In an op-ed in the Globe and Mail last month, that newspaper’s confidential national security source explained why they decided to leak secret documents on China’s interference attempts. They wrote they had hoped to spur a much deeper discussion about foreign interference and how to combat it, but were disappointed the conversation had become “marked by ugliness and division.”

So this week on “It’s Political,” we’re giving the leaker what they want: a serious conversation about foreign interference. 

First, national security expert Wesley Wark walks us through the controversy, the leaks, the government’s response and what we should make of it all.

Then, Carleton University associate professor and former national security analyst Stephanie Carvin joins us along with former CSIS director Ward Elcock to tackle the question of whether the government really is doing enough to counter the problem.

In this episode: Stephanie Carvin, associate professor of International Relations at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs; Ward Elcock, former director of CSIS; Mehmet Tohti, co-founder of the World Uyghur Congress; Wesley Wark, senior fellow of the Centre for International Governance Innovation

Hosted by Althia Raj.

Clips were sourced from Global News, CBC, CPAC, CTV News, the House of Commons, Australian Federal Police and CBS. 

“It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.