In the 1990s, this policy solidified into what is called “niche diplomacy." Niche diplomacy involves concentrating resources into a few specialized areas in which Canada can play an effective role in influencing others to adopt its desired outcomes. Canada has used this diplomatic tool to promote “human security” through initiatives like the Ottawa Convention in 1997, which outlawed antipersonnel land mines and expressed support for human rights. Former foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy is largely responsible for this human security approach, providing leadership in international humanitarian affairs and hosting the first conference leading to the Kyoto Protocol on global warming. This approach to diplomacy, relying on soft power resources, was concurrent with dramatic cuts in Canada’s hard power capability.