UN genocide report

Ceasefire and peace

The need for accountability

The international rule of law

Australia + the Sydney Peace Prize

Donald Trump may have declared the war on Gaza over, but a welcome-but-shaky ceasefire and lasting peace are not the same thing. 

On this episode of After America, Judge Navi Pillay, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and 2025 Sydney Peace Prize Laureate, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss accountability in international law and the prerequisites for genuine peace.

This discussion was recorded on Monday 13 October 2025.

Details of Judge Navi Pillay’s Australian events are available on the Sydney Peace Foundation website.

Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via Australia Institute Press.

Guest: Navi Pillay, Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory

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

Show notes:

Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip, UN Commission finds, Office of the High Commissioner, United Nations Human Rights (September 2025)

Summary of ICJ’s Order of 24 May 2024, United Nations (May 2024)

2025 Peace Prize Citation: Navi Pillay, Sydney Peace Foundation (2025)

Beyond the Two-State Solution: Policy responses to the Destruction of Palestine and the Insecurity of Israel, the Australia Institute (February 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.

Donald Trump may have declared the war on Gaza over, but a welcome-but-shaky ceasefire and lasting peace are not the same thing. 
On this episode of After America, Judge Navi Pillay, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and 2025 Sydney Peace Prize Laureate, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss accountability in international law and the prerequisites for genuine peace.
This discussion was recorded on Monday 13 October 2025.
Details of <a href="https://sydneypeacefoundation.org.au/events/">Judge Navi Pillay&rsquo;s Australian events</a> are available on the Sydney Peace Foundation website.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/">available now</a>&nbsp;via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Navi Pillay, Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory
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://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/09/israel-has-committed-genocide-gaza-strip-un-commission-finds">Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip, UN Commission finds</a>, Office of the High Commissioner, United Nations Human Rights (September 2025)
<a href="https://www.un.org/unispal/document/summary-of-icjs-order-24may24/">Summary of ICJ&rsquo;s Order of 24 May 2024</a>, United Nations (May 2024)
<a href="https://sydneypeacefoundation.org.au/peace-prize-recipients/navi-pillay/">2025 Peace Prize Citation: Navi Pillay</a>, Sydney Peace Foundation (2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/beyond-the-two-state-solution/">Beyond the Two-State Solution: Policy responses to the Destruction of Palestine and the Insecurity of Israel</a>, the Australia Institute (February 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

Get all of the Australia Institute's podcasts in one feed.

Get all of the Australia Institute's podcasts in one feed.

Australia Matters

Donald Trump may have declared the war on Gaza over, but a welcome-but-shaky ceasefire and lasting peace are not the same thing.

No peace without accountability: Sydney Peace Laureate Navi Pillay

US to resume nuclear testing

RFK Jr says eat more saturated fats

Epstein & misogyny

Trump’s statements about resuming American nuclear testing left administration officials scrambling.

On this episode of After America, Dr Ruth Mitchell, neurosurgeon and Nobel Prize winner with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the 80th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Trump’s nuclear testing claims, American healthcare under RFK Jr.’s leadership, and the misogyny at the heart of key US institutions.

This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 19 November 2025.

1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via their website.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘SAVE5’ to get $5 off.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.

Guest: Ruth Mitchell, Chair, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War // @drruthmitchell

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

Show notes:

Medicine price comparison between Australia and the United States by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (April 2025)

While the rest of the world rushes to hire US scientists that Trump has cut, Australia follows in his footsteps by Tegan George, The Point (November 2025)

Man collapses behind Donald Trump during White House announcement by Richard Wood, 9 News (November 2025)

As Summers Sought Clandestine Relationship With Woman He Called a Mentee, Epstein Was His ‘Wing Man’ by Dhuruv T Patel and Cam N Srivastava, The Harvard Crimson (November 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.

Trump&rsquo;s statements about resuming American nuclear testing left administration officials scrambling.
On this episode of After America, Dr Ruth Mitchell, neurosurgeon and Nobel Prize winner with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the 80th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Trump&rsquo;s nuclear testing claims, American healthcare under RFK Jr.&rsquo;s leadership, and the misogyny at the heart of key US institutions.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 19 November 2025.
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.&nbsp;Call&nbsp;<a href="tel:1800737732">1800 737 732,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://1800respect.org.au/help-and-support/telephone-and-online-counselling#faq-2707">text 0458 737 732</a>, chat online or video call via <a href="https://1800respect.org.au/">their website</a>.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/a-time-for-bravery">A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage</a> is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code &lsquo;SAVE5&rsquo; to get $5 off.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/aiming-higher-vantage-point-issue-3">Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia&rsquo;s future</a> by Professor George Williams is also available now.
Guest: Ruth Mitchell, Chair, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/drruthmitchell.bsky.social">@drruthmitchell</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://australiainstitute.org.au/report/medicine-price-comparison-between-australia-and-the-united-states/">Medicine price comparison between Australia and the United States</a> by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/281125-while-the-rest-of-the-world-rushes-to-hire-us-scientists-that-trump-has-cut-australia-follows-in-his-footsteps">While the rest of the world rushes to hire US scientists that Trump has cut, Australia follows in his footsteps</a> by Tegan George, The Point (November 2025)
<a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/main-faints-next-to-donald-trump-in-white-house/2fa93cec-ef39-4cf2-951e-eafde0b7170c">Man collapses behind Donald Trump during White House announcement</a> by Richard Wood, 9 News (November 2025)
<a href="https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/11/17/summers-epstein-wing-man-woman-described-as-mentee/">As Summers Sought Clandestine Relationship With Woman He Called a Mentee, Epstein Was His &lsquo;Wing Man&rsquo;</a> by Dhuruv T Patel and Cam N Srivastava, The Harvard Crimson (November 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>.

Trump’s statements about American nuclear testing left administration officials scrambling.

The nuclear option

Rumours about America's role in the dismissal of Gough Whitlam have circulated for decades – but is there any truth to them? 

On this special episode of After America, we explore the state of the Australia-United States relationship under the Whitlam government, the machinations at the time around the renewal of Pine Gap, and the previously untold account of Dr Liz Cham, former executive assistant in the office of Prime Minister Whitlam, who recalls handing over a mystery letter to an American official just before the Dismissal.

The interview with Liz Cham was recorded on Thursday 30 October.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘SAVE5’ to get $5 off.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.

Guest: Elizabeth Cham, fellow at the University of Technology Sydney and former executive assistant in the office of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam

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

Scripting and production support: Stephen Long

Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite

Show notes:

Did the CIA overthrow the Whitlam government? by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (November 2025)

What Washington really thought of Whitlam before the dismissal by James Curran, Australia Financial Review (November 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.

Rumours about America's role in the dismissal of Gough Whitlam have circulated for decades &ndash; but is there any truth to them?&nbsp;
On this special episode of After America, we explore the state of the Australia-United States relationship under the Whitlam government, the machinations at the time around the renewal of Pine Gap, and the previously untold account of Dr Liz Cham, former executive assistant in the office of Prime Minister Whitlam, who recalls handing over a mystery letter to an American official just before the Dismissal.
The interview with Liz Cham was recorded on Thursday 30 October.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/a-time-for-bravery">A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage</a> is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code &lsquo;SAVE5&rsquo; to get $5 off.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/aiming-higher-vantage-point-issue-3">Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia&rsquo;s future</a> by Professor George Williams is also available now.
Guest: Elizabeth Cham, fellow at the University of Technology Sydney and former executive assistant in the office of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</a>
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes:
<a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/11/did-cia-overthrow-whitlam-government/">Did the CIA overthrow the Whitlam government?</a> by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (November 2025)
<a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/what-washington-really-thought-of-whitlam-before-the-dismissal-20251106-p5n8cf">What Washington really thought of Whitlam before the dismissal</a> by James Curran, Australia Financial Review (November 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>.

Rumours about America's role in the dismissal of Gough Whitlam have circulated for decades – but is there any truth to them? 

Did the US play a role in the Whitlam dismissal?

Shutdown ends after Dems cave

Trump's political struggles

Will Trump run again?

Trump vs the BBC

The CIA & Whitlam's dismissal

By negotiating an end to the government shutdown without getting anything much in return, some Democrats have gone back to their old trick of resisting the President by giving him exactly what he needs.

On this episode of After America, Crikey’s Charlie Lewis joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss Congress’ failure to extend life-saving health insurance tax credits, Trump’s inability to make the Epstein files go away, and whether there is evidence of US involvement in the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.

This discussion was recorded on Friday 14 November.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press.

Guest: Charlie Lewis, Reporter-at-large, Crikey // @theshufflediary

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

Show notes:

Shorter America: Opposing Trump, trouble in paradise, the American elite by Emma Shortis, The Point (November 2025)

The Democrats were winning the shutdown. So naturally, they caved by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (November 2025)

Did the CIA overthrow the Whitlam government? by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (November 2025)

What Washington really thought of Whitlam before the dismissal by James Curran, Australia Financial Review (November 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.

By negotiating an end to the government shutdown without getting anything much in return, some Democrats have gone back to their old trick of resisting the President by giving him exactly what he needs.
On this episode of After America, Crikey&rsquo;s Charlie Lewis joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss Congress&rsquo; failure to extend life-saving health insurance tax credits, Trump&rsquo;s inability to make the Epstein files go away, and whether there is evidence of US involvement in the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 14 November.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/aiming-higher-vantage-point-issue-3">Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia&rsquo;s future</a> by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Charlie Lewis, Reporter-at-large, Crikey // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/theshufflediary.bsky.social">@theshufflediary</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://thepoint.com.au/news/251117-shorter-america-this-week-opposing-trump-trouble-in-paradise-the-american-elite">Shorter America: Opposing Trump, trouble in paradise, the American elite</a> by Emma Shortis, The Point (November 2025)
<a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/14/us-government-shutdown-democrats-chuck-schumer-donald-trump/">The Democrats were winning the shutdown. So naturally, they caved</a> by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (November 2025)
<a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/11/11/did-cia-overthrow-whitlam-government/">Did the CIA overthrow the Whitlam government?</a> by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (November 2025)
<a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/what-washington-really-thought-of-whitlam-before-the-dismissal-20251106-p5n8cf">What Washington really thought of Whitlam before the dismissal</a> by James Curran, Australia Financial Review (November 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>.

By negotiating an end to the government shutdown without getting anything much in return, some Democrats have gone back to their old trick of resisting the President by giving him exactly what he needs.

No peace without accountability: Sydney Peace Laureate Navi Pillay

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