Explore every episode of the podcast USSC Briefing Room

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

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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

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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

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

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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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

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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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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

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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

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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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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.

Recommended reading:

By the numbers | Prostate cancer and Biden's "Cancer Moonshot"

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

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.

Recommended reading:

Australia–Republic of Korea Dialogue on Security Cooperation outcomes report

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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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

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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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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

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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:

• How do we approach the security challenges of 2025?
• What we need to know about the new Trump administration

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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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

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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

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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?

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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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

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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

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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

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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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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.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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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

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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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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

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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

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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.

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

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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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.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Recommended reading and listening:

• USSC Briefing Room | Inside the NATO Vilnius Summit with Dr Gorana Grgic and Mari Koeck
• ‘I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine’: what a JD Vance vice presidency could mean for the world by Ava Kalinauskas and Samuel Garrett
• Red Book | Blue Book 2024: A guide to the next US administration by various
• Redefining NATO’s Indo-Pacific partnerships: cooperative security meets collective defence and deterrence by Dr Gorana Grgic

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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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.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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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

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

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

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

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

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

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.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

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.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

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.

Read more:

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

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan