Brian Lee Crowley, founder of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) in 2010, has established it as the premier Canadian public policy think tank, addressing a wide array of national issues including, most recently, China’s hostile intentions toward Canada (the Dragon at the Door project), the rise of gender ideology and, through the Promised Land project, the related issues of Middle East conflict, anti-Semitism and the dangers of radical Islam. MLI is also the only Canadian think tank with an office in Washington, the Center for North American Prosperity and Security (CNAPS).

Under Crowley’s leadership, MLI has garnered international recognition, ranking among the top new think tanks globally, being blacklisted by both the Kremlin and Beijing and consistently leading in Ottawa. Crowley’s prolific authorship includes six books, notably Gardeners vs Designers and Fearful Symmetry, both best sellers in Canada, alongside numerous op-eds and research papers.

Previously, Crowley held influential roles, such as Clifford Clark Visiting Economist with the Canadian Department of Finance, where he redesigned key policy processes. He founded the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS), shaping it into Canada’s foremost regional think tank, and served on The Globe and Mail’s Editorial Board. With a diverse background spanning academia, diplomatic service, and advisory roles, Crowley brings a wealth of expertise to his commentary on political and economic matters. Holding degrees from McGill and the London School of Economics, including a doctorate in political economy, his contributions to public discourse are widely cited.