I sincerely thank Mrs. Gael Eakin for her generous and thoughtful donation to the Arts Internship Office. Her support enabled me to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—one that allowed me to explore the world of multilateralism, gain firsthand insight into Canada’s foreign policy, and experience all of this in beautiful city of Vienna. Without her contribution, this transformative experience would not have been possible.
My name is Ilia Mehr Bakhsh, and I am majoring in Political Science at ɬŔď·¬. I have always been fascinated by the world of politics in all its forms—whether domestic politics, or the complexities of international relations. This internship gave me a rare chance to immerse myself in the practical side of diplomacy, far beyond what one can learn in theories, through textbooks and lectures.
While academic study provides the theoretical frameworks and historical background necessary to understand the current state of geopolitics, I believe that immersion into the tangible logistics is necessary for thorough understanding. This internship was the ideal setting for me to learn about diplomacy, the mechanics of multilateral cooperation, and the nuances of Canada’s role on the global stage. I was particularly motivated to explore the everyday work of diplomats—how they build networks of trust, report back to their capitals, and interpret the layered political messages embedded in official statements.
I chose this internship based in Vienna, because by being in Europe, I wanted to better understand Europe’s priorities, challenges, and perspectives in global affairs. My goal was to see firsthand how Canada fits into that picture while also growing on a personal level by adapting to a new environment, meeting new people, and immersing myself in unfamiliar customs and traditions.
The Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) represents Canada’s interests in European security, political dialogue, and cooperation. Among Canada’s top priorities is supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion—one of the most pressing security concerns on the continent. Canada’s values align closely with the OSCE’s three dimensions: promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, supporting fragile states and post-conflict regions, strengthening democracy and the rule of law, and enhancing regional capacities in conflict prevention, sustainable development, and good governance.
During my internship, I gained hands-on experience in supporting the Delegation’s work to advance Canadian policies and priorities within the OSCE. I attended regular meetings such as the Forum for Security Co-operation and the OSCE Permanent Council, preparing detailed written reports on the proceedings. I also participated in specialized committee meetings on gender equality, environmental security, arms control, and budgetary planning. These opportunities helped me grasp how the OSCE operates and how Canada engages with it at both the policy and working levels.
One of my key contributions involved compiling lists of security-related initiatives to help raise awareness in Ottawa. I also assisted with work on the Human Dimension, including research on the Moscow Mechanism and the treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war. My academic background in international relations proved invaluable. The theories I had studied—liberalism, realism, and constructivism—were reflected in the stances of different participating States. Some took a realist approach centred on power politics, while others embraced cooperative or normative frameworks. My coursework also helped me interpret historical references, treaties, and diplomatic protocols with greater confidence.
There were challenges, from staying productive in an office environment to learning how to distill complex discussions into concise, meaningful notes. With guidance from the Canadian team, I refined my listening skills and learned to identify not just what was said, but why it was said.
I will be receiving academic credit for this internship, and I plan to write my research paper on the evolving role of the OSCE, examining debates about its relevance today.
This experience deepened my understanding of diplomacy, Canada’s foreign policy, and multilateralism. The financial support I received from the Gael Eakin Canada Internship Award covered essentials like food and housing and allowed me to explore Europe, enriching my cultural perspective.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Gael Eakin for making this extraordinary opportunity possible.
