Writer & Poet

Carter Vance

A writer and poet from Cobourg, Ontario, currently based in Gatineau, Quebec. My work explores the intersections of politics, memory, and place across journalism, creative writing, and academic research.

About

Carter Vance

Carter Vance is a writer and poet originally from Cobourg, Ontario, Canada currently resident in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. His work has appeared in such publications as The Smart Set, Contemporary Verse 2 and Plentitude, amongst others. His debut novel, Smaller Animals, is now available from Roundfire Books.

In addition to creative writing, Carter has worked extensively in policy analysis and research in the public and non-profit sectors in Canada, the United Kingdom, Indonesia and the Caribbean. His areas of interest include geostrategic analysis, political economy, Indigenous rights and economic development and welfare policy.

Carter is a graduate of Carleton University's Institute of Political Economy and holds degrees from the University of Ottawa and Algoma University. He has also attended the University of Galway and SciencesPo in Paris, France.

Journalism & Analysis: Selected Works

The Essential Struggle

Jacobin Magazine

A comparative discussion of the political economy of water rights with reference to Bolivia, Canada and the United States.

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Don't Be Fooled by Cosmetic Changes: The West-Saudi Alliance Is More Morally Dubious Than Ever

Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs

An analysis of the Saudi-West alliance aimed at dissuading readers regarding the morality of this approach and the feasibility of true reform in Saudi Arabia.

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How to Deal With Xi's China? Engage, but Be Wary

Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs

An analysis of changes to China's geopolitical orientation under Xi Jinping, recommending an approach of cautious engagement.

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Nationalisms: Constructive and Destructive

Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs

Examining the dual nature of nationalism in contemporary politics, exploring how national feeling can serve both liberatory and divisive purposes, from anti-colonial movements to modern European politics.

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Rethinking Canada's Asia Orientation in an Era of Sino-American Rivalry

Macdonald-Laurier Institute

This is about strengthening relations with like-minded powers to think and act on how we can collectively counter China's hegemonic pursuits while preserving the international order, especially when the current US administration seems, at best, ambivalent towards the project.

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Lone Wolf Attacks Require Law Enforcement Thinking

NATO Association of Canada

This article explores reactions to "lone wolf" terrorist attacks and recommends a law enforcement based approach be used that respects civil liberties.

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Carving Out Capacity and Preserving Capability during COVID-19

Macdonald-Laurier Institute (co-authored with Adam P. MacDonald)

Analysis of the Canadian Armed Forces' role in supporting governments during the COVID-19 pandemic and the longer-term implications for military domestic operations.

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Shifting Focus, Not Purpose: The CAF's Role in COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Macdonald-Laurier Institute (co-authored with Adam P. MacDonald)

Examination of how the Canadian Armed Forces could assist with COVID-19 vaccine distribution while balancing other operational priorities and public perception.

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Ontario Needs a Bold New Steel Strategy

Rabble.ca

Arguing for a strategic government response to Ontario's steel industry crisis, drawing parallels with the UK's approach to similar challenges.

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Sanders, Standards and Sandinistas: Line-Item Vetoes in Political Morality

Truthout

Analysis of the moral complexities in political discourse, examining Bernie Sanders' comments on Cuba and Nicaragua during the 2016 Democratic primary and broader questions about consistency in political ethics.

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Repair the World: The New New Left and the Gospel of the Social

Truthout

Exploring the emergence of a renewed progressive movement and its relationship to social justice, community organizing, and the reimagining of political possibilities.

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Authoritarian Rule to Revolution: What Can the US Learn From Mexico?

Truthout

Comparative analysis of political transformation in Mexico and lessons for democratic renewal and resistance to authoritarianism in the United States.

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Creative Writing: Selected Works

The Blue Room

Plentitude Magazine

A short story on loss and memory.

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Wallpaper (Blue)

The Argyle Literary Review

A poem on dreams and time.

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Colossus of Spring

Drexel Paper Dragon

A poem on hope and rebirth.

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White Tulips

Panoply Magazine

A poem for those absent.

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Academic & Research Writing: Selected Works

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Canada: Labour Market Solution or Open Door for Abuse?

Journal of Advancement in Social Sciences and Humanities

This paper investigates the various controversies around the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), with a particular focus on the effects, or lack thereof, of recent reforms to the program. In doing so, it compares the policies and application of Canada's program to other, similar programs in developed countries.

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"Food Security" versus Cash Transfers: Comparative Analysis of Social Security Approaches in India and Brazil

Journal of Human Security

An examination of food security concepts and their implementation through social policy in rapidly developing economies, with focus on Brazil and India's contrasting approaches to ensuring food security for their populations.

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Unwilling Consumers: A Historical Materialist Conception of Compulsory Sexuality

Studies in Social Justice

This paper expands the work of Marxist-feminist scholars by examining asexuality and asexual identity through the lens of political economy, arguing that sexuality functions as a reified and commodified entity under late capitalism.

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Toward a Radical Model of Social Work in Rural Communities

Academic Research

Analysis of how social work scholarship's urban focus creates challenges when applied to rural contexts, arguing for community-based models that respect organic community ties.

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Canadian Democracy in Theory and Practice: The Roots of Semi-Representative Liberalism

Academic Research

Exploration of Canada's political system as shaped by classical liberal thinking and elite interests, arguing that institutional structures deliberately limit democratic possibilities through international agreements and bureaucratic-technocratic governance.

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Published Books

Smaller Animals

Roundfire Books, November 2025

Debut novel, a story of love, growing up and some politics.

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Places to Be

Moonstone Press, October 2019

My second poetry chapbook; stories from afar.

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Songs About Girls

Urban Farmhouse Press, June 2017

My first poetry chapbook; stories from the first 25 years of living.

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Get In Touch

Carter can be reached for all inquiries by email:

cvanc034@gmail.com

Download my full CV:

Download CV (PDF)