Ambassador David Wright Shares Global Insights at Victoria College
Ambassador David Wright speaks at the Victoria University Women’s Association lecture "Current Issues in International Politics" on Oct. 22, 2025, in Alumni Hall. (Photo by Leslie Shepherd)
By Leslie Shepherd
Ambassador David Wright offered his perspective on world events, from the cease-fire in Gaza to the war in Ukraine and the 2026 midterm election in the United States, to a captivated audience at the Victoria University Women’s Association's first event of the year.
Wright, the Kenneth and Patricia Taylor Distinguished Professor of Foreign Affairs at Victoria College, drew from his decades of experience as a diplomat, including having been Canada’s longest-serving ambassador to NATO.
"Ambassador Wright was in the room when many of the decisions that shaped our lives were made,” said Victoria College Principal Alex Hernandez. “Now, Vic students, faculty and friends of Vic get to be in the room with him. We're incredibly fortunate to have him be a part of our academic community."
Middle East: Wright noted there have been positive developments in the Middle East recently, with a cease-fire and a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. U.S. President Donald Trump deserves credit for using his leverage with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “break the logjam.” But “the more complicated task will be maintaining the ceasefire and rebuilding a devastated Gaza.” Iran is “weaker and more isolated than ever.”
Turning to the United States, Wright said Trump’s “erratic behaviour” has undermined confidence the U.S. can be a reliable friend, ally or trading partner. Foreign leaders enter the White House knowing a mood swing can change the agenda. “He berates allies and embraces adversaries. “
Wright expressed concern about the reliability of American institutions. The checks and balances of the U.S. Constitution are no longer working as intended. Congress is unable to function. The government is shut down. Judges are ignored or targeted, and everything ends up before the Supreme Court. Trump is attacking universities, law firms, the media and anyone else who criticizes him.
Looking ahead, Wright emphasized that the 2026 U.S. midterm elections will be pivotal. “The Democrats could retake the House of Representatives, but they need leadership,” he predicted. “The circumstances are there for them to do well, but they have to get their act together quickly.”
Ukraine: Wright said the war with Russia remains far from resolution. Russian President Vladimir Putin “underestimated the courage and capability of Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, and overestimated Russia’s military competence.” He warned that Russia’s incursions into NATO airspace are deliberate tests of the West’s reaction and response times. But “accidents or miscalculations are often how the worst conflicts emerge.”
China: With its powerful economy and advanced technology, China “will remain a major world player,” Wright said, adding that President Xi Jinping is watching the war in Ukraine closely as he considers his ambitions in Taiwan.
Closer to home: Wright expressed confidence in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to diversify Canada’s trading relationships. “Carney and his team are working on this day and night,” he said. “They’ve shifted focus to engagement and detailed negotiations. That’s the right way to do it.”