A leader's responsibility for the national "brand"

Justin Trudeau’s recent trip to India didn’t go as the prime minister planned. Mocked on social media for his multiple photo-ops, the trip turned more serious when it became known a man convicted of attempted murder attended one of his events. There are now predictions the trip caused Trudeau serious political damage. But did it harm Canada’s image abroad?

Today in The Conversation Canada, Rebecca Ogden of the University of Kent in England looks at the impact a leader can have on their country’s brand. “Branding now encompasses the management of a nation’s image,” she writes.

Cameron Fioret of the University of Guelph explains how basic necessities of life like food and water are now being treated like commodities and this had led to the further alienation of poor people.

In the first of several articles we’re planning to mark International Women’s Day on Thursday, Allison Carter of Simon Fraser University writes about her research into how women with HIV can be supported so that that their “sexual needs and desires are not only respected but embraced.”

And finally, Kendra Coulter of Brock University examines the unique relationship we have with animals when they’re employed in various services. Prof. Coulter notes we need to “reflect on the work we give animals, which species we employ and what our responsibilities are to them.”

Scott White

Editor

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Lacking self-awareness? Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India on Feb. 21, 2018. Trudeau was pilloried in domestic and international media for wearing Indian traditional outfits during his trip. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Justin Trudeau's India debacle shows the pitfalls of 'nation branding'

Rebecca Ogden, University of Kent

Justin Trudeau's disastrous trip to India is regarded by some as an exercise in so-called nation branding gone badly. But we might want to blame the game, not the player.

Farmer-led development projects in places like Tanzania, shown here, can increase access to food and water, and reconnect people to nature. (Cecilia Schubert/flickr)

How to reduce poverty and re-connect people to nature

Cameron Fioret, University of Guelph

Farmer-led development work can improve people's lives, provide access to food and water - and re-connect them to nature.

After a diagnosis of HIV, some women see themselves as blameworthy, contaminated or contagious, because of societal discourses of risk and stigma. (Unsplash/Allan Fillipe Santos Dias

Why a fulfilling sexual life with HIV matters

Allison Carter, Simon Fraser University

On International Women's Day, everyone can pledge to be an ally to women living with HIV and support their access to sexual health and sexual pleasure.

A Polish cow who escaped while on her way to the slaughterhouse is seen here with her new companions, a herd of wild bison. It’s time to treat the animals who work so hard for us with humanity and compassion. (Rafal Kowalczyk via AP)

Beyond beasts of burden: How to reward our animals for their work

Kendra Coulter, Brock University

Animals do so much work for humans, from farm animals who die to feed us to service animals helping veterans with PTSD. It's time we gave back by providing humane living and working conditions.

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