ICE violence & Trump admin response

Escalation over Greenland

Will Trump strike Iran?

Trump overstretch

From Minnesota to Greenland, the Trump administration is bulldozing guardrails meant to protect human life and dignity.

On this episode of After America, Professor Elizabeth N Saunders from Columbia University joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the “chaotic cruelty” of the Trump administration, its escalation of hostilities over Greenland and whether it will strike Iran.

This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 13 January (AEDT) 2026.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ to get $5 off.

Guest: Elizabeth N Sauders, Professor of Political Science, Columbia University // @profsaunders

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Show notes:

‘What happens now in Venezuela – and the world?’ by Elizabeth N Saunders, Good Authority (January 2026)

‘Imperial President at Home, Emperor Abroad’ by Elizabeth Saunders, Foreign Affairs (June 2025)

‘Reluctance to look at US with "clear eyes" becoming increasingly untenable: US expert’ by Tegan George, The Point (January 2026)

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.

From Minnesota to Greenland, the Trump administration is bulldozing guardrails meant to protect human life and dignity.
On this episode of After America, Professor Elizabeth N Saunders from Columbia University joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the &ldquo;chaotic cruelty&rdquo; of the Trump administration, its escalation of hostilities over Greenland and whether it will strike Iran.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 13 January (AEDT) 2026.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/a-time-for-bravery">A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage</a> is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code &lsquo;POD5&rsquo; to get $5 off.
Guest: Elizabeth N Sauders, Professor of Political Science, Columbia University // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/profsaunders.bsky.social">@profsaunders</a>
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://goodauthority.org/news/what-happens-now-in-venezuela-and-the-world/">&lsquo;What happens now in Venezuela &ndash; and the world?&rsquo;</a> by Elizabeth N Saunders, Good Authority (January 2026)
<a href="https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/imperial-president-home-emperor-abroad">&lsquo;Imperial President at Home, Emperor Abroad&rsquo;</a> by Elizabeth Saunders, Foreign Affairs (June 2025)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/260113-reluctance-to-look-at-us-with-clear-eyes-becoming-increasingly-untenable-us-expert">&lsquo;Reluctance to look at US with "clear eyes" becoming increasingly untenable: US expert&rsquo;</a> by Tegan George, The Point (January 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/after-america-vantage-point-issue-1">After America: Australia and the new world order</a> by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="https://theausinstitute-my.sharepoint.com/qnap-nas-tai.tai.local/NAS_Media&amp;Marketing/Podcast/After%20America/Episode%20descriptions/podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>.

The United States we thought we knew is gone. And it isn’t coming back. 

Every week on After America, Dr Emma Shortis examines the second Trump presidency, what’s happening in global politics, and how Australia can help shape our rapidly changing world for the better. 

Presented by the Australia Institute.

The United States we thought we knew is gone. And it isn&rsquo;t coming back.&nbsp;
Every week on After America, Dr Emma Shortis examines the second Trump presidency, what&rsquo;s happening in global politics, and how Australia can help shape our rapidly changing world for the better.&nbsp;
Presented by the Australia Institute.

After America

From Minnesota to Greenland, the Trump administration is bulldozing guardrails meant to protect human life and dignity.