US-Russia talks

Europe's response

Musk, Vance & the European far-right

Is this really about China?

Trump appears to want a quick and dirty end to Russia’s invasion, but at what cost to Ukraine and to America’s reputation? 

On this episode of After America, Dr Gorana Grgić joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss Trump’s plans for Ukraine, the MAGA movement’s support for Europe’s resurgent far-right parties, and the new Cabinet’s approach to ‘prioritising’ China. 

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 20 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording. 

Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website. 

Guest: Gorana Grgić, Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zürich // goranagrgic.com  

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

Show notes: 

Bridges across regions: the effects of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific cooperation on European securityarchitectures by Gorana Grgić, International Politics (January 2025) 

Australia’s strategic thinking on the war in Ukraine, NATO, and Indo-Pacific security by Gorana Grgić, United States Institute of Peace (November 2024) 

A former defense official warns about China's military power, NPR (April 2024) 

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 appears to want a quick and dirty end to Russia&rsquo;s invasion, but at what cost to Ukraine and to America&rsquo;s reputation?&nbsp;
On this episode of After America, Dr Gorana Grgić joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss Trump&rsquo;s plans for Ukraine, the MAGA movement&rsquo;s support for Europe&rsquo;s resurgent far-right parties, and the new Cabinet&rsquo;s approach to &lsquo;prioritising&rsquo; China.&nbsp;
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 20 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording.&nbsp;
Order <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/Whats-the-Big-Idea-p697420081">What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia</a> now, via the Australia Institute website.&nbsp;
Guest: Gorana Grgić,&nbsp;Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies, ETH Z&uuml;rich // <a href="https://goranagrgic.com/">goranagrgic.com</a> &nbsp;
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@EmmaShortis</a>&nbsp;
Show notes:&nbsp;
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1057/s41311-024-00656-8">Bridges across regions: the effects of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific cooperation on European security</a> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1057/s41311-024-00656-8">architectures</a> by Gorana Grgić,&nbsp;International Politics (January 2025)&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/sr-533-australias-strategic-thinking-war-ukraine-nato-indo-pacific-security.pdf">Australia&rsquo;s strategic thinking on the war in Ukraine, NATO, and Indo-Pacific security</a> by Gorana Grgić, United States Institute of Peace (November 2024)&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/04/25/1247095033/a-former-defense-official-warns-about-china-s-military-power">A former defense official warns about China's military power</a>, NPR (April 2024)&nbsp;
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions&nbsp;
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>.&nbsp;

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, its impact at home and abroad, 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, its impact at home and abroad, 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

Trump appears to want a quick and dirty end to Russia’s invasion, but at what cost to Ukraine and to America’s reputation? 

Thrown under the bus: Ukraine abandoned by the Trump administration

US-Israel war on Iran

Australia's involvement

Implications of the conflict

The Australian government has been trying to placate Trump in order to secure the AUKUS submarine deal – and now we are seeing the results.

On this episode of Follow the Money and After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss the illegal US-Israel war in Iran, the implications of the conflict for the Middle East, and why Australian personnel were on board an American nuclear-powered submarine when it sank an Iranian warship.

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 10 March.

What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.

You can also subscribe to the Vantage Point series to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.

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

Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett

Show notes:

Albanese’s policy on Iran makes us complicit in the collapse of international rules by Emma Shortis, Guardian Australia (March 2026)

Australia’s shameless support for the US attack on Iran makes us gullible, duplicitous, or both by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (March 2026)

The US and Israel attack Iran, foment chaos, After America, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press

Iran strikes are Donald Trump’s ninth foreign military action in 14 months by Simon Elvery, ABC (March 2026)

Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by 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.

The Australian government has been trying to placate Trump in order to secure the AUKUS submarine deal &ndash; and now we are seeing the results.
On this episode of Follow the Money and After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss the illegal US-Israel war in Iran, the implications of the conflict for the Middle East, and why Australian personnel were on board an American nuclear-powered submarine when it sank an Iranian warship.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 10 March.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/what-we-owe-the-water-vantage-point-issue-4">What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo</a> is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
You can also <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/vantage-point-subscription">subscribe to the Vantage Point series</a> to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis.bsky.social">@emmashortis</a>
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ebonybennett.bsky.social">@ebonybennett</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/mar/07/labor-fails-to-repudiate-trumpism-australia-is-being-dragged-into-the-us-and-israels-war-against-iran-ntwnfb">Albanese&rsquo;s policy on Iran makes us complicit in the collapse of international rules</a> by Emma Shortis, Guardian Australia (March 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/mar/03/australia-support-us-israel-attack-on-iran-gullible-duplicitous-or-both">Australia&rsquo;s shameless support for the US attack on Iran makes us gullible, duplicitous, or both</a> by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (March 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/the-us-and-israel-attack-iran-foment-chaos/">The US and Israel attack Iran, foment chaos</a>, After America, the Australia Institute (February 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
<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-08/donald-trump-iran-military-actions-australia-response/106411630">Iran strikes are Donald Trump&rsquo;s ninth foreign military action in 14 months</a> by Simon Elvery, ABC (March 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by 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="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>.

The Australian government has been trying to placate Trump in order to secure the AUKUS submarine deal – and now we are seeing the results.

AUKUS drags Australia towards US-Israel war on Iran

State of the Union address

Trump's tariffs & the Supreme Court

Attacks on Somali-Americans

How will Democrats respond?

Attacks on the Federal Reserve

In the MAGAverse, it’s white men who are born to rule – at home and abroad. 

On this episode of After America, Elizabeth Pancotti from Washington DC-based think tank Groundwork Collaborative joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the State of the Union, Trump’s vile attack on Somali-Americans, and how tariffs are driving up prices in a deeply unequal American economy.

This discussion was recorded on Friday 27 February.

After America: Australia and the new world order is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘PODVP’ at checkout to get free shipping.

Guest: Elizabeth Pancotti, Managing Director of Policy and Advocacy, Groundwork Collaborative // @ENPancotti

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

Show notes:

Groundwork Collaborative

The US and Israel attack Iran, foment chaos, After America, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

Albanese’s policy on Iran makes us complicit in the collapse of international rules by Emma Shortis, Guardian Australia (March 2026)

Australia’s shameless support for the US attack on Iran makes us gullible, duplicitous, or both by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (March 2026)

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.

In the MAGAverse, it&rsquo;s white men who are born to rule &ndash; at home and abroad. 
On this episode of After America, Elizabeth Pancotti from Washington DC-based think tank Groundwork Collaborative joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the State of the Union, Trump&rsquo;s vile attack on Somali-Americans, and how tariffs are driving up prices in a deeply unequal American economy.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 27 February.
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/after-america-vantage-point-issue-1">After America: Australia and the new world order</a> is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code &lsquo;PODVP&rsquo; at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Elizabeth Pancotti, Managing Director of Policy and Advocacy, Groundwork Collaborative // <a href="https://x.com/ENPancotti">@ENPancotti</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://groundworkcollaborative.org/">Groundwork Collaborative</a>
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/the-us-and-israel-attack-iran-foment-chaos/">The US and Israel attack Iran, foment chaos</a>, After America, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/mar/07/labor-fails-to-repudiate-trumpism-australia-is-being-dragged-into-the-us-and-israels-war-against-iran-ntwnfb">Albanese&rsquo;s policy on Iran makes us complicit in the collapse of international rules</a> by Emma Shortis, Guardian Australia (March 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/mar/03/australia-support-us-israel-attack-on-iran-gullible-duplicitous-or-both">Australia&rsquo;s shameless support for the US attack on Iran makes us gullible, duplicitous, or both</a> by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (March 2026)
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>.

In the MAGAverse, it’s white men who are born to rule – at home and abroad.

Born to rule: Trump’s economy and the State of the Union

US & Israel attack Iran

Implications for Trump & the United States

Nuclear weapons

Australia & the rules-based order

The ‘president of peace’ has started another war with Iran, with no apparent regard for the consequences. 

On this episode of After America, Allan Behm and Dr Emma Shortis discuss the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and the assassination of its leader, Trump and Netanyahu’s cynical messages for the Iranian people, what this war means for nuclear proliferation, and the Australian government’s “deeply disappointing” response.

This discussion was recorded on Monday 2 March 2026.

The latest Vantage Point essay, What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.

Guest: Allan Behm, Advisor, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute

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

Show notes:

The Mar-a-Lago model: how Trump is trying to dominate global governance, After America, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

Shorter America This Week: The State of the Union is... bad; AI is also bad; But hard times ain't gonna rule my mind by Emma Shortis, The Point (February 2026)

How to foster global lawlessness: Destroy the UN and its agencies by Allan Behm, The Point (January 2026)

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.

The &lsquo;president of peace&rsquo; has started another war with Iran, with no apparent regard for the consequences. 
On this episode of After America, Allan Behm and Dr Emma Shortis discuss the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and the assassination of its leader, Trump and Netanyahu&rsquo;s cynical messages for the Iranian people, what this war means for nuclear proliferation, and the Australian government&rsquo;s &ldquo;deeply disappointing&rdquo; response.
This discussion was recorded on Monday 2 March 2026.
The latest Vantage Point essay,&nbsp;<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/what-we-owe-the-water-vantage-point-issue-4">What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo</a>, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Allan Behm, Advisor, International &amp; Security Affairs, the Australia Institute
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/post/the-mar-a-lago-model-how-trump-is-trying-to-dominate-global-governance/">The Mar-a-Lago model: how Trump is trying to dominate global governance</a>, After America, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/260228-shorter-america-this-week">Shorter America This Week: The State of the Union is... bad; AI is also bad; But hard times ain't gonna rule my mind</a> by Emma Shortis, The Point (February 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/opinions/260217-how-to-foster-global-lawlessness-destroy-the-un-and-its-agencies">How to foster global lawlessness: Destroy the UN and its agencies</a> by Allan Behm, The Point (January 2026)
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 ‘president of peace’ has started another war with Iran, with no apparent regard for the consequences.

Thrown under the bus: Ukraine abandoned by the Trump administration

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