Jeff Glasel

On Jan. 21 over 2,000 people gathered in TCU Place to hear Hillary Clinton discuss global perspectives on topics such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), what can be done to combat extremists and how Canada can place itself as a leader and ally in these efforts.

Even though many topics and issues were addressed and discussed, it was terrorism and the war currently being fought against it that took main stage in Clinton’s opening speech.

During the discussion, Clinton stressed how interconnected the United States and Canada are and the importance of bridging the gap between the two countries. Using examples such as the border between Canada and the U.S., Clinton pointed toward the areas where there has been cooperation for common goals. This theme was brought up throughout her speech in order to advocate for “vibrant democracies such as ours” and was later covered in the question and answer period that followed as well.

Clinton lobbied for the two countries to come together to face challenges such as ISIS — a militant group of Islamist rebels currently in control of territory in both Iraq and Syria which has inspired terror attacks in countries such as Canada and France — and other threats to values of tolerance and openness.

In light of an increase of hostilities towards Islam in the western world, Clinton made a point to acknowledge that it is only a small sect of Muslims that are “carrying out a campaign based on hate” and that “Islam itself is not the adversary.” These individuals are, according to Clinton, to blame as she reminded the crowd of the attacks around the world naming the attack on Parliament Hill, the killing of school children in Pakistan and the deaths of employees of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in France.

“It’s not just a matter of law enforcement or military action. We are in a contest of ideas and values,” Clinton said.

To the hesitant approval of the audience, Clinton added “Putinism,” an ideology which prioritizes beliefs in line with those followed by Vladimir Putin, sitting President of Russia, as one of the contesting forces to these democratic ideas and values.

Clinton described to the audience that it is in places where women are not valued as equals, where different cultures are marginalized and where there is no room for dissent that radicalization is most prevalent, but also reminded those present that there are those who choose to join groups like ISIS even within the borders of Canada and the U.S.

Looking at areas where the international community can combat extremist recruitment, Clinton spoke of online spaces and internet communities as areas where there isn’t enough contention or monitoring of propaganda spread through mediums such as chat rooms.

“We have to show the world that free people and free markets are still the hope of humanity,” said Clinton.

“Standing up for our values in our own countries and communities is just as crucial as it is promoting them abroad and today — certainly in my country — there are many forces tugging at the fabric of our society.”

Clinton spoke to going back to basics and looking at the founding values of democratic countries in order to stand against these forces again and alluded to how, in her eyes, Canada and the U.S. are similar in this capacity. She also claimed that the future belongs to vibrant democracies, like those she has observed in Canada and the U.S.

Despite her overall discussion of the topic, there was little said about what kind of concrete ideas or plans she has place in order to address the issue of terrorism in the future.

When asked by an audience member about her intentions in the next election, however, Clinton skillfully sidestepped the question with grace.

“We’ll try to provide our Canadian friends and neighbours with a lot of entertainment,” she said.