, and reflected on NPSIA’s role in shaping generations of scholars, practitioners, and leaders in international affairs.

Bringing together voices from academia, government, diplomacy, and civil society, this special anniversary event celebrated NPSIA’s rich legacy, assessed Canada’s place in a rapidly changing global environment, and looked ahead to the future of Canadian foreign policy and international engagement. As part of NPSIA’s milestone anniversary year, the gathering served as both a reflection on six decades of achievement and a reaffirmation of the School’s commitment to preparing the next generation of global leaders.

Reflecting on 60 Years with Former Director Maureen Molot

My connection to NPSIA began in 1982 when Brian Tomlin, who had just been appointed the  director of the School, asked if I would agree to become associate director and move to NPSIA. I agreed and stayed at NPSIA until I retired in 2006. There were many changes over the years – the addition of new faculty members, changes in NPSIA’s “streams” or areas of focus, revisions to the MA program, and the establishment of a doctoral program. We also developed, with the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa a joint MA-LLB, which was unique in Canada.  Toward the end of my time at NPSIA, a new stream in intelligence and security was created and attracted many students. From a look at NPSIA’s website I see that that academic innovation continues. 

There were many highlights over my years at NPSIA.  Given our location in Ottawa and the School’s long association with what was then the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (now Global Affairs Canada), attention to Canadian foreign policy was a natural focus.  The annual review of Canadian foreign and economic policy and Canada’s relations with countries in different parts of the world, Canada Among Nations, was first published in 1984. Some years later (in 1993) the Canadian Foreign Policy Journal was created.  It is wonderful to see that both publications continue.  Both did much to fill lacunae in Canadian academe and to enhance the reputation of NPSIA in Canada and abroad.

With the signing of first the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement and then the North American Free Trade Agreement some years later, NPSIA developed relationships with similar academic programs in universities in both Washington (Georgetown) and Mexico City (El Colegio de Mexico) and organized annual trips for students interested in these Agreements and their implementation, first to Washington and then to Mexico City.  In return NPSIA hosted students studying at like institutions in both capitals.

For many decades NPSIA benefited enormously from Department of National Defence grants for academic work in military and strategic studies.  These funds supported students interested in these areas as well as some visiting scholars.

NPSIA attracted outstanding students from across Canada and internationally.  Teaching these motivated and articulate students was a pleasure.  I learned a great deal from our conversation in the classroom and outside.  NPSIA grads went on to careers in governments in Canada and in their home countries as well as in international organization and the private sector.

Congratulations to NPSIA on its 60^th anniversary and may the School go from strength to strength.  And thank you Teddy for allowing me to participate in a very small way in what is a very impressive milestone.

Maureen