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Bijan Ahmadi

Bijan Ahmadi

Executive Director

Biography

Bijan Ahmadi is the Executive Director and a founding member of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy (IPD), a non-partisan think tank operating in Canada and the United States, engaged in policy research and multi-track dialogues that support robust diplomacy, constructive engagement, and interest-based thinking in international affairs. As a foreign policy researcher, his analyses of US and Canadian foreign and defense policies, particularly regarding the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, are regularly featured on major media platforms. Bijan leads IPD’s two annual flagship conferences in Ottawa, focused on the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, where he convenes officials and high-profile experts from around the world to discuss the latest geoeconomic and geopolitical developments in these regions. He holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Master of Applied Science from the University of Toronto. Prior to joining IPD, he served on the executive board of several prominent Canadian non-profits and NGOs including the Toronto branch of the Canadian International Council.

From This Expert

Publications (Authored or Edited)

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Canada-China Brief — Freeland Weighs Ban on Chinese Cars, AUKUS in the Offing
Ottawa openly floats banning Chinese automobiles as National Defence Minister Bill Blair signals Ottawa...
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Canada-China Brief — Expert Opinion: China Launches Trade Investigation, WTO Case Against Canada
In this special edition of the Canada-China Brief, we bring together exclusive expert commentary on the...
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Canada-China Brief — Ottawa Slaps Tariffs on China: IPD Experts Weigh In
Top White House advisor meets with Canadian cabinet the day before it announced tariff hikes on Chinese...
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Canada-China Brief — Minister Joly in Beijing: IPD Experts Weigh In
Joly meets Chinese counterpart in Beijing as first foreign minister to visit in years, NATO declaration...
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The American Conservative — The Return of Reformists in Iran: A Path to Diplomatic Engagement?
Iran's Pezeshkian and the next U.S. president will confront the formidable challenge of advocating for...
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Canada-China Brief — Expert Opinion: Foreign Interference and Canada’s Response
In this special edition of the Canada-China Brief, we delve into a topic of critical importance and ongoing...
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Canada-China Brief — China's New Ambassador, Tariffs on EVs, Watchdog Claims MPs Supported Interference, Defence Ministers Hold First Talks
Beijing's new top diplomat in Canada, parliament watchdog's claims of MP-supported foreign interference,...
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Unexpected Contender: The Significance of Masoud Pezeshkian's Presidential Candidacy
The inclusion of a declared reformist like Pezeshkian may indicate the regime's concerns over the significant...
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After Raisi: Navigating the Uncertain Future of Iran's Leadership
While Raisi’s death is unlikely to cause any fundamental changes to the Islamic Republic’s policies and...
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Charting New Waters: Assessing Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy One Year On
The volume aims to critically assess the progress of Canada’s engagement in the Indo Pacific a year after...
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On the Ground in Taiwan: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions
Read IPD Executive Director Bijan Ahmadi's report presenting an overview of key insights and takeaways...
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Bijan Ahmadi in The Hill: From Reform to Revolution: What Is the Future of Iran’s Democracy Movement?
Executive Director Bijan Ahmadi argues in The Hill that there is growing consensus among a diverse range...
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Bijan Ahmadi and John Packer in The Hill: Diplomatic Pressure is Needed to Stop Executions in Iran
Four months into nationwide protests in Iran, the regime has failed to address the protestors’ demands...
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Symposium on Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy
With the release of the Government of Canada's finalized Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Institute for Peace...
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Bijan Ahmadi for The Hill Times: To Support Democracy and Human Rights, Canada Must Fight Internet Censorship
In an article for The Hill Times, IPD's executive director Bijan Ahmadi argues that as part of its agenda...
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Bijan Ahmadi and Pouyan Kimiayjan for the Toronto Star: The War in Ukraine means energy security and Arctic defence must be strategic imperatives for Canada
IPD's Executive Director Bijan Ahmadi and Research Associate Pouyan Kimiayjan authored an opinion piece...
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Bijan Ahmadi in the Responsible Statecraft: There Is No Viable ‘Plan B’ if Iran Talks Over JCPOA Fail
IPD Executive Director, Bijan Ahmadi wrote a piece for the Responsible Statecraft arguing that if Iran...
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Bijan Ahmadi in The National Interest: What Happens if the Iran Talks Fail?
A limited agreement that offers Iran some sanctions relief in exchange for freezing its nuclear program...
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Time for Canada to Leave Iraq: Bijan Ahmadi & Pouyan Kimiayjan in The Hill Times
It's high time for Ottawa to review its Middle East policy and withdraw its remaining CAF troops from...

Events

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Panel — Middle East on the Brink: Ceasefire or Regional War
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Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum 2023
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Ottawa Dialogue on Taiwan
Middle East Strategy Forum, IPD-24
Middle East Strategy Forum 2023
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Book Event — Van Jackson’s ‘Pacific Power Paradox: American Statecraft and the Fate of the Asian Peace’
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Video Recordings: Middle East Strategy Forum 2022
March 16 Panel Iran Nuclear Talks at an Impasse (2)
Panel — Iran Nuclear Talks at an Impasse
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Video Recordings: East Asia Strategy Forum 2021
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Video Recordings: Middle East Strategy Forum 2021
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Panel — China's Development: Its Impact on the World and Canada-China Relations
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Bijan Ahmadi Speaks at Global Insights Panel on Iran's Nuclear Program
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Panel — China's Vision of International Order

In the Press

The New Arab — Will Iran Retaliate Against Israel or Hold Back?
South China Morning Post — Iran Seeks Detente With West Over Nuclear Programme, New Talks
Bijan Ahmadi on BBC Persian — Ismail Haniyeh's Assassination and the Outlook for Regional War
Bijan Ahmadi on CBC Radio — Tense Week in Middle East Renews Fears of Broader Conflict
Bijan Ahmadi on CBC Radio — Ceasefire Negotiations for Gaza and the Humanitarian Aid Imperative
Bijan Ahmadi on Global News — Gaza and Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
Bijan Ahmadi on CBC News — Attack on Qassem Soleimani Memorial in Iran
Bijan Ahmadi on CBC Radio — The Global and Local Ripples of the Israel-Hamas War
Bijan Ahmadi for DW — U.S., Philippines Joint War Games Send a Signal to China
Bijan Ahmadi in JNS: Iran’s Protesters Need Maximum Support
Bijan Ahmadi on BBC Persian — JCPOA Negotiations and Expected US Response
Bijan Ahmadi in Al-Monitor — Iran Sends EU Response on Text to Revive Nuclear Deal
Bijan Ahmadi on BBC Persian — Russia-Iran Satellite Launch and JCPOA Negotiations
Press Release — IPD Statement on Russian Sanctions Against Senior Fellow Ann Fitz-Gerald
Bijan Ahmadi on BBC Persian — Iran Nuclear File
Bijan Ahmadi in Unpublished Cafe — Chinese-Canadian Relations after ELXN2021
Bijan Ahmadi in Epoch Times — Foreign Policy the Forgotten Election Campaign Issue
Bijan Ahmadi in Asia Times — A Report on Iran's New Administration
Panel 4: Pathways to Manage Non-Proliferation in the Middle East (4:30 PM - 5:45 PM ET)

The Western powers have failed to effectively manage the increasing threat of proliferation in the Middle East. While the international community is concerned with Iran’s nuclear program, Saudi Arabia has moved forward with developing its own nuclear program, and independent studies show that Israel has longed possessed dozens of nuclear warheads. The former is a member of the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), while the latter has refused to sign the international agreement. 

On Middle East policy, the Biden campaign had staunchly criticized the Trump administration’s unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), more commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal and it has begun re-engaging Iran on the nuclear dossier since assuming office in January 2021. However, serious obstacles remain for responsible actors in expanding non-proliferation efforts toward a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East. 

This panel will discuss how Western powers and multilateral institutions, such as the IAEA, can play a more effective role in managing non-proliferation efforts in the Middle East.  

Panelists:

Peggy Mason: Canada’s former Ambassador to the UN for Disarmament

Mark Fitzpatrick: Associate Fellow & Former Executive Director, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)

Ali Vaez: Iran Project Director, International Crisis Group

Negar Mortazavi: Journalist and Political Analyst, Host of Iran Podcast

David Albright: Founder and President of the Institute for Science and International Security

 

Closing (5:45 PM – 6:00 PM ET)

Panel 3: Trade and Business Diplomacy in the Middle East (3:00 PM - 4:15 PM ET)

What is the current economic landscape in the Middle East? While global foreign direct investment is expected to fall drastically in the post-COVID era, the World Bank reported a 5% contraction in the economic output of the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries in 2020 due to the pandemic. While oil prices are expected to rebound with normalization in demand, political instability, regional and geopolitical tensions, domestic corruption, and a volatile regulatory and legal environment all threaten economic recovery in the Middle East. What is the prospect for economic growth and development in the region post-pandemic, and how could MENA nations promote sustainable growth and regional trade moving forward?

At the same time, Middle Eastern diaspora communities have become financially successful and can help promote trade between North America and the region. In this respect, the diaspora can become vital intermediaries for advancing U.S. and Canada’s business interests abroad. Promoting business diplomacy can both benefit the MENA region and be an effective and positive way to advance engagement and achieve foreign policy goals of the North Atlantic.

This panel will investigate the trade and investment opportunities in the Middle East, discuss how facilitating economic engagement with the region can benefit Canadian and American national interests, and explore relevant policy prescriptions.

Panelists:

Hon. Sergio Marchi: Canada’s Former Minister of International Trade

Scott Jolliffe: Chairperson, Canada Arab Business Council

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj: Founder and Publisher of Bourse & Bazaar

Nizar Ghanem: Director of Research and Co-founder at Triangle

Nicki Siamaki: Researcher at Control Risks

Panel 2: Arms Race and Terrorism in the Middle East (12:00 PM - 1:15 PM ET)

The Middle East continues to grapple with violence and instability, particularly in Yemen, Syria and Iraq. Fueled by government incompetence and foreign interventions, terrorist insurgencies have imposed severe humanitarian and economic costs on the region. Meanwhile, regional actors have engaged in an unprecedented pursuit of arms accumulation. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have imported billions of both Western and Russian-made weapons and funded militant groups across the region, intending to contain their regional adversaries, particularly Iran. Tehran has also provided sophisticated weaponry to various militia groups across the region to strengthen its geopolitical position against Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Israel. 

On the other hand, with international terrorist networks and intense regional rivalry in the Middle East, it is impractical to discuss peace and security without addressing terrorism and the arms race in the region. This panel will primarily discuss the implications of the ongoing arms race in the region and the role of Western powers and multilateral organizations in facilitating trust-building security arrangements among regional stakeholders to limit the proliferation of arms across the Middle East.

 

Panelists:

Luciano Zaccara: Assistant Professor, Qatar University

Dania Thafer: Executive Director, Gulf International Forum

Kayhan Barzegar: Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the Science and Research Branch of Azad University

Barbara Slavin: Director of Iran Initiative, Atlantic Council

Sanam Shantyaei: Senior Journalist at France24 & host of Middle East Matters

Panel 1: Future of Diplomacy and Engagement in the Middle East (10:30 AM-11:45 AM ET)

The emerging regional order in West Asia will have wide-ranging implications for global security. The Biden administration has begun re-engaging Iran on the nuclear dossier, an initiative staunchly opposed by Israel, while also taking a harder line on Saudi Arabia’s intervention in Yemen. Meanwhile, key regional actors, including Qatar, Iraq, and Oman, have engaged in backchannel efforts to bring Iran and Saudi Arabia to the negotiating table. From a broader geopolitical perspective, with the need to secure its energy imports, China is also expected to increase its footprint in the region and influence the mentioned challenges. 

In this evolving landscape, Western powers will be compelled to redefine their strategic priorities and adjust their policies with the new realities in the region. In this panel, we will discuss how the West, including the United States and its allies, can utilize multilateral diplomacy with its adversaries to prevent military escalation in the region. Most importantly, the panel will discuss if a multilateral security dialogue in the Persian Gulf region, proposed by some regional actors, can help reduce tensions among regional foes and produce sustainable peace and development for the region. 

Panelists:

Abdullah Baabood: Academic Researcher and Former Director of the Centre for Gulf Studies, Qatar University

Trita Parsi: Executive Vice-President, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft

Ebtesam Al-Ketbi: President, Emirates Policy Centre​

Jon Allen: Canada’s Former Ambassador to Israel

Elizabeth Hagedorn: Washington correspondent for Al-Monitor

Panel 4: Humanitarian Diplomacy: An Underused Foreign Policy Tool in the Middle East (4:30 PM - 5:30 PM ET)

Military interventions, political and economic instabilities, and civil unrest in the Middle East have led to a global refugee crisis with an increasing wave of refugees and asylum seekers to Europe and Canada. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has, in myriad ways, exacerbated and contributed to the ongoing security threats and destabilization of the region.

While these challenges pose serious risks to Canadian security, Ottawa will also have the opportunity to limit such risks and prevent a spillover effect vis-à-vis effective humanitarian initiatives in the region. In this panel, we will primarily investigate Canada’s Middle East Strategy’s degree of success in providing humanitarian aid to the region. Secondly, the panel will discuss what programs and initiatives Canada can introduce to further build on the renewed strategy. and more specifically, how Canada can utilize its policy instruments to more effectively deal with the increasing influx of refugees from the Middle East. 

 

Panelists:

Erica Di Ruggiero: Director of Centre for Global Health, University of Toronto

Reyhana Patel: Head of Communications & Government Relations, Islamic Relief Canada

Amir Barmaki: Former Head of UN OCHA in Iran

Catherine Gribbin: Senior Legal Advisor for International and Humanitarian Law, Canadian Red Cross

Panel 3: A Review of Canada’s Middle East Engagement and Defense Strategy (3:00 PM - 4:15 PM ET)

In 2016, Canada launched an ambitious five-year “Middle East Engagement Strategy” (2016-2021), committing to investing CA$3.5 billion over five years to help establish the necessary conditions for security and stability, alleviate human suffering and enable stabilization programs in the region. In the latest development, during the meeting of the Global Coalition against ISIS, Minister of Foreign Affairs Marc Garneau announced more than $43.6 million in Peace and Stabilization Operations Program funding for 11 projects in Syria and Iraq.

With Canada’s Middle East Engagement Strategy expiring this year, it is time to examine and evaluate this massive investment in the Middle East region in the past five years. More importantly, the panel will discuss a principled and strategic roadmap for the future of Canada’s short-term and long-term engagement in the Middle East.

Panelists:

Ferry de Kerckhove: Canada’s Former Ambassador to Egypt

Dennis Horak: Canada’s Former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Chris Kilford: Former Canadian Defence Attaché in Turkey, member of the national board of the Canadian International Council (CIC)

David Dewitt: University Professor Emeritus, York University

Panel 2: The Great Power Competition in the Middle East (12:00 PM - 1:15 PM ET)

While the United States continues to pull back from certain regional conflicts, reflected by the Biden administration’s decision to halt American backing for Saudi Arabia’s intervention in Yemen and the expected withdrawal from Afghanistan, US troops continue to be stationed across the region. Meanwhile, Russia and China have significantly maintained and even expanded their regional activities. On one hand, the Kremlin has maintained its military presence in Syria, and on the other hand, China has signed an unprecedented 25-year strategic agreement with Iran.

As the global power structure continues to shift, it is essential to analyze the future of the US regional presence under the Biden administration, explore the emerging global rivalry with Russia and China, and at last, investigate the implications of such competition for peace and security in the Middle East.

Panelists:

Dmitri Trenin: Director of Carnegie Moscow Center

Joost R. Hiltermann: Director of MENA Programme, International Crisis Group

Roxane Farmanfarmaian: Affiliated Lecturer in International Relations of the Middle East and North Africa, University of Cambridge

Andrew A. Michta: Dean of the College of International and Security Studies at Marshall Center

Kelley Vlahos: Senior Advisor, Quincy Institute

Panel 1: A New Middle East Security Architecture in the Making (10:30 AM -11:45 AM ET)

The security architecture of the Middle East has undergone rapid transformations in an exceptionally short period. Notable developments include the United States gradual withdrawal from the region, rapprochement between Israel and some GCC states through the Abraham Accords and the rise of Chinese and Russian regional engagement.

With these new trends in the Middle East, it is timely to investigate the security implications of the Biden administration’s Middle East policy. In this respect, we will discuss the Biden team’s new approach vis-à-vis Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The panel will also discuss the role of other major powers, including China and Russia in shaping this new security environment in the region, and how the Biden administration will respond to these powers’ increasing regional presence.

 

Panelists:

Sanam Vakil: Deputy Director of MENA Programme at Chatham House

Denise Natali: Acting Director, Institute for National Strategic Studies & Director of the Center for Strategic Research, National Defense University

Hassan Ahmadian: Professor of the Middle East and North Africa Studies, University of Tehran

Abdulaziz Sagar: Chairman, Gulf Research Center

Andrew Parasiliti: President, Al-Monitor