United States Studies Centre
@usstudiescentre.bsky.social
The leading think tank analysing US foreign policy, defence, economics, politics and culture. At the University of Sydney.
Analysis of America. Insight for Australia. Solutions for the Alliance.
📅 Events: https://www.ussc.edu.au/events
Analysis of America. Insight for Australia. Solutions for the Alliance.
📅 Events: https://www.ussc.edu.au/events
“It is basically an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.”
USSC's Jared Mondschein draws on this decades-old line to highlight Taiwan’s enduring strategic weight — shaping how Congress, the Pentagon and regional allies assess the stakes.
Watch:
USSC's Jared Mondschein draws on this decades-old line to highlight Taiwan’s enduring strategic weight — shaping how Congress, the Pentagon and regional allies assess the stakes.
Watch:
Trump administration orders collection of migrant crime data | The World | ABC NEWS
YouTube video by ABC News (Australia)
www.youtube.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:34 AM
“It is basically an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.”
USSC's Jared Mondschein draws on this decades-old line to highlight Taiwan’s enduring strategic weight — shaping how Congress, the Pentagon and regional allies assess the stakes.
Watch:
USSC's Jared Mondschein draws on this decades-old line to highlight Taiwan’s enduring strategic weight — shaping how Congress, the Pentagon and regional allies assess the stakes.
Watch:
On Xi’s call to Trump, USSC’s Dr MichaelmGreen flags what is at stake: “If Trump somehow was neutral or even sided with China, the loss of face for [Takaichi] would just be massive.”
Trump’s silence will be watched closely by Tokyo and Taipei.
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Trump’s silence will be watched closely by Tokyo and Taipei.
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How worried should we be about Xi's call to Trump?
Xi Jinping can be an infuriatingly difficult man to get on the phone -- but not, we now know, if you are an American president pressuring an invaded democracy to make an ugly peace deal with Vladimir Putin.
www.theaustralian.com.au
November 25, 2025 at 11:34 PM
On Xi’s call to Trump, USSC’s Dr MichaelmGreen flags what is at stake: “If Trump somehow was neutral or even sided with China, the loss of face for [Takaichi] would just be massive.”
Trump’s silence will be watched closely by Tokyo and Taipei.
Read:
Trump’s silence will be watched closely by Tokyo and Taipei.
Read:
What does China gain from keeping Russia in the fight — and why does it matter for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific?
USSC's Dr Lavina Lee unpacks the quiet partnership shaping the next decade.
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USSC's Dr Lavina Lee unpacks the quiet partnership shaping the next decade.
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How China and Russia are mastering the long game
www.ussc.edu.au
November 24, 2025 at 9:47 AM
What does China gain from keeping Russia in the fight — and why does it matter for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific?
USSC's Dr Lavina Lee unpacks the quiet partnership shaping the next decade.
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USSC's Dr Lavina Lee unpacks the quiet partnership shaping the next decade.
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Why has a US congressional committee set its sights on Australia’s eSafety Commissioner?
USSC's Lester Munson unpacks the unexpected politics behind the move.
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USSC's Lester Munson unpacks the unexpected politics behind the move.
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What does the US Congress want with Australia’s eSafety commissioner?
Julie Inman Grant has been asked to testify to Congress. It’s a sign of an increasing US preoccupation with online censorship.
theconversation.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Why has a US congressional committee set its sights on Australia’s eSafety Commissioner?
USSC's Lester Munson unpacks the unexpected politics behind the move.
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USSC's Lester Munson unpacks the unexpected politics behind the move.
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“If you don’t have rare earths, then you don’t have the high-powered magnets that go into missiles and the jet engines that hold everything together,” says USSC's Hayley Channer.
“So it is a national security threat.”
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“So it is a national security threat.”
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How critical minerals power our daily lives from the moment we wake up
Take a tour around the house and see how everyday life is powered by critical minerals and why we will keep hearing so much about them.
www.abc.net.au
November 21, 2025 at 8:08 AM
“If you don’t have rare earths, then you don’t have the high-powered magnets that go into missiles and the jet engines that hold everything together,” says USSC's Hayley Channer.
“So it is a national security threat.”
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“So it is a national security threat.”
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The UK’s strong R&D ecosystem is vital to AUKUS Pillar II — but structural barriers could hold it back.
In a new brief, Sophia Gaston outlines the UK’s strengths, gaps and the reforms needed to unlock trilateral capability.
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In a new brief, Sophia Gaston outlines the UK’s strengths, gaps and the reforms needed to unlock trilateral capability.
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The UK R&D ecosystem’s strategic capability towards AUKUS Pillar II: Barriers and opportunities
www.ussc.edu.au
November 21, 2025 at 1:59 AM
The UK’s strong R&D ecosystem is vital to AUKUS Pillar II — but structural barriers could hold it back.
In a new brief, Sophia Gaston outlines the UK’s strengths, gaps and the reforms needed to unlock trilateral capability.
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In a new brief, Sophia Gaston outlines the UK’s strengths, gaps and the reforms needed to unlock trilateral capability.
Read:
“They are all up for re-election next year… they don’t want to be seen as obstructing this investigation,” says USSC’s Dr Harry Melkonian on why oversight of the Epstein files will be intense.
Read: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-20/epstein-files-release-redaction-doubts/106033524
Read: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-20/epstein-files-release-redaction-doubts/106033524
How politicians could combat doubts about Epstein files release
As a 30-day timer begins for the US Department of Justice to release its Epstein files, questions remain around whether this will be the definitive release.
www.abc.net.au
November 21, 2025 at 12:36 AM
“They are all up for re-election next year… they don’t want to be seen as obstructing this investigation,” says USSC’s Dr Harry Melkonian on why oversight of the Epstein files will be intense.
Read: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-20/epstein-files-release-redaction-doubts/106033524
Read: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-20/epstein-files-release-redaction-doubts/106033524
“This is visceral for Beijing,” says USSC's Dr Michael Green, noting China’s push to isolate new PM Takaichi mirrors its failed pressure on Shinzo Abe.
Her blunt warning on Taiwan helps set the stage for stronger deterrence and deeper US–Japan coordination.
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Her blunt warning on Taiwan helps set the stage for stronger deterrence and deeper US–Japan coordination.
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Xi ramps up plan to break Japan's new PM and isolate Taiwan
First China's consul-general in Osaka threatened to behead the Japanese Prime Minister. Then Beijing launched a volley of bombastic military threats. Next came the economic sanctions.
www.theaustralian.com.au
November 20, 2025 at 10:06 AM
“This is visceral for Beijing,” says USSC's Dr Michael Green, noting China’s push to isolate new PM Takaichi mirrors its failed pressure on Shinzo Abe.
Her blunt warning on Taiwan helps set the stage for stronger deterrence and deeper US–Japan coordination.
Read:
Her blunt warning on Taiwan helps set the stage for stronger deterrence and deeper US–Japan coordination.
Read:
ASIO chief Mike Burgess has warned of the risk of Chinese sabotage of critical infrastructure.
USSC’s Dr Lavina Lee says steps like banning Huawei phones, WeChat or scrutinising Chinese EVs could trigger a “more serious response” from Beijing.
Watch:
USSC’s Dr Lavina Lee says steps like banning Huawei phones, WeChat or scrutinising Chinese EVs could trigger a “more serious response” from Beijing.
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Australia needs to ‘learn its lesson’ on depending on China
YouTube video by Sky News Australia
www.youtube.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:55 PM
ASIO chief Mike Burgess has warned of the risk of Chinese sabotage of critical infrastructure.
USSC’s Dr Lavina Lee says steps like banning Huawei phones, WeChat or scrutinising Chinese EVs could trigger a “more serious response” from Beijing.
Watch:
USSC’s Dr Lavina Lee says steps like banning Huawei phones, WeChat or scrutinising Chinese EVs could trigger a “more serious response” from Beijing.
Watch:
Former head of the US Marine Corps Gen. David Berger joined us to talk how interoperability with allies like Australia is key to deterrence.
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-how-us-allies-can-influence-us-policy-with-gen-david-berger-ret-d
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-how-us-allies-can-influence-us-policy-with-gen-david-berger-ret-d
November 18, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Former head of the US Marine Corps Gen. David Berger joined us to talk how interoperability with allies like Australia is key to deterrence.
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-how-us-allies-can-influence-us-policy-with-gen-david-berger-ret-d
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-how-us-allies-can-influence-us-policy-with-gen-david-berger-ret-d
“The Americans clearly need industrially capable allies to step up.”
USSC’s Dr Peter Lee says South Korea’s submarine deal shows Washington wants Seoul “inside the tent” — and its investment could even bolster the AUKUS pathway for Australia.
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USSC’s Dr Peter Lee says South Korea’s submarine deal shows Washington wants Seoul “inside the tent” — and its investment could even bolster the AUKUS pathway for Australia.
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Australia set the bar for submarine drama, but few saw South Korea’s latest move
Donald Trump’s Truth Social post baffled defence experts but is a coup for South Korea’s president.
www.smh.com.au
November 17, 2025 at 1:20 AM
“The Americans clearly need industrially capable allies to step up.”
USSC’s Dr Peter Lee says South Korea’s submarine deal shows Washington wants Seoul “inside the tent” — and its investment could even bolster the AUKUS pathway for Australia.
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USSC’s Dr Peter Lee says South Korea’s submarine deal shows Washington wants Seoul “inside the tent” — and its investment could even bolster the AUKUS pathway for Australia.
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Despite Trump’s tariffs, Australian exports to the US have surged 20%.
USSC’s Dr John Kunkel says American firms are “swallowing” much of the cost – a sign of limited local substitutes and a still-robust US economy.
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USSC’s Dr John Kunkel says American firms are “swallowing” much of the cost – a sign of limited local substitutes and a still-robust US economy.
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Trump’s trade war backfires as Australian exports to the US surge
Beef and aircraft parts have driven a 20 per cent surge in exports to the US, defying fears Trump’s tariffs and unpredictable decision-making would disrupt trade.
www.afr.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Despite Trump’s tariffs, Australian exports to the US have surged 20%.
USSC’s Dr John Kunkel says American firms are “swallowing” much of the cost – a sign of limited local substitutes and a still-robust US economy.
Read:
USSC’s Dr John Kunkel says American firms are “swallowing” much of the cost – a sign of limited local substitutes and a still-robust US economy.
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Australia has been “laggard” in turning AI safeguards into enforceable law, says USSC’s Olivia Shen — calling for a balanced approach to ensure AI is used safely and responsibly.
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Australia's spy boss warned of a Russian threat — and it's unfolding in real time
Australia's spy chief has expressed concern about the potential for AI to take online radicalisation and disinformation to new levels.
www.sbs.com.au
November 11, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Australia has been “laggard” in turning AI safeguards into enforceable law, says USSC’s Olivia Shen — calling for a balanced approach to ensure AI is used safely and responsibly.
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For 70 years, the Kim dynasty has defied international pressure — building nuclear weapons, extracting concessions and resisting reform.
In her latest for AIIA, USSC’s Jane Hardy asks who, if anyone, can change things?
Read: https://www.ussc.edu.au/three-kims-narratives-nukes-and-negotiations
In her latest for AIIA, USSC’s Jane Hardy asks who, if anyone, can change things?
Read: https://www.ussc.edu.au/three-kims-narratives-nukes-and-negotiations
Three Kims: Narratives, Nukes and Negotiations
www.ussc.edu.au
November 10, 2025 at 10:15 PM
For 70 years, the Kim dynasty has defied international pressure — building nuclear weapons, extracting concessions and resisting reform.
In her latest for AIIA, USSC’s Jane Hardy asks who, if anyone, can change things?
Read: https://www.ussc.edu.au/three-kims-narratives-nukes-and-negotiations
In her latest for AIIA, USSC’s Jane Hardy asks who, if anyone, can change things?
Read: https://www.ussc.edu.au/three-kims-narratives-nukes-and-negotiations
“The existential threat to the liberal order and to American leadership is China, not Venezuela," notes USSC’s Dr Michael Green, as debate over new Pentagon communication restrictions raises broader questions of strategic priority.
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Gag rule may sink some US subs funding, Pentagon warned
Co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Friends of Australia Caucus Joe Courtney has taken aim at new requirements at the Pentagon for communications with congress to be cleared by the Department of Defence's office of legislative affairs.
www.theaustralian.com.au
November 6, 2025 at 11:14 PM
“The existential threat to the liberal order and to American leadership is China, not Venezuela," notes USSC’s Dr Michael Green, as debate over new Pentagon communication restrictions raises broader questions of strategic priority.
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Democratic wins in VA, NJ and NYC come amid the government shutdown.
As USSC's Bruce Wolpe notes, “the president owns the economy.” Voters may be signalling frustration — and shifting leverage.
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As USSC's Bruce Wolpe notes, “the president owns the economy.” Voters may be signalling frustration — and shifting leverage.
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Democratic election wins send Trump – and Republicans – a message: Americans blame them for government shutdown
The Republicans have tried to blame Democrats for the shutdown. But in US politics, the president owns the economy, for better or worse.
theconversation.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Democratic wins in VA, NJ and NYC come amid the government shutdown.
As USSC's Bruce Wolpe notes, “the president owns the economy.” Voters may be signalling frustration — and shifting leverage.
Read:
As USSC's Bruce Wolpe notes, “the president owns the economy.” Voters may be signalling frustration — and shifting leverage.
Read:
On this week's Democrat mayoral and gubernatorial wins, "we shouldn't forget where we were 4 years ago, when President Biden was in the White House and we saw that Virginia actually elected a Republican governor," says USSC's Jared Mondschein.
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"Turn the volume up": New York City's mayor-elect calls out Trump | The World | ABC NEWS
YouTube video by ABC News (Australia)
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:39 PM
On this week's Democrat mayoral and gubernatorial wins, "we shouldn't forget where we were 4 years ago, when President Biden was in the White House and we saw that Virginia actually elected a Republican governor," says USSC's Jared Mondschein.
Watch:
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“Cheney was also an ‘allies first’ leader in the White House.”
USSC CEO Dr Michael Green reflects on nearly five years working alongside the former Vice President — including how Cheney engaged closely with Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
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USSC CEO Dr Michael Green reflects on nearly five years working alongside the former Vice President — including how Cheney engaged closely with Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
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Remembering Dick Cheney
www.ussc.edu.au
November 5, 2025 at 9:48 AM
“Cheney was also an ‘allies first’ leader in the White House.”
USSC CEO Dr Michael Green reflects on nearly five years working alongside the former Vice President — including how Cheney engaged closely with Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
Read:
USSC CEO Dr Michael Green reflects on nearly five years working alongside the former Vice President — including how Cheney engaged closely with Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
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“As disruptive as he might be, Trump is a risk but also an enormous opportunity for nervous allies,” writes USSC's Dr Lavina Lee.
A shifting nuclear balance in Asia is testing extended deterrence — and underscoring the urgency of AUKUS.
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A shifting nuclear balance in Asia is testing extended deterrence — and underscoring the urgency of AUKUS.
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Why Trump pressed the nuclear weapons testing button
www.ussc.edu.au
November 5, 2025 at 1:19 AM
“As disruptive as he might be, Trump is a risk but also an enormous opportunity for nervous allies,” writes USSC's Dr Lavina Lee.
A shifting nuclear balance in Asia is testing extended deterrence — and underscoring the urgency of AUKUS.
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A shifting nuclear balance in Asia is testing extended deterrence — and underscoring the urgency of AUKUS.
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Despite tensions and tariff threats, recent US-Asia summits strengthened trust in alliances and regional cooperation.
USSC CEO Dr Michael Green explains how leaders in Canberra, Tokyo and Seoul helped steady the relationship.
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USSC CEO Dr Michael Green explains how leaders in Canberra, Tokyo and Seoul helped steady the relationship.
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Trump’s summit success lifts trust in American alliances
www.ussc.edu.au
November 3, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Despite tensions and tariff threats, recent US-Asia summits strengthened trust in alliances and regional cooperation.
USSC CEO Dr Michael Green explains how leaders in Canberra, Tokyo and Seoul helped steady the relationship.
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USSC CEO Dr Michael Green explains how leaders in Canberra, Tokyo and Seoul helped steady the relationship.
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Trump has deployed National Guard troops to various US cities in response to rising protests against immigration enforcement action.
USSC's @katrobison.bsky.social explains how far he can push the limits of the presidential office.
Listen:
USSC's @katrobison.bsky.social explains how far he can push the limits of the presidential office.
Listen:
Trump Pushes Limits of Presidential Power
This week President Donald Trump has deployed National Guard troops to Chicago in response to rising protests against immigration enforcement actions by federal authorities. How far can Trump push the...
www.bfm.my
October 31, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Trump has deployed National Guard troops to various US cities in response to rising protests against immigration enforcement action.
USSC's @katrobison.bsky.social explains how far he can push the limits of the presidential office.
Listen:
USSC's @katrobison.bsky.social explains how far he can push the limits of the presidential office.
Listen:
“The entire US system has now bought in to strategic competition with China.”
USSC’s Jared Mondschein tells ABC News why even a Trump–Xi trade deal would likely be short-lived.
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USSC’s Jared Mondschein tells ABC News why even a Trump–Xi trade deal would likely be short-lived.
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As Trump and Xi prepare to talk trade, China will enter the room with a strong hand
The meeting with US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping is one of the most highly anticipated bilaterals of the year, as the leaders seek to strike a deal while also saving f...
www.abc.net.au
October 29, 2025 at 11:17 PM
“The entire US system has now bought in to strategic competition with China.”
USSC’s Jared Mondschein tells ABC News why even a Trump–Xi trade deal would likely be short-lived.
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USSC’s Jared Mondschein tells ABC News why even a Trump–Xi trade deal would likely be short-lived.
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After a year of strained ties, Trump’s visit to Tokyo signals a renewed warmth in the US–Japan relationship.
As USSC's Dr Michael Green notes, the US approach to China still begins with allies — dealing with Beijing from the “outside in."
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As USSC's Dr Michael Green notes, the US approach to China still begins with allies — dealing with Beijing from the “outside in."
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After an icy year, Trump mends US-Japan ties with warm Tokyo trip
In normal times, a warm meeting between an American president and a Japanese prime minister would be as routine as fresh tuna in Tokyo. These have not been normal times.
www.theaustralian.com.au
October 28, 2025 at 10:13 PM
After a year of strained ties, Trump’s visit to Tokyo signals a renewed warmth in the US–Japan relationship.
As USSC's Dr Michael Green notes, the US approach to China still begins with allies — dealing with Beijing from the “outside in."
Read:
As USSC's Dr Michael Green notes, the US approach to China still begins with allies — dealing with Beijing from the “outside in."
Read:
Despite most in Australia, Japan and India saying Trump’s second term has been bad for their countries, support for alliances with the US remains firm.
Explore our latest polling: https://www.ussc.edu.au/despite-anxiety-about-trump-asia-s-maritime-democracies-are-increasingly-aligned-on-security
Explore our latest polling: https://www.ussc.edu.au/despite-anxiety-about-trump-asia-s-maritime-democracies-are-increasingly-aligned-on-security
October 28, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Despite most in Australia, Japan and India saying Trump’s second term has been bad for their countries, support for alliances with the US remains firm.
Explore our latest polling: https://www.ussc.edu.au/despite-anxiety-about-trump-asia-s-maritime-democracies-are-increasingly-aligned-on-security
Explore our latest polling: https://www.ussc.edu.au/despite-anxiety-about-trump-asia-s-maritime-democracies-are-increasingly-aligned-on-security
With one year until the US midterms, USSC's Bruce Wolpe considers how voters might define the next chapter of American leadership.
His latest column traces the shift from Reaganism to Trumpism — and what it means for US democracy.
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His latest column traces the shift from Reaganism to Trumpism — and what it means for US democracy.
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Next November, will voters take a wrecking ball to the Oval Office?
Previous presidents learned that large defeats in the midterms elections stops their legislative agenda cold. Could it happen again?
www.smh.com.au
October 27, 2025 at 10:58 PM
With one year until the US midterms, USSC's Bruce Wolpe considers how voters might define the next chapter of American leadership.
His latest column traces the shift from Reaganism to Trumpism — and what it means for US democracy.
Read:
His latest column traces the shift from Reaganism to Trumpism — and what it means for US democracy.
Read: