USSC Briefing Room

Trump vs the Pope: Politics, faith and power

United States Studies Centre — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:01:00 +1000

Throughout March and April, Pope Leo XIV began speaking out against the war in Iran and the violence, saying it was an “unjust war.” Shortly after 60 Minutes aired an episode with Catholic officials criticising the war, President Trump started attacking the Pope on social and then shared the now-infamous image of Trump as a Christ-like figure.

Why are both the Pope and Donald Trump so focused on speaking out against each other? What is the political fallout of the “Jesus Trump” image? Is this war of words unique or just par for the course?

Associate Professor David Smith joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the podcast to discuss these questions. David teaches American Politics and Foreign Policy at the USSC and is also an expert on the history of religious persecution in America.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Is there space for Australia in outer space?

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:01:00 +1000

Space exploration has recaptured the public imagination. The successful Artemis II mission to the Moon heralds a new era of human spaceflight beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time since the 1970s. The United States, China and other global space powers are now racing to return to the Moon and beyond.

But what role could Australia play in this 21st century space race? What are the opportunities and challenges in outer space? And why does anything that happens up there even matter down here on Earth?

Space expert Dr Kathryn Robison, Lecturer in American Studies at the United States Studies Centre and Senior Research Fellow at the Australasian Centre for Space Governance, joined USSC Senior Research Associate Samuel Garrett on the USSC Briefing Room to answer these questions.

Recommended reading:

Harnessing Australia’s space strengths for the Alliance by Dr Kathryn Robison and Isobel Haddow

The state of play for Australia-Taiwan relations

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:35:40 +1000

Amid rising global tensions, Taiwan continues to be a regional flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific. What is the current state of Australia-Taiwan relations? What challenges does Taiwan face in a new security era? How should regional allies and partners engage with Taiwan on its own terms — and what could this mean for China’s grand strategy?

Professor Peter Dean, Senior Advisor for Defence Strategy at the United States Studies Centre, and Professor Bec Strating, Director at the La Trobe Centre for Global Security, joined the USSC Briefing Room to discuss these questions. Along with other Australian security experts, Professor Dean and Professor Strating co-authored a new report in February: Australia-Taiwan relations: Policy options and priorities for engagement.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The future of nuclear risk: Iran, China and the end of New START

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:55:53 +1100

From the expiration of the New START Treaty to the war with Iran, headlines about nuclear risks are consistently in the news at the moment.

How significant is the expiration of the New START Treaty? How have nuclear risks changed since the war with Iran began? What are the major nuclear threats facing the world at the moment?

Dr Daniel Salisbury joined the USSC Briefing Room to discuss these issues. Daniel is Senior Fellow for Nuclear Arms Control, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and the author of Secrecy, Public Relations and the British Nuclear Debate: How the UK Government Learned to Talk about the Bomb, 1970-1983.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Convenience, choice or necessity? Examining the case for striking Iran

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:39:49 +1100

In this episode USSC CEO Dr Michael Green and USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein sat down with USSC Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on Friday, 6 March 2026 to discuss the latest on the war with Iran.

What led the United States to attack Iran now? How does this compare to the Iraq War and actions of prior administrations? How are US allies responding?

Mike draws on his experience in the White House during the Iraq War and Jared addresses broader Middle East dynamics to unpack this issue and what it means for US allies and partners.

Is AUKUS Pillar II a solution in need of a problem?

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:01:00 +1100

The Trump administration recently completed its AUKUS review, including a directive from President Trump to proceed “full steam ahead” on AUKUS Pillar I. But even after securing the Trump stamp of approval, there has been comparatively little information on how the review handled Pillar II and experts have raised concerns about the growing scope of advanced capabilities it now includes.

Is AUKUS Pillar II fit for purpose? Which advanced capabilities can deliver the best return on investment in the near term? Is AUKUS Pillar II a “solution in need of a problem”?

USSC Non-Resident Fellow Sophie Mayo and USSC Research Fellow Tom Corben joined USSC Director of Impact and Engagement Mari Koeck on the podcast to discuss these questions.

Both experts have recently published on AUKUS Pillar II:

Impact and effort: A menu of AI and autonomy options for AUKUS Pillar II – Sophie Mayo
AUKUS Pillar II under pressure – Tom Corben

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Mike Green and Lavina Lee on Iran, Venezuela, Greenland and Carney’s speech

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:38:26 +1100

Are we seeing a rupture or a transition in 2026? USSC CEO Dr Michael Green and USSC Director of Foreign Policy and Defence Dr Lavina Lee sat down with host Mari Koeck to discuss what the geopolitical developments in Iran, Venezuela and Greenland mean for alliances and middle powers.

Can NATO survive the Greenland pressure? What is the end game with Venezuela and Iran? How should middle powers like Canada and Australia respond?

Tune in to hear Mike and Lavina’s candid assessments of US foreign intervention and the response by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

India’s changing relationships with the United States, China, Russia and Australia

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:58:24 +1100

India’s relationships with key international partners changed significantly in 2025. Following the tariff standoff with the United States, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in close meetings with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Summit. And an Indian Defence Minister visited Australia for the first time in 12 years in October.

What is driving these changes in India’s international relationships? Will they have a long-term impact? Where is the future of India-US and India-Australia relationships headed?

USSC Maitri Fellow Rushali Saha joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the podcast to discuss these questions. Rushali is an independent researcher and analyst with Horizon Intelligence and she has previously worked with several New Delhi-based think tanks.

Read Rushali’s new report: Securing the Indian Ocean: Elevating the India-Australia Maritime partnership.

Rushali’s Maitri Fellowship was supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Adm. Lisa Franchetti (ret’d) on the future of US military leadership

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:23:33 +1100

Admiral Lisa Franchetti’s career spanned 40 years, nearly half of which was at sea. She was the first woman to serve as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the first woman to serve as Chief of Naval Operations and only the second woman to ever be promoted to four-star admiral in the US Navy.

When visiting Australia in November, Admiral Franchetti (ret’d) joined Research Fellow Tom Corben on the podcast to discuss: What has changed in the global security environment from the Cold War to now? What do the changes over the past year indicate about the future direction of the US military? What will be the biggest challenge facing the US military over the next 40 years?

Understanding the MAGA rift

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:01:00 +1100

Recently we have seen cracks forming within the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. We are seeing Republican members of Congress push back on issues, like the Epstein files or President Trump’s approach to Ukraine, in the most significant way since he took office in January.

What is causing these rifts within the MAGA movement? Is MAGA whatever President Trump says it is? How are these tensions likely to play out?

Non-Resident Senior Fellow Lester Munson joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss these questions. Lester has held multiple positions on Capitol Hill and is based in DC, at the epicentre of these MAGA tensions.

How do the Quad countries view Trump’s second term?

United States Studies Centre — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:01:00 +1100

The United States Studies Centre (USSC) has just released our annual Allies and partners poll.
The USSC polled publics in Australia, the United States, Japan and, for the first time this year, India. This means there was polling data to compare public opinion across all four Quad countries.
Where do the Quad countries stand on Trump, security and the future of the Indo-Pacific? What are the biggest similarities and differences between the Quad countries on foreign policy? How has Trump 2.0 changed US relationships with these countries? How supportive are the four publics of militarising the Quad or sending forces to Taiwan in the event of an invasion?

To discuss these questions, polling authors USSC Senior Research Associates Samuel Garrett and Ava Kalinauskas joined Mari Koeck on the podcast.
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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Supreme Court tests Trump’s tariffs – with Chas Licciardello

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:01:00 +1100

On 2 April 2025, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on most countries around the globe as part of “Liberation Day” but is the president allowed to impose tariffs like that? This is the question the US Supreme Court is considering at the moment.

What were the arguments for and against the presidential power to unilaterally tariff? How are the justices likely to decide? How could their decision impact one of the president’s signature policies?

To consider these questions, we invited ABC’s Planet America Co-Host Chas Licciardello back on the podcast with Director of Impact and Engagement Mari Koeck to take a deep dive into the Supreme Court tariffs case.

If you like a deep dive on Supreme Court issues, you may want to listen to these other episodes with Chas:

Check out PEP with Chas and Dr Dave here:

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

How US allies can influence US policy with Gen. David Berger (Ret’d)

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:46:15 +1100

As China’s rapid military modernisation reshapes the regional security landscape, deterrence has become the cornerstone of US and allied strategies in the Indo-Pacific. Former US Marine Corps Commandant General David Berger (ret’d) joined the USSC Briefing Room, reflecting on the bold reforms that transformed the Marine Corps and the growing importance of interoperability with allies like Australia for deterrence.

How do these changes strengthen deterrence? What role does cultural understanding play in preventing conflict? And what does the future hold for US readiness in a contested region?

From Kirk to Grand Blanc: Is there a throughline in religious violence?

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:29:03 +1100

Recently, a gunman killed four people and wounded eight at a Latter Day Saints (or Mormon) church in Michigan. President Trump described this as “yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America” – but there are distinct differences between this and other high-profile shootings.

How was this similar to or different from other attacks on religious institutions in America? What are the motivations behind these attacks? Is there a throughline between the assassination of Charlie Kirk and an attack on an LDS church in Michigan?

Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy at the United States Studies Centre David Smith joined the podcast to discuss these questions. He is one of Australia’s leading experts on religious persecution in America and is the author of Religious Persecution and Political Order in the United States.

Why Trump wants to make US shipbuilding great again

United States Studies Centre — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:01:00 +1100

President Trump wants to make American shipbuilding great again. China has significant dominance in shipbuilding with 34% of all ships on water being made in China and 57% of ships under construction being made in China.

How do systems around finance and infrastructure influence global power dynamics? How much of a concern is increasing US shipbuilding? What role does Australia play in the shipbuilding ecosystem?

2025 USSC-American Australian Association Fellow Dr Mary Bridges joined USSC Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss these issues. Dr Bridges is currently an Ernest May Fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center and she’s the author of the book Dollars and Dominion: U.S. Bankers and the Making of a Superpower. Her research looks at the intersection of US foreign relations and business history. While in Australia, she conducted research on shipbuilding and infrastructure in both the United States and Australia.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The prognosis for the Quad and other US alliances in the Indo-Pacific

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:01:00 +1000

This week Lisa Curtis joins the podcast. She is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Indo-Pacific Program for a New American Security and she served in the US Government for more than 20 years across the White House National Security Council, CIA, State Department and Capitol Hill.

What has changed in America at home and abroad from a year ago? Are US alliances fit for purpose? Where can US allies go from here?

These were key questions that Lisa Curtis looked at in her panel discussions at Sydney International Strategy Forum 2025. We took a deeper dive into these topics on the podcast.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The role of panda diplomacy in international relations

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:01:00 +1000

When Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited China this year, his visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding got some of the most media attention.

How did pandas become China’s national treasure and how are they used in diplomacy? Could trade wars or heightened competition with China lead to the removal of pandas from the United States or other countries? What role will this “national treasure” play in future international relations?

Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy at USSC David Smith and Senior Lecturer in Government and International Relations at the University of Sydney Minglu Chen joined the podcast to discuss their recent paper in The Pacific Review titled “Panda diplomacy revisited: state interests and public emotions.”

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Trump 2.0: Energy and climate change

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:01:00 +1000

Legislation is hard to pass in the United States, but tends to have a longer-lasting impact than executive orders, which can be easily overturned. President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act put climate change at the forefront of his legislative agenda. Now, with President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, we see the first major legislative action of Trump 2.0, particularly related to climate change and energy.

How “Trump proof” was Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act? How does the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act change the dial on energy and climate policy? What will be the lasting energy legacy of Trump 2.0?

Director of Research Jared Mondschein sat down with USSC Non-Resident Fellow Lachlan Carey to discuss these issues. Lachlan is a manger at RMI, where he leads work on US regional economic development through clean energy investment. He is also the author of the Trump 2.0 chapter “Climate and energy policies: Executing the Inflation Reduction Act.”

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

A legal look at Epstein

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:01:00 +1000

Six years after his death in prison, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein continues to make headlines due to his longtime friendship with President Trump. While most news cycles in the Trump-era have a flashbang approach, this one has remarkable staying power and the legal logistics are key to understanding the story.

What was the legal case against Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell? How have the FBI and DOJ handled questions around this case under Trump? Why is there a strong possibility Maxwell could win her Supreme Court appeal?

USSC Honorary Associate Dr Harry Melkonian joined the podcast to discuss these issues. Dr Melkonian is a legal educator and has extensive experience in practicing law in both the United States and Australia.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

America’s AI Action Plan unpacked

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:16:54 +1000

The White House has recently released America’s AI Action Plan: Winning the race and, in launching the plan, President Trump said, “America is the country that started the AI race. And as President of the United States, I’m here today to declare that America is going to win it.”

How much of the AI Action Plan is about competing with China? What is in the plan and what’s missing? What could or should Australia’s role be in the AI race?

Director of Strategic Technologies Olivia Shen joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the podcast to discuss these questions. Olivia previously led the Data Science and AI Strategy section for the Australian Department of Home Affairs and she was a Fulbright Scholar looking at the ethics of AI in national security.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

What is (and isn’t) in the One Big Beautiful Bill?

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:01:00 +1000

Before he even took office for his second term, President Trump began pushing for what became known as the 'Big Beautiful Bill' (BBB). Rather than taking a piecemeal approach to legislation, he wanted to take Republicans’ majority in Congress and push for one piece of sweeping legislation. On the 4th of July 2025, he signed the One Big Beautiful Bill into law.

What is (and isn’t) in the BBB? How did Republicans manage to get it through the narrow majorities in Congress? And what does this mean for Trump’s agenda going forward?

Non-Resident Senior Fellow Lester Munson joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the podcast to discuss these questions. Munson has held multiple positions on Capitol Hill and is Principal and Managing Director of the International Practice at BGR Group.

For more on this topic, read Munson's latest write of for The Conversation: Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ has passed the US Senate – these are the winners and losers.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

How could Trump’s film tariffs impact Australia?

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:01:00 +1000

When President Trump’s war on international trade barriers kicked-off, the sweeping scale and scope of his tariffs were staggering. But even after Liberation Day, there’s one proposed tariff that seems to have caught many by surprise – the 100% tariff on any US films produced in different countries.

From The Matrix to The Fall Guy, Australia has been a destination of choice for many US films, so what sort of impact could these proposed tariffs have on Australia’s film industry? How does President Trump view this as a national security issue? How should international film industry businesses respond?

Senior Lecturer in the University of Sydney Business School Dr Mike Seymour joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss these issues. Dr Seymour's work focuses on the digital transformation of creative industries and the future of media production.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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What Japan can teach the world about economic security

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:01:00 +1000

Economic security is becoming increasingly important amidst growing geopolitical tensions. In light of China's 2010 rare earth mineral export restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on supply chains, Japan has prioritised not only strengthening supply chain resilience and market competitiveness but also building up Japan's geo-economic influence to counteract foreign economic pressure through the 2022 Economic Security Promotion Act.

How does Japan's idea of economic security differ from the United States and Europe? What role does government-industry coordination play? And what lessons can Australia draw from Japan’s experience?

Kazuto Suzuki sat down with USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein to discuss these questions. Kazuto is a professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo and Director of the Institute of Geoeconomics at the International House of Japan.

This activity was supported by the Australian Government via a grant from the Australia-Japan Foundation.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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AUKUS review, “Golden Dome” and defence spending: Australia and Trump’s defence policy

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:01:00 +1000

Initial results of Elbridge Colby’s AUKUS review are expected soon, but this feeds into broader conversations around increasing defence spending and even the role Australia can play in Trump’s “Golden Dome” project.

Where have we seen shifts and continuity from Biden to Trump in defence policy? How can Australia thread the needle to negotiate best outcomes for AUKUS by looking at Golden Dome and defence spending? What impact is Trump’s defence policy having in the Indo-Pacific?

Kelly Magsamen joined Mari Koeck on the podcast to discuss these issues. Kelly was former Chief of Staff to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and she is a Senior Advisor at The Asia Group. Kelly was a visiting fellow with the USSC as part of the Centre’s “Next Generation Leaders in the Australia-US Alliance” project.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Unpacking Trump 2.0: Tariffs

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:01:00 +1000

In the third episode in our series on Unpacking Trump 2.0 we sat down with USSC Senior Economic Adviser Dr John Kunkel to talk about tariffs under President Trump.

Where did President Trump’s love of tariffs come from? Are they effective? And how can US trading partners respond?

For more on this topic, check out Dr Kunkel’s write-up for Unpacking Trump 2.0, Tariffs: Uncertainty abounds.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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A NATO Summit amidst global turmoil

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:18:20 +1000

This year’s NATO Summit is held in The Hague with the backdrop of strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and significant changes in the US relationship with Ukraine. How is this year’s summit different from last year? How will the United States engage with the forum? What outcomes might we see from the summit this year?

USSC’s Non-Resident Senior Fellow Jane Hardy and Senior Lecturer in US Politics and Foreign Policy Dr Gorana Grgic sat down with Director of Research Jared Mondschein to discuss these questions. This episode was recorded shortly before the United States launched its attack on Iran.

For more on this topic, check out Dr Grgic’s write-up for Unpacking Trump 2.0, Ukraine: Moving beyond the 24-hour deadline.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Unpacking Trump 2.0: Critical minerals

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:50:31 +1000

Dealmaking is one of the defining characteristics of the Trump 2.0 presidency. And this is perhaps most obvious in critical minerals. From the critical minerals deal with Ukraine to the ongoing trade dispute between the US and China, critical minerals are front of mind for this administration. Why are critical minerals so important to President Trump and is this different to the Biden administration? How vulnerable is the United States when it comes to critical minerals? And what does this mean for Australia or other critical minerals producing US allies?

USSC Director of Economic Security Hayley Channer joined the podcast for the second episode of our Unpacking Trump 2.0 series. She wrote the chapter on critical minerals and is across Australia’s strategic position from both an economic and national security perspective.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Unpacking Trump 2.0: Alliances

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:01:00 +1000

In his first few months in office, President Trump has followed a markedly different course in his second term compared to his first.
How far can Trump’s “move fast and break things” approach to governing get him? What is happening behind the headlines? What can Australia and other US allies do in response?
To answer these questions, USSC is releasing Unpacking Trump 2.0, a guide for US allies and partners to understand what is happening in Washington and what it means for the rest of the world. We will be releasing a series of podcast episodes to complement chapters including on trade and tariffs, AUKUS and critical minerals.
In the first episode in the series, report editor and Director of Research Jared Mondschein sat down with CEO Dr Michael Green to give an overview of the publication and a look at Dr Green’s chapter: Alliances: Resilient if shaken.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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Biden’s legacy and Democratic scrutiny

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 23 May 2025 12:16:25 +1000

When Democrats lost the 2024 election, questions immediately swirled around President Biden and his decision to run again. Just as a new book critical of Biden was about to launch, a spokesperson for the former president announced he had just been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

What role did Biden’s decision to first run and then withdraw from the 2024 presidential race play in the Democrats’ sweeping losses? What new insights are revealed in the new book? How does Biden’s cancer diagnosis shape the narrative on these issues and Biden’s legacy?

To discuss these issues, USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe and Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy David Smith joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the USSC Briefing Room Podcast.

What Korean President Yoon’s impeachment means for Australia and the region

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:01:00 +1000

In December 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and had military troops surround the National Assembly before reversing that decision following an immediate backlash and widespread protests. On 4 April 2025, South Korea’s Constitutional Court announced its verdict to uphold the impeachment of President Yoon, ending 18 weeks of political uncertainty in Seoul. With President Yoon removed from office, South Korea is gearing up for a snap election.

What are the ramifications of the impeachment verdict? What might this mean for the future of Korea’s engagement in the region? What is at stake in the upcoming Korean presidential election?

To discuss these questions, USSC Research Fellow Tom Corben and Research Associate Kester Abbott joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the USSC Briefing Room Podcast. Tom coordinated a Track 1.5 workshop in Canberra with Korean and Australian representatives and Kester was on the subsequent delegation in Korea when martial law was declared.

What Signalgate revealed about technology and intelligence sharing

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:01:00 +1000

When US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz set up a Signal group chat to coordinate principals for discussions on a US strike on the Houthis in Yemen, he had no idea that the Editor in Chief for The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, was part of the chat and would later share the content of their group chat with the world.

Former White House National Security Council Senior Director for Asia and USSC CEO Dr Michael Green and USSC Lecturer in American Studies Dr Kathryn Robison joined the podcast to give a breakdown of Signalgate, what it tells us about technology and intelligence sharing and what it means for intelligence relationships moving forward.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The uphill battle for Australian defence innovation

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:01:00 +1100

A critical component and potential vulnerability of AUKUS is Australia’s manufacturing capability. And even beyond AUKUS, the 2023 Defence Strategic Review cited the need for a whole-of-nation uplift in manufacturing and investment to fulfil Australia’s defence objectives.

What is the state of play for defence manufacturing and investment in Australia? What changes are needed? How could the change in government in the United States impact Australia’s approach to defence production?

International Fellow with Silicon Valley Defense Group Bronte Munro and USSC Non-Resident Fellow Sophie Mayo joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the USSC Briefing Room to discuss these questions and Munro’s recent brief: Reviving industry: How the Australian Government can be a better customer to the manufacturing sector.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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Former USAID official on the DOGE cuts and pathway forward

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:48:37 +1100

Since President Trump took office for a second time on 20 January 2025, he has driven an unprecedented level of sweeping governmental change. One of the first and most drastic changes was to the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The Trump administration has cancelled the majority USAID contracts, eliminated 1,600 positions and almost the entire workforce is on administrative leave.

What is USAID and why was it a target for major cuts by Trump? Are these changes permissible within the powers of the Executive branch? What impacts could this have globally?

USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Lester Munson joins Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the podcast to discuss these questions. Munson formerly served as Deputy Assistant Administrator of USAID.

You may also like Leter Munson’s recent write-up The new game in aid: Deal power.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The lasting impacts of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars on the US military

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:01:00 +1100

Dr Mara Karlin joined us on the USSC Briefing Rood podcast to talk about her book The Inheritance: America’s Military After Two Decades of War.

What impact did the extended wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have on the US military? What lessons have been learned since this time? And how prepared is the US now for future wars?

Dr Karlin discussed these questions and the conclusions she reached in her book with Mari Koeck, USSC Director of Engagement and Impact.

Dr Karlin is a Professor of Practice at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). She has served in national security roles for six US Secretaries of Defense, and most recently served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities.

You may also want to watch Dr Karlin at USSC’s Sydney International Strategy Forum 2024:

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Three years of war in Ukraine

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:01:00 +1100

Three years ago, Russian troops invaded Ukraine with air strikes and a ground invasion from the North towards Kyiv, the South from Crimea and the East from the Donbas. Many expected Ukraine to have to surrender almost immediately and give up significant territory to Russia. However, global allies quickly united to support Ukraine through providing weapons and constraining Russia through severe sanctions. The war has lingered on and is the deadliest conflict in Europe since the Second World War.

Now, President Trump is pushing for talks to end the war, but the focus has primarily been on improving the relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

What might peace look like in a negotiated treaty? Who benefits most from this outcome? What message does this send to countries around the world?

Dr Gorana Grgic, Senior Lecturer in US politics and Foreign Policy and Senior Researcher with the Swiss and Euro-Atlantic Security team at the ETH Zürich’s Center for Security Studies discussed these questions with Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck as we mark three years of the war in Ukraine.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

What Trump’s second term means for Australia, interview with Bruce Wolpe

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +1100

Around the time of President Trump’s first indictment, USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe released his latest book, Trump’s Australia: How Trumpism changed Australia and the shocking consequences for us of a second term. Now, less than two years later, President Trump was elected again, this time as a convicted felon. Bruce has just released an updated version of his book following the election, What Trump’s Second Term Means for Australia.

What changes will we see in the United States during a second Trump term? How will his emphasis on protectionism, nativism and isolationism impact Australia? What issues will most greatly impact US allies and partners around the world?

Bruce sat down with USSC Director of Impact and Engagement Mari Koeck to discuss these questions and his updated book as we look ahead at the next four years.

If you enjoyed this discussion, you may also want to watch the recording of Bruce at USSC’s Sydney International Strategy Forum 2024:

What you need to know about the new US Congress

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Trump’s foreign policy agenda, like it or not

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +1100

As President Trump commences his second term in office, he faces a far more contested geopolitical environment than during his first term. From an unresolved war in Ukraine to the war in Gaza, many items will be on Trump’s foreign policy agenda whether he likes it or not.

How could he seek to end the war in Ukraine? What level of priority should be placed on relations with China? What should allies and partners do to work with this new administration on foreign policy priorities?

Heino Klinck joined the USSC Briefing Room podcast to discuss these questions with USSC Director of Impact and Engagement Mari Koeck. Heino is a global strategist, business executive, retired US Army colonel and defence policy expert. Importantly, he served in the first Trump administration.

NB: This episode was recorded before the Israel-Hamas ceasefire was announced.

If you enjoyed this discussion, you may also want to watch the recordings of Heino at USSC’s Sydney International Strategy Forum 2024:

· What we need to know about the new Trump administration

· How do we approach the security challenges of 2025?

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The power of Australia-India port development

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +1100

India has accelerated port infrastructure projects to counter China’s Belt and Road initiative and enhanced connectivity and trade facilitation could boost GDP from 0.4% to 10.6% in South Asia. In an era of heightened competition, improved port infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to diversify and de-risk supply chains, yet Australia has been notably absent from Indian Ocean infrastructure projects.

What are the risks if China has a monopoly on port improvements in the Indian Ocean? What difference could Australia’s expertise make for port development? How would improved ports help Australia, America and other allies and partners?

Maitri Fellow Riya Sinha sat down with Director of Research Jared Mondschein to discuss these issues and her new report: Building bridges across the Indian Ocean: Australia-India cooperation for port development.

Sinha’s Maitri Fellowship was supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The significance of the AUKUS tech transfer

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:36:19 +1100

When talking about AUKUS, a majority of Australians think it is a good idea for Australia to have nuclear-powered submarines, but much of the public debate is around the cost and whether it is worth the money. One of the most significant aspects of AUKUS is the fact that the United States is agreeing to share some of its most sensitive nuclear technology with Australia, but this requires not just a strong foundation of trust between the two countries, but a regulatory and industrial ecosystem to support it.

What do Australia, the UK and the United States get out of the technology transfer in AUKUS? What changes are needed in the defence industrial base to support this? What are the biggest challenges facing defence industrial cooperation and integration between the US and Australia?

To discuss these questions, we welcomed director of the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Cynthia Cook to the USSC Briefing Room. Cynthia is director of the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). She has widely published on defence acquisition policy and technology development. She recently visited Australia to participate in USSC’s “Next Generation Leaders in the Australia-US Alliance initiative" and was supported by funding from the US State Department.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

What the new Congress means for the Indo-Pacific

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:03:00 +1100

Republicans have secured control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Congress authorises the budget, they have exclusive power to declare war and regulate foreign commerce and they authorise important foreign policy appointees. Even before the next Congress is sworn in, we are seeing Congress flex their power in considering President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees.

What will be the Indo-Pacific priorities for the next Congress? Where might Congress diverge from the White House? Are critical initiatives like AUKUS at risk of losing congressional support?

Director of Research Jared Mondschein sat down with Research Fellow Tom Corben and Senior Research Associate Alice Nason in mid-November to analyse the new Congress and what it means for the Indo-Pacific.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

DC insiders on Trump’s victory and next steps

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:05:39 +1100

After months of speculation and one of the most tumultuous campaigns in history, we now know that we will have a second Trump term, beginning on 20 January 2025.

How did what looked like a coin-toss election lead to such a resounding outcome? What can we expect to see in a Trump 2.0 administration? What should allies and partners do now to prepare?

To discuss these issues, on Monday of last week we welcomed two DC insiders on the podcast. USSC CEO Dr Michael Green is a former White House official and Non-Resident Senior Fellow Lester Munson held several positions on the Hill. They give their breakdown on the election results and what to expect based on their conversations with people close with the Trump administration.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Former Trump admin official on technology, energy and competition with China

United States Studies Centre — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 12:05:32 +1100

AI, energy security, critical minerals and supply chain issues are all inextricably linked with each other and with US competition with China. Erik Jacobs held several roles in the Trump administration including as policy coordinator for the US Department of Energy’s Office of Strategic Planning and Policy and as a policy advisor in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s National Security and International Affairs team.

How can governments maintain energy security as AI developments drive far greater demand on the grid? Does competition with China help or hurt US innovation? How should the next administration approach these emerging challenges?

Back in September, Erik Jacobs joined USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein on the USSC Briefing Room podcast to discuss these issues.

This podcast is part of the United States Studies Centre's "Next Generation Leaders in the Australia-US Alliance initiative," which is supported by funding from the US State Department.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

AI, disinformation and the US presidential election

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +1100

From Iran’s hack of the Trump campaign to Taylor Swift deepfakes, technology is posing a more overt threat to the US presidential election. At the same time, it is unlocking new opportunities for innovation, economic growth and even record-breaking campaign strategies.

How have we seen technology affect the US presidential election this year? Where are the Trump and Harris campaigns on technology adoption and policy? How could AI and disinformation impact the period between election day an inauguration?

USSC Non-Resident Fellow Helen Zhang joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss these issues.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

What Australians think about the US alliance

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:32:08 +1100

In September, the United States Studies Centre released its annual public opinion polling report, Allies and partners poll 2024: Australia the United States and Japan converge on alliance and China despite US election uncertainties. The report surveyed Australian, American and Japanese public opinion on everything from AUKUS and industry policy to regulating AI and fighting disinformation.

How much do Australians want to abandon their US alliance if Donald Trump is reelected? Three years into AUKUS, what do Australians think about the trilateral partnership? How do views of Taiwan differ between the three countries?

USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein and Research Associate Samuel Garrett joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss the results of the Allies and partners poll 2024.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan
Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Energy security and the US-Australia alliance

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:01:58 +1000

Matters of national security are increasingly stretching beyond hard power and into areas of economics, technology and energy. Critical minerals and the clean energy transition are now a core aspect of the US-Australia alliance and they are also playing a larger role in US-China competition, domestic politics and geopolitics around the globe.

How do critical minerals and the clean energy transition relate to national security? How could the US presidential election impact the clean energy transition? What can allies and partners do to work together on these issues?

Jane Nakano, Senior Fellow in the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) joined USSC Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the podcast to discuss these questions.

You may also be interested in:

Event replay | Climate transition heating up: The race for the clean energy transition in the Indo-Pacific with Jane Nakano, Australian Ambassador for Climate Change Kristin Tilley, USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Meg McDonald and USSC Director of Economic Security here.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

State of the race: US presidential election check-in

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Despite years of circling in each other’s orbits, Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump only met for the first time on the debate stage on 10 September. Their face-off was the unofficial launch of the final stage of the US presidential election. It was an opportunity for both candidates to make their case to the country and seek to woo those critical undecided voters.

How has the campaign changed since the debate? Did the candidates accomplish what they needed to? Where can both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump go from here to secure the 270 electoral college votes they need on 5 November?

USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellows Bruce Wolpe and Lester Munson joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss the state of play in the US presidential election following the debate.

Election Watch 2024:

· The Democratic National Convention

· Reflections on the Republican National Convention

· New Cold Wars in a year like no other

· Trump v. Biden redux?

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Inside the White House on 9/11 (Replay)

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 11:09:15 +1000

Today, we're sharing a replay of our episode from 9/11 last year.

USSC CEO Dr Michael Green was working for the White House National Security Council during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He describes the chaos of the evacuation and the significant changes for US alliances with Australia and others across the globe in the wake of the attack.

What was the atmosphere in the White House when they heard the news? What changed after 9/11? What did this mean for US alliances then and now?

Dr Green shares his inside perspective and reflections on how this has changed the Australia-US alliance.

Tech and the alliance

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +1000

From the Quad Principles on Critical and Emerging Technology to AUKUS Pillar II, technology is increasingly seen as an issue of national security and it is playing a larger role than ever in US alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

What is driving this technological cooperation? What can allies and partners gain by working together? What’s next on the tech agenda for the alliance?

USSC Non-Resident Fellow Jennifer Jackett joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the USSC Briefing Room to discuss these issues.

Publications by Jennifer Jackett:

· Laying the foundations for AUKUS: Strengthening Australia’s high-tech ecosystem in support of advanced capabilities

· Delivering the Quad’s tech agenda

· Defence review highlights urgency of tech reset

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

New Cold Wars with NYT’s David Sanger

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist David Sanger was one of the few journalists selected to ask President Biden a question in his press conference following the NATO Summit in Washington DC and has reported on Washington during the last seven US presidential administrations. His latest book, New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Defend the West, considers America’s global position in this pivotal time.

What might the 2024 election mean for global powers? What is the future of US-China relations? How is conflict playing out differently for US allies in Europe compared to in Asia? What should Australians be watching for in 2024?

To explore these questions, USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein sat down with NYT’s David Sanger to dive into the central argument of his latest book, and what the 2024 US presidential election could mean for US allies and partners around the world.

David also sat down with USSC CEO Dr Michael Green during his visit for a public event discussing his new book. Watch the full event.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Modi’s future after the Indian election

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 11:14:47 +1000

This year, India held the largest democratic exercise in the world as 643 million people voted in their election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi won his third election, however, his party, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), could not secure a majority in the Parliament, leading to the formation of a coalition government. The opposition secured enough seats to have a leader of the opposition for the first time in a decade, setting up a more contested framework for Prime Minister Modi to govern.

What do these electoral shifts signify about political trends in India? What emerging challenges will Prime Minister Modi face in the term ahead? How will these changes in India impact Australia and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region?

To discuss these issues, USSC 2024 Maitri Fellow Riya Sinha joined Director of Research Jared Mondschein on the podcast a few weeks ago. Sinha’s fellowship is supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She is also an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) in New Dehli.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The Harris 2024 campaign is official: DC insiders on what's next

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Within a week of President Biden announcing he is ending his candidacy for a second term, Vice President Kamala Harris secured scores of endorsements, set fundraising records and secured enough delegates to become the presumptive nominee.

How would a Harris administration be different from the Biden administration? Who’s on Harris’ VP short list? Does Harris stand a chance against former president Trump?

To discuss these questions, USSC Non-Resident Fellow Victoria Cooper welcomed DC insiders and USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellows Bruce Wolpe and Lester Munson on the podcast. Bruce worked with Democrats in Congress during President Obama’s first term and Lester served in senior positions on the Hill, most recently as Staff Director of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

From strongman to living martyr: How Trump’s assassination attempt changes his image

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:31:39 +1000

Former president Donald Trump narrowly avoided death when a bullet grazed his ear at a campaign rally on 13 July. The images of him rising, holding his fist high and chanting “Fight!” while blood streamed down his face instantly became iconic.

Donald Trump has been called a ‘strongman’ throughout his political career, how does this assassination attempt shape the mythology around him? What cultural factors contribute to his persona and perception at home and abroad? How could this change in his standing influence perceptions of him for the rest of the election?

USSC Non-Resident Fellow Dr Yancey Orr joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss these questions from a cultural perspective.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The NATO Summit in the shadow of Trump, Biden and Vance

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 13:52:23 +1000

Last week, NATO leaders gathered in Washington DC for their annual summit, this year celebrating the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. However, much of Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s final summit was overshadowed by scrutiny of President Biden and then quickly followed by the assassination attempt on former president Trump and the announcement of his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

What was the main objective for NATO at this summit and was it achieved? Did competing for attention with President Biden and former president Trump hinder those objectives? What does the announcement of Senator JD Vance, one of the most prominent voices against aid for Ukraine mean for the future of NATO under a second Trump administration?

To discuss these issues, we welcomed USSC Senior Lecturer in US Politics and Foreign Policy Dr Gorana Grgic back on the podcast for a conversation with USSC Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck. Dr Grgic attended the NATO Summit again this year and offered her perspective on the experience in the room as the eyes of the world were on DC.

Trump’s immune. It is so ordered – featuring Chas Licciardello

United States Studies Centre — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +1000

The US Supreme Court handed down their ruling in former president Trump’s immunity case and it granted far broader immunity than most experts anticipated.

Why was the ruling so expansive? What does this mean for Trump’s criminal trials? How will this change the presidency going forward?

To discuss these issues, we welcomed Chas Licciardello from ABC’s Planet America back on the podcast to follow up on his initial discussion with USSC Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck.

Read the full Supreme Court ruling.

If you can’t get enough of US politics, in addition to Planet America, check out Chas’ Planet Extra Podcast with Chas and Dr Dave, featuring Chas in conversation with USSC Associate Prof. David Smith each week: YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Google and Stitcher.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Why Trump and Biden? How the US system led to their selection

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 07:15:10 +1000

President Biden’s approval rating is at an all-time low and the number of “double haters” who want neither candidate is at an all-time high. The US system is driving the selection of candidates further and further away from the mainstream. Campaign financing contributes to this.

How did Trump and Biden become their party’s nominee with so little public support? What systems contribute to the polarisation of politics? Could campaign finance reform lead to candidates with a broader appeal?

USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein spoke with Prof. Raymond La Raja, Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amhurst, about his research into campaign finance reform.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

A DC insider on the post-debate pathway for Democrats

United States Studies Centre — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 16:16:12 +1000

Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s debate in Atlanta was always going to be one for the history books. Never before had a general election debate occurred before the party conventions officially named them as their presidential nominees. But following a debate performance that even President Biden conceded was not his best, the most historical aspect of the debate was how many Democrats want to take advantage of the early debate timing and change their nominee altogether.

If Democratic primary votes already occurred, what’s the process for Democrats changing their candidate? Which Democrats will be the most influential in deciding Joe Biden’s future? Beyond Vice President Kamala Harris, who are Democrats to watch as potential successors?

USSC Non-Resident Fellow Lester Munson, a DC insider with extensive experience in the legislative and executive branches of government, speaks with Research Director Jared Mondschein on the potential pathways forward for an increasingly uncertain Democratic ticket.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The push for ranked-choice voting in America

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +1000

As American politics has become increasingly polarised, experts and analysts have explored avenues for electoral reform to shift voting to be more representative. One solution is ranked-choice voting (RCV), which is standard in Australia, but only appears in a fraction of jurisdictions in the United States.

Why is ranked-choice voting so rare in the United States? What is driving the movement to adopt it in more jurisdictions? How can Australia’s method of voting address “the fundamental issue in American politics” today?

USSC Non-Resident Fellow Prof. Benjamin Reilly is a scholar of electoral reform who has worked on reforms in a number of different US states. He spoke with Director of Research Jared Mondschein about the uptick in interest around RCV and the difference it can make in US politics.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

What is Juneteenth and how does it differ from other holidays?

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +1000

On 17 June 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making the day a federal public holiday.

What did this new holiday celebrate? What role does Juneteenth play in American history? How is it different from Martin Luther King Jr Day?

To discuss these questions Senior Lecturer in American Studies at the United States Studies Centre (USSC) Dr Kathryn Schumaker joined Director of Research Jared Mondschein on the podcast.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

State of play: Australia’s munitions stockpiles and the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +1000

The war in Ukraine was a wake-up call for nations around the world as they saw how quickly one crisis could consume the national supply of certain munitions. The Australian Government addressed this in both its 2023 Defence Strategic Review and 2024 National Defence Strategy through the prioritisation of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) and acceleration of the GWEO enterprise. However, these aspirations are a long way from becoming reality and bridging the gap from where we are now to where we want to be is a key focus of the United States Studies Centre (USSC).

How depleted are munitions stockpiles after Ukraine? How does GWEO address Australia’s defence needs? What can Australia learn from others about how to stand up this new production capacity?

In June, USSC brought Senior Fellow and Director with the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security Dr Stacie Pettyjohn to Australia to speak to our Women in the Alliance Network and she joined us on the podcast to reflect on these questions and the discussions she had while in Australia.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

What the 2024 election means for America’s Asian alliances

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 08:56:11 +1000

In November, Americans will head to the polls to cast their vote for who will hold the most powerful office in the world – Joe Biden or Donald Trump. But it isn’t only Americans who are impacted.

What would a Trump administration vs Biden administration 2.0 mean for allies and partners around the world? What will stay the same regardless of who wins? And, importantly, what can countries do now to prepare for the next four years?

Last week, the USSC released its election-year Red Book | Blue Book: A guide to the next US administration report to answer these questions and more across everything from AUKUS to climate change. Between now and the election, we’re going to bring you episodes that take a look at different chapters in the report and give you the Red Book | Blue Book breakdown on that topic. To kick things off, we welcomed USSC CEO Dr Michael Green back on the podcast to talk about his chapter: What the 2024 election means for America’s Asian alliances.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The “Third pillar of the alliance” one year later

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 21 May 2024 14:10:19 +1000

On 20 May 2023, on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a third pillar of the Australia-US alliance: the climate, critical minerals and clean energy transformation compact.

What does this compact involve? How much progress has been made in the past year? What will happen to this pillar of the alliance if former president Trump is re-elected?

To discuss these issues, USSC Non-Resident Fellow Lachlan Carey joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the USSC Briefing Room.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The Scan-Share-Shape approach to economic security

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 08 May 2024 06:00:00 +1000

Economic security is on the minds of leaders everywhere. From trade barriers to industrial policy to crackdowns on foreign investments, growing strategic competition is shaping the global economy.

What is economic security? What are the trade-offs involved? And how can Australia adapt to this changing world?

Director of Economic Security Hayley Channer is joined by USSC Non-Resident Fellow Helen Mitchell to discuss Helen's new report: Unlocking economic security: a strategic playbook for Australia.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Deep dive into Trump’s Supreme Court immunity hearing with Chas Licciardello

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 03 May 2024 12:28:22 +1000

In January, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that there is no presidential immunity that would shield former president Trump from prosecution in the case against him regarding his actions to overturn the results of the 2020 election. But the US Supreme Court said they would take up the question, hearing the oral arguments on their last day of this judicial term.

Why did the Supreme Court step in after the DC Circuit Court of Appeals had made a unanimous ruling? What is at stake for former president Trump? What are the long-term ramifications beyond President Trump?

To discuss these issues, Chas Licciardello, co-host of ABC’s Planet America who also holds a law degree, joined us shortly after the oral arguments to discuss the issues at play and what this means not just for former president Trump’s cases, but all future presidents.

Featured clip:

Justice Alito questions Michael Dreeben. First posted by @TheRecount.

Recommended reading, listening and watching:

Planet America Fireside Chat (Friday 26/4/2024) ft. John Barron and Chas Licciardello where they talk about key takeaways from Trump’s immunity case
Was Trump benefitting from being out of the news? By Nate Cohn
NYT/Siena poll referred to in the By the Numbers stats
Trump’s immunity argument before the US Supreme Court ft. Bruce Wolpe
Trump trial hears of ‘catch and kill’ tabloid scheme ft. Associate Prof. David Smith

If you can’t get enough of US politics, in addition to Planet America, check out Chas’ 'Planet Extra Podcast with Chas and Dr Dave', featuring Chas in conversation with USSC Associate Prof. David Smith each week: YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Google and Stitcher.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

What can jazz teach us about democracy?

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 11:30:36 +1000

In honour of International Jazz Day, we’re releasing a special episode of the USSC Briefing Room with the Founder and Director of The Jazz and Democracy Project® (J&D) Dr Wesley Watkins. His program integrates jazz into the study of US history, government, civics and culture, specifically, but also into the humanities more broadly, making J&D a captivating way for students to engage democratic and egalitarian ideals through a range of themes and subject areas. It has been widely popular both across the US and around the world. You may have heard Wes interviewed on ABC radio or mentioned on NPR.

What can jazz help us understand about democracy that other musical examples cannot? How do current politics relate to this metaphor? What traits of a good jazz musician should we also look for in a president?

Featured songs:

“City Sunrise” by Ninety Miles, Live at Cubadisco (Concord Music Group, 2012) Stefon Harris (vibraphone solo), Christian Scott (trumpet), David Sánchez (tenor sax), Harold López-Nussa (piano), Yandy Martinez González (bass), Ruy Adrián López-Nussa (drums) and Edgar Martínez Ochoa DeZabalegui (djembe). Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm-5n30qqtY

"Blue Train" (J. Coltrane) from the Conrad Herwig album, The Latin Side of John Coltrane (Astor Place, 1996). The trading features Brian Lynch (trumpet) & Conrad Herwig (trombone), backed by Eddie Palmieri (piano), John Benitez (bass), Adam Cruz (drums), Jose Clausell (timbales) and Milton Cardona (congas) with Mike Ponella & Ray Vega on backing trumpets, plus Ronnie Cuber on baritone sax.

Learn more about The Jazz and Democracy Project® here:

https://www.jazzdemocracy.com/

https://www.jazzdemocracy.com.au/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=327CfZ_ogRo

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

JAUKUS and Washington’s view of Canberra, one year later

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:50:07 +1000

When a delegation from the United States Studies Centre (USSC) travelled to Washington DC in 2023, AUKUS came up in every conversation and Australia eagerly awaited a visit from President Biden to Australia that didn’t eventuate. Now we are discussing potentially expanding AUKUS to include Japan and significant legislative reforms are making US-Australia defence collaboration stronger than ever.

How much has changed in Washington from a year ago? Is the potential for JAUKUS making waves in DC like it is in Australia? How much daylight is there between the US and Australian foreign policy communities on these issues at this time?

USSC Research Fellow Tom Corben and Research Associate Sophie Mayo discussed these questions with Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck following their visit to Washington DC last month.

Check out the readout from the 2023 USSC delegation to Washington here: What do Washington and Canberra think of each other?

Recommended reading and listening:

Patience, please. AUKUS Pillar 2 is indeed making progress by Tom Corben and Sophie Mayo
Foundations for AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines: Perspectives from AUKUS partners by Prof. Peter Dean, Alice Nason, Dr Philip Shetler-Jones and Dr Charles Edel
The university sector’s value proposition for AUKUS: Times Higher Education Summit outcomes report by Prof. Peter Dean, Sophie Mayo and Alex Favier
USSC Briefing Room | AUKUS: One year since the 'optimal pathway' with Prof. Peter Dean, Alice Nason and Mari Koeck
Are Biden and Congress playing chicken with AUKUS? By Tom Corben and Alice Nason

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

How Japan and Australia can counter coercion in the Indo-Pacific

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +1000

The rules-based order is under stress in the Indo-Pacific and, according to the latest report from Freedom House, democracy has declined for an 18th consecutive year globally. Both Japan and Australia have strong commitments to development assistance in the region, but a new report from the United States Studies Centre (USSC) argues that this is not enough to counter elite capture, misinformation and other malign influences in the region.

What are the stakes for democracy promotion in the Indo-Pacific? How much daylight is there between the Japanese and Australian approaches to development assistance and democracy promotion? Where can the countries go from here?

USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Dr Lavina Lee spoke with Research Director Jared Mondschein about these questions and the new report she edited.

Aligning values and interests: Japanese and Australian democracy support in the Pacific and Southeast Asiawas edited by Dr Lavina Lee and features Chikako Kodama, Hitsubashi University Graduate School of Law PhD candidate; Dr John Lee, Hudson Institute Senior Fellow; Dr Yuki Miyoda, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences project researcher; and Prof. Hiroaki Shiga, Yokohama National University professor at the Graduate School of International Social Sciences. It is now available for download.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Trump's VP shortlist

United States Studies Centre — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:19:57 +1100

With the two oldest presidential presumptive nominees in US history, the stakes for the vice presidential selection have never been higher. In 2016 Mike Pence helped deliver the evangelical vote for Trump, but he seems to be going a different direction in 2024. All eyes are on who he will ultimately choose.

Will Trump look for a VP to help win swing states? Do any of his former presidential competitors stand a chance? How will Trump’s VP pick change the election?

USSC Director of Research and the Politics, Society and Culture Program Jared Mondschein sat down with research associates Samuel Garrett and Ava Kalinauskas to discuss their recently launched tracker: Trump’s VP shortlist: What Australians should know.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

AUKUS: One year since the 'optimal pathway'

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +1100

One year ago, Anthony Albanese, Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden gathered at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego to share the ‘optimal pathway’ for Australia to acquire the nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement. This critical step laid out the timeline, the type of submarines that would be acquired and the price tag of $268-$368b for AUKUS Pillar I.

But we wanted to check in, one year after the optimal pathway was announced. How are we progressing? Was the pathway realistic? And what are the barriers would be most likely to derail this plan?

United States Studies Centre (USSC) Director of Foreign Policy and Defence Prof. Peter Dean and Research Associate Alice Nason joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss.

AUKUS inflection point: Building the ecosystem for workforce development by Peter Dean, Alice Nason, Sophie Mayo and Samuel Garrett

AUKUS has become a case study in generational politics by Peter Dean and Alice Nason

Are Biden and Congress playing chicken with AUKUS? by Tom Corben and Alice Nason

The university sector’s value proposition for AUKUS: Times Higher Education Summit outcomes report by Peter Dean, Sophie Mayo and Alex Favier

The social licence for AUKUS has not yet been earned by Sophie Mayo, Peter Lee and Alice Nason

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Indo-Pacific Strategy Simulation 2023: The view from Australia

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +1100

This is the third in a series of three episodes this week recorded following USSC’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Simulation in November 2023. In these recordings, leading regional experts sit down with our own resident scholars to discuss Indo-Pacific security issues, trilateral cooperation between Australia, Japan and the United States, and the finer points of designing and playing a strategic simulation.

This episode features Prof. Peter Dean, Director of the Foreign Policy and Defence Program at the USSC in conversation with Jacqueline Borsboom, Managing Director for Australia at the Asia Group.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Indo-Pacific Strategy Simulation 2023: The view from the United States

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +1100

This is the second in a series of three episodes this week recorded following USSC’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Simulation in November 2023. In these recordings, leading regional experts sit down with our own resident scholars to discuss Indo-Pacific security issues, trilateral cooperation between Australia, Japan and the United States, and the finer points of designing and playing a strategic simulation.

This episode features Prof. Peter Dean, Director of the Foreign Policy and Defence Program at the USSC in conversation with Zack Cooper, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington DC.

You can also hear from Zack Cooper and Peter Dean in the recording from the Sydney International Strategy Forum panel discussion on AUKUS, the Quad and the future of alliances and partnerships here.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Indo-Pacific Strategy Simulation 2023: The view from Japan

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +1100

This week on the podcast, we’re bringing you the first three episodes in a series recorded following USSC’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Simulation in November 2023. In these recordings, leading regional experts sit down with our own resident scholars to discuss Indo-Pacific security issues, trilateral cooperation between Australia, Japan and the United States, and the finer points of designing and playing a strategic simulation.

This episode features Dr Michael Green, CEO of the USSC, in conversation with Nobukatsu Kanehara, Executive Director of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo, Japan.

You can also hear from Nobukatsu Kanehara in the recording from the Sydney International Strategy Forum panel discussion on AUKUS, the Quad and the future of alliances and partnerships here.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Four Quad think tank experts walk into the briefing room…

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:05:53 +1100

After a year of travel, conferences and meetings in the four Quad countries — Australia, India, Japan and the United States — four think tank experts from across the Indo-Pacific enter the USSC Briefing Room to discuss Quad cooperation.

What is the Quad trying to achieve? What is and isn’t working well and how can the four countries more closely and effectively cooperate on their shared vision for the region?

In this ‘QuadPod’, Lucas Meyers, from the Wilson Center in the United States, Dr Gaurav Saini from the Council for Strategic and Defense Research in India, Dr Shu Uchida from Waseda University in Japan, and the USSC’s own Victoria Cooper share their views on the big questions.

The Quad topic on ussc.edu.au
What is the Quad? by Blake Berger, Victoria Cooper, Lucas Myers, Shu Uchida, and Gaurav Saini
Bolstering the Quad: The case for a collective approach to maritime security by Tom Corben, Ashley Townshend, Blake Herzinger, Darshana M Baruah, and Dr Tomohiko Satake
The Quad is edging closer to collective maritime defence by Tom Corben

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Is Biden in the ‘Danger Zone’? with Bruce Wolpe

United States Studies Centre — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:44:15 +1100

Last week, the special counsel Robert Hur released his report with findings of his investigation into President Biden’s handling of classified documents after he left the office of vice president. While a legal vindication in that he will not be charged, it has poured petrol on the fire that is discussion on Biden’s age and whether he’s up for a second term. We dove into this topic with Washington insider, United States Studies Centre Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe.

How much of a risk is this to Biden’s campaign? Who is winning the messaging war between Republicans and Democrats? And, ultimately, what would actually have to happen in order for President Biden to step aside?

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Was COP28 one step forward, two steps back?

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:05:04 +1100

Last month, world leaders gathered in Dubai for the UN Climate Change Conference – COP 28. The loss and damage agreement supporting nations impacted by climate change made headlines, but the walk back of language around fossil fuels was viewed by many as a step backwards.

Was COP28 a net positive or negative? How relevant is COP anymore? Where should global efforts focus to mitigate climate change?

United States Studies Centre (USSC) Non-Resident Fellow Lachlan Carey, Manager at RMI sat down with USSC Research Director Jared Mondschein to discuss COP28 and next steps for climate action in 2024.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Trump trounces Iowa caucuses – does anyone else stand a chance?

United States Studies Centre — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 13:44:41 +1100

The first contest of the 2024 US presidential election kicked off in Iowa this week. Dedicated Republicans turned out and voiced support for Donald Trump, delivering him the majority of votes with a 30-point margin over his competition. Ron DeSantis barely beat out Nikki Hayley for the number two spot, but Hayley was the only candidate to win a precinct other than Trump.

Going into the next primaries, does anyone stand a chance against Trump? What would be the pathway to victory for a Trump challenger? Who is a likely choice for vice president?

United States Studies Centre Non-Resident Senior Fellow Lester Munson joined Research Director Jared Mondschein to break down what happened in Iowa and what this means for Trump’s candidacy.

Trump wins big in Iowa, now what? By Lester Munson

A guide to the 2024 presidential election: from primaries to president by Ava Kalinauskas and Samuel Garrett

USSC Insights | Reactions to Iowa

Where the ‘other’ 2024 Republican candidates stand on Australia and the world by Ava Kalinauskas and Samuel Garrett

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Religious Persecution and Political Order in the United States with Associate Professor David Smith

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +1100

Looking for something to read? In our ‘Book Talk’ series, our experts discuss their book projects and why you should read them. In this episode, Associate Professor David Smith talks through his research on religious persecution in the United States, the role of religion in politics, and ideas of political order, social cohesion and American identity.

Why does a country that sees religious freedom as central to its founding have such a painful history with religious persecution? How does the US experience compare with what we’ve seen in Australia? Where is the United States today on the spectrum of religious persecution and protection?

Associate Professor Smith’s 2015 book Religious Persecution and Political Order in the United States was published by Cambridge University Press.

Produced by Elliott Brennan

Line of Advantage: Japan’s Grand Strategy in the Era of Abe Shinzo with Dr Michael J Green

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 02:00:00 +1100

Are you wondering what to read over the holiday period? In our ‘Book Talk’ series, our experts discuss their latest book projects and why you should read them. In this episode, USSC CEO Dr Michael J. Green sheds light on the evolution of Japan’s grand strategy.

How is Abe’s strategic approach to the Indo-Pacific reflected in Japan, Australia and the United States today? What lessons can be learned from Abe’s approach to China and the Trump administration? Why is the relationship between Australia and Japan deepening? How might strategic competition end?

Dr Green’s 2022 book, Line of Advantage: Japan’s Grand Strategy in the Era of Abe Shinzō, draws from Mike’s long-standing connection with the former Prime Minister and provides a unique political and historical context of Japan’s security policy and the role of US alliances in the Indo Pacific.

Dr Michael J Green, Line of Advantage: Japan’s Grand Strategy in the Era of Abe Shinzō, (Columbia University Press, 2022)
USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein and Research Editor Victoria Cooper, One year from the 2024 US presidential election: The stakes for Australia and the alliance (United States Studies Centre, 2023)

Produced by Elliott Brennan

Taiwan’s role in strategic competition with Taiwan representative Douglas Hsu

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:55:26 +1100

Taiwan does not have formal diplomatic relations with Australia and the United States, but they do have diplomatic representatives in both countries and formal or informal ties all over the world. Taiwan’s representative to Australia Douglas Hsu sat down with Research Director Jared Mondschein to discuss the state of play in Taiwan on the precipice of their upcoming presidential election.

What challenges does not having formal diplomatic ties to Australia and the United states bring? Is Taiwan being used as a pawn in strategic competition with China? How concerned is Taiwan about whether the United States or Australia would come to its defence if China decides to invade it?

Douglas Hsu is Taiwan’s Representative to Australia. He was previously Director General of North American Affairs within Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served in the Political and Congressional Liaison divisions of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.

You may also want to watch our event replay Taiwan's upcoming election: The implications for Australia featuring Douglas Hsu, Richard McGregor, Dr Lavina Lee and Dr Michael Green.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

IPEF report card following APEC

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 11:03:37 +1100

Since the US withdrawal from TPP in 2017, Australia has remained keen to see the United States re-engage Asia on trade. The Biden administration launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in May of 2022 to balance economic engagement in the region with a “foreign policy for the middle class” approach that prioritised increasing labor and environmental standards. Some early harvest provisions were announced at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit last month, but in balancing trade with labour policy, questions remain over their value for IPEF member countries.

How is the Biden administration’s economic strategy in Asia different than prior administrations? How should Australia and other US allies understand US opinion on trade strategy? Did the early harvest provisions announced at APEC earn a passing grade or is it too little, too late?

United States Studies Centre (USSC) Economic Security Director Hayley Channer and Research Associate Samuel Garrett discuss their assessment of IPEF post APEC with Research Director Jared Mondschein.

An economic pillar to round out US strategy in Asia: IPEF and Australia's interests by Hayley Channer, Victoria Cooper and Jared Mondschein

What options are on the table for IPEF? by Samuel Garrett

USSC Insights | IPEF supply chain agreement by Georgia Edmonstone

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American Enterprise Institute’s Zack Cooper and USSC’s Peter Dean on AUKUS, the Quad and the future of alliances and partnerships

United States Studies Centre — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +1100

This is the final episode in a series of four panel discussions recorded from the United States Studies Centre’s inaugural Sydney International Strategy Forum. This episode is the “AUKUS, the Quad and the future of alliances and partnerships” panel featuring:

Prof. Peter Dean – Director of Foreign Policy and Defence, United States Studies Centre
Zack Cooper – Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
Rep. Akihisa Nagashima – a member of the Japanese House of Representatives
Dr Gorana Grgic – Senior Lecturer in US Politics and Foreign Policy, United States Studies Centre
Dr Michael Green – CEO, United States Studies Centre

A video recording of this episode is available on the USSC YouTube channel here. The playlist of all recordings from the Sydney International Strategy Forum is available here.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Google’s Michaela Browning and USSC’s John Kunkel on navigating de-risking, disruption and emerging technology

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +1100

This is the third in a series of four panel discussions recorded from the United States Studies Centre’s inaugural Sydney International Strategy Forum. This episode is the “Navigating de-risking, disruption and emerging technology” panel featuring:

Michaela Browning, Vice President Government and Public Policy for Asia Pacific – Google
Dr John Kunkel, Senior Economic Adviser – United States Studies Centre 
Hayley Channer, Director Economic Security – United States Studies Centre 
Moderator: Jared Mondschein, Director of Research – United States Studies Centre

A video recording of this episode is available on the USSC YouTube channel here. The playlist of all recordings from the Sydney International Strategy Forum is available here.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Politico’s Ryan Lizza and New York Magazine’s Olivia Nuzzi on US politics at the crossroads

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +1100

This is the second in a series of four panel discussions recorded from the United States Studies Centre’s inaugural Sydney International Strategy Forum. This episode is the “US politics at the crossroads” panel featuring:

§ Ryan Lizza, Chief Washington Correspondent – Politico

§ Olivia Nuzzi, Washington Correspondent – New York Magazine

§ Associate Professor David Smith, Professor in American Politics & Foreign Policy – United States Studies Centre

§ Bruce Wolpe, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, United States Studies Centre

§ Moderator: Victoria Cooper, Research Editor – United States Studies Centre

A video recording of this episode is available on the USSC YouTube channel here. The playlist of all recordings from the Sydney International Strategy Forum is available here.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Michèle Flournoy and Adm. Phil Davidson on how far US-China confrontation will go

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +1100

This week on the podcast, we’re bringing you a special series of recordings from the United States Studies Centre’s inaugural Sydney International Strategy Forum. These will each share one of the four panel discussions from the day. This episode is the “How far will US-China confrontation go?” panel featuring:

Michele Flournoy – Co-Founder of West Exec Advisors and former US Under Secretary of Defence
Admiral Phil Davidson – Former commander of US Indo-Pacific Command
Dr Evan Medeiros, Professor and Penner family chair in Asia Studies in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and
The Honourable Kim Beazley, former Australian Ambassador to the United States.
Moderated by Dr Michael Green, CEO of the United States Studies Centre

Dr Evan Medeiros’ book mentioned in podcast, Cold Rivals: The New Era of US-China Strategic Competition, is available here.

A video recording of this episode is available on the USSC YouTube channel here. The playlist of all recordings from the Sydney International Strategy Forum is available here.

Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Covering presidents Obama, Trump and Biden with Ryan Lizza and Olivia Nuzzi

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:45:19 +1100

We are one year out from the 2024 US presidential election. If we ignore the actuarial possibilities or something that completely derails the polling reports we’re seeing, it will be a 2020 repeat of Trump v. Biden. But what are they like behind the scenes? Do their public personas match their private personas? How does this impact their 2024 campaigns?

To discuss this, we interviewed Chief Washington Correspondent for Politico Ryan Lizza and Washington Correspondent for New York Magazine Olivia Nuzzi. Ryan’s reporting on President Obama won the White House Correspondents’ Association Aldo Beckman award and Olivia won the National Magazine award for journalists under 30.

Please note there is one instance of swearing in this episode.

Publications mentioned in the podcast:

My Private Oval Office Press Conference With Donald Trump, Mike Pence, John Kelly, and Mike Pompeo by Olivia Nuzzi

Donald Trump on 2024: ‘I’ve Already Made That Decision’ by Olivia Nuzzi

The Lowy Institute poll 2012: Public opinion and foreign policy by Fergus Hanson

One year from the 2024 US presidential election: The stakes for Australia and the alliance by Jared Mondschein, Victoria Cooper, Samuel Garrett and Ava Kalinauskas

USSC polling readout 2023: One year until the 2024 US presidential election

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 01:00:00 +1100

This week, co-hosts Director of Research Jared Mondschein and Research Editor Victoria Cooper discuss their latest polling report, One year from the 2024 US presidential election: The stakes for Australia and the alliance which surveyed respondents in Australia, the United States and Japan. It covers all the issues most relevant to the Australia-US alliance and regional relationships at this time.

Are attitudes towards China heating up or cooling down? Where is public opinion at on AUKUS at the moment? If Donald Trump wins the presidency in 2024, what does this mean for the Australia-US alliance?

Tune in to find out all the latest numbers.

Republican state of play: House speaker race, Trump trials and conflict in Israel

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 07:41:44 +1100

This month has been incredibly tumultuous in US politics. We had the historic ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, courtroom drama in the cases against former president Trump and war breaking out in Israel. Republican disunity appears to be near breaking point. To help make sense of the fast-moving dynamics, Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy David Smith provides a breakdown of the latest and what to expect moving forward.

What does the House speaker race reveal about the Republican Party? If convicted of a crime, would President Trump serve jail time? Where is the Republican Party on support for Israel?

Tune in for answers to these questions and more.

Publications mentioned in the podcast:

Religious Persecution and Political Order in the United States

Behind the scenes of a US state visit

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 10:42:11 +1100

Next week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is heading to the United States for an official visit with President Biden, including a state dinner. Two USSC experts have staffed state visits before, one on the US side and one on the Australian side – CEO Dr Michael Green and Senior Economic Adviser Dr John Kunkel. Their inside perspectives can give us a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes for these sort of high-profile visits. What’s at stake? What sort of role do these visits play? Does this visit make up for the cancelled Quad trip?

In this episode, they share the triumphs and foibles of past state visits (including the Trump-Morrison visit in 2019) and analyse what Prime Minister Albanese needs to be prepared for before touching down in the United States.

UPSCALE and how to actualise AUKUS through private sector finance

United States Studies Centre — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +1100

AUKUS Pillar II is focused on accelerating advanced capabilities, but innovation in technology is dominated by tech companies and financed through private finance. In order advance this technology for defence new funding sources, collaboration and mindset shifts across government and industry is essential. Over 2023 USSC Director of Economic Security Hayley Channer and Senior Economic Advisor Dr John Kunkel hosted a series of workshops with leaders in defence innovation, tech companies and private finance from Australia and the United States to look for solutions to unlocking private sector investment to drive Australia’s defence capability and innovation.

If the government provides billions of dollars to the Department of Defence, why do they need financing from the private sector? How does the current defence – tech – finance ecosystem threaten AUKUS Pillar II? What does private sector finance stand to gain from investing in defence innovation?

Tune in to this episode to get the readout from Hayley Channer and John Kunkel following their workshops with government, the tech sector and private finance.

Read the UPSCALE report here

Launch of Women in the Alliance

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 11:51:34 +1000

In this special episode, we share a recording of the panel discussion at the launch event for USSC’s new Women in the Alliance initiative. It featured Aurora Education Foundation CEO and American Australian Association Ltd in Australia Chair Leila Smith, Representative for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh MP and ABC journalist and broadcaster Geraldine Doogue in conversation with Research Editor Victoria Cooper. Women in the Alliance brings together a diverse group of female professionals for exclusive opportunities designed to advance and accelerate their careers, amplify their expertise and expand their professional network.

Applications to join the inaugural network close on 30 September 2023.

More information here.

Inside the White House on 9/11

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +1000

What was the atmosphere in the White House when they heard the news? What changed after 9/11? What did this mean for US alliances then and now?

Dr Green shares his inside perspective and reflections on how this has changed the Australia-US alliance, 22 years on.

Read the reflections from President George W. Bush and Prime Minister John Howard 20 years after 9/11 in their contributions to The Alliance at 70 here.

Deterrence dialogue returns to DC

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 22:09:46 +1000

The Foreign Policy and Defence team co-host the deterrence dialogue with the Pacific Forum. This year was the first year back in DC since COVID. Defence representatives from both the United States and Australia were there and Ambassador Kevin Rudd presented a keynote address. What are the areas of alignment and difference between the US and Australia? What issues rose to the fore? What changed as a result of the dialogue?

Foreign Policy and Defence Director Professor Peter Dean and Research Associate Alice Nason address these questions in discussion with Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck.

2024 GOP presidential candidates primer

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:58:46 +1000

As the US 2024 GOP presidential hopefuls prepare for the first debate, USSC Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy David Smith and Research Editor Victoria Cooper spoke with Research Director Jared Mondschein to give a breakdown on the candidates and the odds of anyone besting former president Trump.

What happened to Ron DeSantis? Will the legal challenges to Trump derail his campaign? Does anyone stand a chance of surging past Trump to secure the nomination?

To read more on the 2024 Republican race, we recommend the following USSC analysis:

Why the 2024 US presidential election will likely be a choice between Biden and Trump again by Victoria Cooper
Evangelical Christians are crucial voters in Republican primaries. Would they support DeSantis or Trump? by David Smith
Indictment unlikely to erode Trump support by Victoria Cooper
Yes, federal charges against a former president are unprecedented — but so is Trump’s political power by Jared Mondschein

The latest in Australia-US maritime security

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:27:06 +1000

With the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) and the joint Talisman Sabre exercise between Australian and US defence forces now officially wrapped up, USSC Director of Foreign Policy and Defence Professor Peter Dean and Research Fellow in the program Blake Herzinger give a deep-dive on all the latest developments in the maritime security space.

Why are submarines getting so much attention lately? How do AUSMIN announcements stack up against the advice in Australia’s 2023 Defence Strategic Review? And what’s the big deal about the USS Canberra? All these questions and more are answered in this latest episode.

To read more about the outcomes from this year’s AUSMIN, check out the latest USSC analysis below:

Outside the Briefing Room | In conversation with USSC experts Tom Corben, Georgia Edmonstone and Alice Nason
USSC Insights | Walking the talk at AUSMIN with Stephen Loosley
AUSMIN 2023 explained by Tom Corben and Alice Nason

Inside the NATO Vilnius Summit

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 13:26:54 +1000

United States Studies Centre Senior Lecturer in US Politics and Foreign Policy Dr Gorana Grgic attended the NATO Vilnius Summit at the end of her sabbatical in Europe. At the summit this year, Ukraine was once again the main focus. Will Ukraine be given a timeline to enter NATO and what conditions do they need to meet? What is NATO going to do about Russia’s invasion which has brought war to Europe? And how has NATO’s stance towards China changed?

Gorana gives a readout of everything you need to know about the summit and what she picked up from being in the room that wasn’t covered in the news.

For more from Gorana on the NATO Summit read her article for The Conversation and her USSC Insights write-up.

The Indo-Pacific impacts of China’s fluctuating economy with economist Dan Rosen

United States Studies Centre — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:06:31 +1000

After decades of unprecedented growth the Chinese economy slowed due to COVID-19 and the easing restrictions did not bring the anticipated economic boom. USSC Visiting Fellow and former White House staffer Dan Rosen speaks with Research Director Jared Mondschein about the stagnating growth of China’s economy and implications for the region.

Did China’s growth based on so much debt mean they will “fall off the charts” economically? Where will the Chinese economy be in five years and what will this mean for the United States and Australia?

For more on this topic, watch a replay of Rosen's event, How Australia can navigate US-China economic battles.

The end of affirmative action and a readout of the major US Supreme Court decisions

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:03:06 +1000

USSC Honorary Associate Dr Harry Melkonian breaks down the recent major US Supreme Court decisions from affirmative action to dismantling President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program. While most cases may not seem as significant as when the court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the repercussions of this year's decisions will still have a lasting effect. Ending affirmative action undoes nearly 50 years of precedent. Other decisions will have a direct impact on the 2024 election and the rights of businesses to turn down same-sex clients.

Which cases were decided along ideological lines and which saw crossover? Why was there a different split on the independent state legislature doctrine? How far can the free speech argument for turning down business for same-sex couples be extended after the court’s ruling?

Harry discusses the significant cases with USSC's Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck.

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

What a second Trump term would mean for the United States and Australia

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:07:48 +1000

USSC Non-Resident Senior Research Fellow Bruce Wolpe released his latest book, Trump’s Australia: How Trumpism changed Australia and the shocking consequences of a second term the week after former President Trump was officially indicted on federal charges. In this episode, Bruce and USSC Research Editor Victoria Cooper, who worked as a research assistant on the book, sit down with Mari Koeck to break down the probability of a Trump win in 2024 and what it would mean for both the United States and Australia.

What are the odds of a Trump victory in 2024? How would the impacts of a second term be different from the first? Could a candidate like Trump ever be elected in Australia?

Read Bruce’s book, Trump’s Australia for more on this topic.

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Cold War lessons from Ronald Reagan

United States Studies Centre — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:11:08 +1000

Are we in a Cold War and are there parallels from President Reagan’s term to now? On this episode of the USSC Briefing Room, we were joined by Dr William Inboden, Executive Director and William Powers Jr Chair at the Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas-Austin and author of The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War and the World on the Brink. He wrote the US Government’s national security strategy in 2006 and shares both his historic and strategic insights about what lessons we can glean from Reagan on everything from de-escalating with China to the future of the Republican Party.

What parallels are there between the former Soviet Union and China today? Is the current competition with China a battle of ideas? Dr Inboden shares his insights from history and recommendations moving forward.

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

What do Washington and Canberra think of each other?

United States Studies Centre — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:24:02 +1000

After a recent trip to Washington featuring high-level discussions at the White House, Pentagon, State Department and Congress, the United States Studies Centre’s Director of Foreign Policy and Defence Professor Peter Dean and Director of Economic Security Hayley Channer talk with Research Associate Victoria Cooper about the common threads and key takeaways from discussions with Washington and Canberra insiders.

What is Washington’s take on AUKUS and ITAR reform? How optimistic are they about the future of the Quad? The USSC team give a readout on the views of Australia from Washington DC.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Report on ITAR reforms by William Greenwalt and Tom Corben — Breaking the barriers: Reforming US export controls to realise the potential of AUKUS

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The Sunnylands Initiative and the battle for democracy in the Indo-Pacific

United States Studies Centre — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:09:47 +1000

In April, USSC hosted the Sunnylands Initiative, which brought together more than two dozen thought leaders on democracy from across the Indo-Pacific to advance ideas that strengthen democratic governance in the region. United States Studies Centre CEO Dr Michael Green and Founder and CEO of the Development Intelligence Lab Bridi Rice talk with USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein about the state of democracy in the region and the distinct differences in Australian and American approaches to supporting the region’s democracies.

What was the significance of holding the Sunnylands Initiative in Australia? How far apart are Australian and American approaches to democracy promotion? What was achieved through this year’s gathering? Mike and Bridi share their perspectives and what’s next after Sunnylands.

Read more about the Sunnylands Initiative in Sydney, including the 2023 Joint Statement at https://www.ussc.edu.au/research/the-sunnylands-initiative

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat