News
Dr. Laurence B. Mussio argues in The Globe and Mail that Canada stands at a crossroads. To overcome drift and seize its unique advantages in energy and AI, leaders must revive the tradition of grand collaboration—where elites, institutions, and citizens unite in purposeful action. History offers examples, but precedent alone cannot secure Canada’s future; bold leadership is what is required.
Dr. Laurence B. Mussio argues in The Globe and Mail that Carney’s surprise victory at the polls preserved the influence of Canada’s Laurentian elite. However, as this elite now presides over an economy facing stagnation, a housing crisis, innovation decline, and flawed energy policy, Carney must act quickly: the election win is not a mandate but a narrow window to enact real change – such as a national productivity commission, fiscal reform, productivity-focused immigration policy, and intergenerational policy assessments – before disillusionment empowers a new opposition.
We are pleased to share an important new report from RAND Corporation and the Long Run Institute: “Applying History to Inform Anticipatory AI Governance: Using Foresight and Hindsight to Inform Policymaking.” This publication represents the culmination of a two-year collaboration between RAND and the LRI, bringing together Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Robert J. Lempert and Dr. Jonathan W. Welburn with Professor Michael Aldous and Dr. Laurence B. Mussio to explore how historical analysis can inform AI governance frameworks.
Dr. Laurence B. Mussio, writing for The Globe and Mail, examines historical and contemporary expressions of Canadian nationalism in response to external threats, drawing parallels between the 19th and 21st centuries. With specific examples he argues that Canada’s historical resilience in the face of existential threats suggests a capacity for unity and sacrifice, even in a modern context where economic dependency on the U.S. poses challenges to independence.
Dr. Marvin Suesse and Dr. Laurence B. Mussio, writing In The Globe and Mail, analyze the underlying logic of Donald Trump’s trade policies through three competing interpretations: a Bluff Thesis, a Reckless Driver Theory and as a Geopolitical Realignment Strategy. However, they suggest that Trump’s policies are less about foreign threats and more about punishing “globalist” elites within the U.S. and echo other historical patterns. Ultimately, economic nationalism isn’t an anomaly but a recurring force, and businesses and policymakers must recognize and adapt to these cycles.
In this Globe and Mail opinion piece, Dr. Laurence B. Mussio and Dr. Marvin Suesse argue that the current rise of economic nationalism in North America, exemplified by U.S. tariffs and trade tensions, is not unprecedented but part of a recurring historical pattern. Since 1840, North America has experienced at least five major cycles of economic nationalism, often triggered by a combination of domestic political shifts, technological disruption, and geopolitical tensions. Today, the key difference is the deep economic integration between Canada and the U.S., making the stakes that much higher. However, it is clear that history also offers hope.
In this Globe and Mail article, Dr. Laurence B. Mussio explores Canada’s current economic and institutional crises, arguing that history provides lessons for renewal. He highlights how Canada has long struggled to balance aspirations with practical governance and emphasizes the need for courage, competence, and cultural renewal. The unbuilt “Angel of Peace” monument serves as a metaphor for Canada’s unrealized potential, urging leaders to embrace bold reforms and rekindle a shared sense of purpose.
In this piece, special to The Globe and Mail, Professor John Turner and Dr. Laurence B. Mussio discuss the recurring boom-bust cycle in technology and markets, using the recent DeepSeek AI breakthrough as an example. The article highlights how decision-makers often overlook early warning signs – but understanding historical cycles can help businesses better navigate future technological shifts.
The Directors of the LRI are delighted to welcome University of Toronto Adjunct Professor Bruce Choy, Rotman School of Management, to the Board of Governors. Dr. Choy is a specialist in governance and risk management. He is currently Chair of the Board of Governors for the George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology, and Chair of the Board Risk Committee for Shinhan Bank Canada, a subsidiary of the Korean financial services conglomerate Shinhan Financial Group.
The Directors of the Long Run Institute are honoured to welcome General (ret.) Stanley A. McChrystal, former Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and co-founder of The McChrystal Group, to the Board of Governors.