HFX2020 kicked off in a world that has been fundamentally changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of gathering in-person in Halifax, this year HFX participants gathered virtually around the world to participate in the first major international security conference to meet since a divisive US election.

Facing existential threats posed by climate change, rising power struggles and a global pandemic, the cooperation fostered by HFX has never been more important. HFX President Peter Van Praagh started the conversation by reaffirming the commitment that HFX makes to the strengthening of democratic institutions with the unveiling of a handbook on how to deal with an increasingly aggressive China. It is designed for democracies, but its recommendations are accessible for citizens, HFX2020 participants and decision-makers alike. The main message of the handbook? When democratic countries come together, the world is a safer place.

Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan paid special tribute to Canadian armed forces who rose to the challenges of COVID-19 and provided tremendous logistical support to help Canadians return home from abroad. They also pitched in with critical support to hospitals in the spring. At the same time, COVID-19 doesn’t make our other national security obligations go away. Ultimately, the pandemic has reminded us of the importance of multilateral relationships around the world. Even with the challenges of 2020, vaccines present a light at the end of the tunnel and forums like HFX provide a mandate to strengthen our democratic institutions.

The United States or Divided States of America? Although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world together in many ways, it often seems as if we have never been so divided. Whether it’s the erosion of trans-Atlantic partnerships, distrustful bi-partisan governing or tense dinner tables around the country, it can be difficult to build bridges over our differences, and that has consequences. Senator Tim Kaine believes that the American people have been let down by their government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishop Garrison spoke from a United States still reeling from the results of a bitterly fought election. He did, however, see reason for hope that the incoming Biden administration will help heal the divides in America – whether they are racial, economic or political. As Mark Hetfield points out, the United States is a very divided nation, and one of the issues that divides the country is the fear of immigration, and its incumbent on all of us to demonstrate that there is no reason to fear refugees.

Michael Abramowitz believes that people around the world look to the United States for leadership, but right now we are in a phase where the United States is a “tarnished tribune”. It’s a tough road ahead, but the US is hardly the first country to deal with a divided people. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic once thought that the people of her home in Croatia would never be able to coexist after a bitter war and collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, she said that thankfully she was wrong. And there are lessons to be learned from the Middle East as well – a region not often known for the resolution of deep conflict. Tawakkol Karman felt optimistic about the ability of the US to rebuild diplomatic relations around the world. She believes that if the American people can protect their democracy at home, it will provide an inspiring example for those abroad.

Whether it’s Croatia, Iran or the United States, the message was clear: the most important thing we can do to bridge our divisions is to listen to one another. Fostering democracy is the key to building a more unified world, where authoritarian leaders seek to exploit and divide it. Our panelists today proved that the United States is not alone in trying to heal a divided society. The US has long provided an example to the rest of the world. Today, they have allies who are willing to return the favour and lend a hand.

As an existential threat to liberal democracies, China looms large as a generational challenge for the rules-based international order. Panelists weighed in today on some of the urgent challenges and solutions awaiting the new US administration when it comes to China’s increasing aggression on the world stage. How will 2020 change China’s relationship to the world? And what is the best, most tangible way to combat China’s aggressive diplomacy? Admiral Davidson felt that the United States has its work cut out for it in the Indo-Pacific – especially if America hopes to knit together its allies and partners, preserve the freedoms that come with that network and ensure access to the seas, skyways, cyberspace, and space for those nations interested in cooperating with each other. Paula Dobriansky believes that the wave of the future is agile alignments and partnerships, where very different countries can come together to counter the threat posed by China.

Although the outgoing Trump administration stood up to China, Senator Chris Coons believes that a more coordinated and diplomatic strategy will have greater impact. He hoped the new US President-elect will use his foreign-policy background to re-invigorate democratic alliances and provide a unified check on the rise of China. Liam Fox believes that the rules-based international order needs a few updates to reflect the importance of technology and financial transparency in the 21st century. Kenneth Braithwaite saw China’s rise playing out dramatically across the seas and that in order to join the great powers of the world, they must become a maritime nation.

The people of Hong Kong are on the front lines of China’s aggression and are fighting for freedom in the face of daunting obstacles. Emily Lau knows that the people of Hong Kong are frightened and are looking to democratic leaders for strength and solidarity. She appealed to leaders gathered at HFX2020 to stand with the people of Hong Kong in standing up to China.

Ai Weiwei underscored the risks for citizens who stand up against the Chinese Regime. Simply put, you cannot ask for justice in China. Mike Pompeo believes that all of us have a moral responsibility to think through our activities with China, and whether those activities are in our own national security interests.

At the end of the day, Western powers must believe wholeheartedly in the power of democracy. After all, if we don’t believe in our institutions, why should anyone else?