“Views differed sharply on the impact of Donald Trump’s presidency on issues from trade to historic alliances during the second day of an international gathering seized by what-if scenarios regarding the incoming U.S. administration. The Halifax International Security Forum is the first major international gathering of policy analysts, American and foreign politicians, and defence ministers since Trump won the…

“Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) pushed back on President-elect Donald Trump’s past praise for waterboarding Saturday, maintaining that the U.S. wouldn’t use it as an interrogation tactic. ‘I don’t give a damn what the president of the United States wants to do … we will not waterboard,’ McCain said at the Halifax International Security Forum, according…

“This equilibrium, if it is ruined, then it could actually lead to drastic consequences in other parts of the world,” Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, the vice prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, told Defense News in an interview Saturday at the Halifax International Security Forum.” Defense News: Ukraine Vice PM: Less US Support Dangerous…

“Republican Sen. John McCain issued a fiery warning to President-elect Donald Trump on the subject of torture Saturday. “I don’t give a damn what the president of the United States wants to do. We will not waterboard,” McCain told an audience at the annual Halifax International Security Forum. ‘We will not torture people … It…

“Political and military leaders are gathering in Halifax today for the start of an international foreign affairs and defence conference. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan will open the annual three-day forum that bills itself as a gathering of democratic leaders committed to global security and prosperity.” Global News: Global defence experts, politicians gather for Halifax International…

“National security leaders from the United States and around the globe will soon convene in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for the 8th annual Halifax International Security Forum. The purpose of the forum is to strengthen strategic cooperation among democracies, said Peter Van Praagh, the forum’s president.” National Defense: Halifax International Security Forum Kicks Off Yasmin Tadjdeh

‘“We witness different kind of statements during election periods [that] are not materialized after,” Gen. Pavel, chair of NATO’s military committee, said in an interview at the Halifax International Security Forum, an annual gathering of 70 countries on foreign affairs and defence matters.” Globe and Mail: NATO ‘eagerly waiting’ to hear from Trump and his team,…

“The defence secretary of the United Kingdom and his Canadian counterpart kicked off an international security conference in Halifax today with reassurances they expect key military alliances will endure as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take power.” Toronto Star: Trump’s NATO commentary ‘nothing new,’ U.K. defence leader says Michael Tutton

“On whether Trump’s relationship with the Kremlin is materially hurting the alliance, Rose Goettemoeller, who has held her post for just five weeks, said at the Halifax International Security Forum Friday, “I think it’s driving the alliance closer together … and really making countries focus on this necessity of further expenditure on defense.”’ Defense News: Halifax…

“’I think one of the reasons why it would be good to have him is that he has recent combat experience in both theaters (Iraq and Afghanistan). So he really understands complex situations on the ground,” McCain told The Daily Beast, on the sidelines of the Halifax International Security Forum.” Daily Beast: General Who Thinks ‘It’s…