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.

The US and Israel attack Iran, foment chaos

Supermarket profits: was the ACCC listening?

Tim Wilson calls for tax cuts

Capital gains tax discount

Fossil fuel subsidies

Tariff corner 

Australia is a low taxing nation, but Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson still seems to want the highest earners to pay less.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Skye discuss Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson’s call for tax cuts, why tariffs won’t be replacing income tax despite Donald Trump’s claims, Australia’s bizarre subsidies for fossil fuels, and why Greg reckons he wouldn’t take a tasty pay rise to go to the dark side.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 26 February 2026.

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.

Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut

Host: Skye Predavec, Researcher, the Australia Institute // @skyelark

Show notes:

Finally fixing capital gains tax is good – but linking it to another tax cut for Australia’s rich is bollocks by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (February 2026)

Australia’s most costly anti-climate policy hits taxpayers for $30m a day as calls mount to wind back fuel tax credits by Adam Morton, Guardian Australia (February 2026)

ACCC alleges Coles mimicked Woolworths in ‘disguising’ big price hikes by Max Mason and Carrie LaFrenz, Australian Financial Review (February 2026)

Corporate profits increase inflation, the Australia Institute (December 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.

Australia is a low taxing nation, but Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson still seems to want the highest earners to pay less.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Skye discuss Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson&rsquo;s call for tax cuts, why tariffs won&rsquo;t be replacing income tax despite Donald Trump&rsquo;s claims, Australia&rsquo;s bizarre subsidies for fossil fuels, and why Greg reckons he wouldn&rsquo;t take a tasty pay rise to go to the dark side.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 26 February 2026.
<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.
Host:&nbsp;Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/grogsgamut.bsky.social">@grogsgamut</a>
Host:&nbsp;Skye Predavec, Researcher, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/skyelark.bsky.social">@skyelark</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/feb/25/capital-gains-tax-discount-federal-budget-coalition-tax-cuts-for-the-richest">Finally fixing capital gains tax is good &ndash; but linking it to another tax cut for Australia&rsquo;s rich is bollocks</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (February 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2026/feb/25/australia-fuel-tax-credit-scheme-government-anti-climate-policy-under-pressure">Australia&rsquo;s most costly anti-climate policy hits taxpayers for $30m a day as calls mount to wind back fuel tax credits</a> by Adam Morton, Guardian Australia (February 2026)
<a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/accc-accuses-coles-of-deliberately-disguising-price-hikes-as-cuts-20260216-p5o2kh">ACCC alleges Coles mimicked Woolworths in &lsquo;disguising&rsquo; big price hikes</a> by Max Mason and Carrie LaFrenz, Australian Financial Review (February 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/corporate-profits-increase-inflation/">Corporate profits increase inflation</a>, the Australia Institute (December 2024)
Theme music:&nbsp;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>.

Australia is a low taxing nation, but Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson still seems to want the highest earners to pay less.

Why the wealthiest don’t need another tax cut

Shedding voters on the left and the right, is the Liberal Party heading for “oblivion”?

On this episode of Follow the Money, journalist and author Niki Savva and Australia Institute co-Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Denniss join Amy Remeikis to discuss how the Liberal Party ended up with their worst federal election result in modern history in 2025, why there’s no such thing as a safe seat in Australian politics anymore, and Nikki’s latest book, Earthquake: the election that shook Australia.

This episode was recorded live at the Australia Institute’s Politics in the Pub in Canberra on Wednesday 18 February 2026.

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: Niki Savva, journalist, author and former political advisor

Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss

Host: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis

Show notes:

There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet, the Australia Institute (October 2024)

Polling – Dutton’s gas plans, the Australia Institute (April 2025)

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.

Shedding voters on the left and the right, is the Liberal Party heading for &ldquo;oblivion&rdquo;?
On this episode of Follow the Money, journalist and author Niki Savva and Australia Institute co-Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Denniss join Amy Remeikis to discuss how the Liberal Party ended up with their worst federal election result in modern history in 2025, why there&rsquo;s no such thing as a safe seat in Australian politics anymore, and Nikki&rsquo;s latest book, <a href="https://scribepublications.com.au/books/earthquake">Earthquake: the election that shook Australia</a>.
This episode was recorded live at the Australia Institute&rsquo;s Politics in the Pub in Canberra on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
<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: Niki Savva, journalist, author and former political advisor
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenniss.bsky.social">@richarddenniss</a>
Host: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/amyremeikis.bsky.social">@amyremeikis</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-safe-seat-fact-sheet/">There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet</a>, the Australia Institute (October 2024)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/polling-duttons-gas-plans/">Polling &ndash; Dutton&rsquo;s gas plans</a>, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
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>.

Shedding voters on the left and the right, is the Liberal Party heading for political oblivion?

“On the brink of extinction”: Niki Savva on the modern Liberal Party

Trump and Iran

The "Board of Peace"

Australia, the UN & racism

The ‘president of peace’ is at it again: threatening Iran again and boasting that his ‘board of peace’ will look over the United Nations. 

On this episode of After America, Allan Behm joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the potential consequences if the United States again strikes Iran, the first meeting of Trump’s grotesque ‘board of peace’, and the striking similarities between a(nother) shamefully racist week in Australian politics and Trump administration rhetoric and policies.

This discussion was recorded on Friday 20 February 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:

Shorter America this week: Will he or won't he on Iran; The Trump doctrine?; On climate, he absolutely will; The only thing more powerful than hate is love by Emma Shortis, The Point (February 2026)

The Wrap: Trump's America is a warning, and Australia keeps treating it like a guide, 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)

Talk us through AUKUS by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (February 2023)

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; is at it again: threatening Iran again and boasting that his &lsquo;board of peace&rsquo; will look over the United Nations. 
On this episode of After America, Allan Behm joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the potential consequences if the United States again strikes Iran, the first meeting of Trump&rsquo;s grotesque &lsquo;board of peace&rsquo;, and the striking similarities between a(nother) shamefully racist week in Australian politics and Trump administration rhetoric and policies.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 20 February 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://thepoint.com.au/news/260220-shorter-america">Shorter America this week: Will he or won't he on Iran; The Trump doctrine?; On climate, he absolutely will; The only thing more powerful than hate is love</a> by Emma Shortis, The Point (February 2026)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/260220-the-wrap-trumps-america-is-a-warning-and-australia-keeps-treating-it-like-a-guide">The Wrap: Trump's America is a warning, and Australia keeps treating it like a guide</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)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/talk-us-through-aukus/">Talk us through AUKUS</a> by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (February 2023)
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’ is at it again: threatening Iran again and boasting that his ‘board of peace’ will look over the United Nations.

The Mar-a-Lago model: how Trump is trying to dominate global governance

Real wages are down

Why did the RBA raise rates?

Coles in court

One TRILLION dollars

Wages aren’t driving higher inflation, so why do workers always seem to cop the blame?

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Angus discuss why Coles is in court over its pricing, whether it’s time to panic with government debt set to hit $1 trillion, and the role of corporate profits in driving inflation.

This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 18 February 2026.

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.

Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut

Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @angusrb

Show notes:

As real wage growth falls again, Australian workers must feel the economy is rigged against them by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (February 2026)

Joseph Stiglitz on super profits, capital gains and why corporate tax is good for democracy, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

Corporate profits increase inflation, the Australia Institute (December 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.

Wages aren&rsquo;t driving higher inflation, so why do workers always seem to cop the blame?
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Angus discuss why Coles is in court over its pricing, whether it&rsquo;s time to panic with government debt set to hit $1 trillion, and the role of corporate profits in driving inflation.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
<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.
Host:&nbsp;Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/grogsgamut.bsky.social">@grogsgamut</a>
Host:&nbsp;Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/angusrb.bsky.social">@angusrb</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/feb/18/real-wages-fall-australia-workers-economy">As real wage growth falls again, Australian workers must feel the economy is rigged against them</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (February 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/joseph-stiglitz-on-super-profits-capital-gains-and-why-corporate-tax-is-good-for-democracy/">Joseph Stiglitz on super profits, capital gains and why corporate tax is good for democracy</a>, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/corporate-profits-increase-inflation/">Corporate profits increase inflation</a>, the Australia Institute (December 2024)
Theme music:&nbsp;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>.

Wages aren’t driving higher inflation, so why do workers always seem to cop the blame?

Real wages are down, but apparently inflation is all your fault

Tax, inequality and democracy

Political and market power

Gas and super profits

Capital gains

Inequality creates insecurity and, as the United States is demonstrating right now, that insecurity can have devasting consequences for democracy.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz joins Ebony Bennett and Dr Richard Denniss to discuss why Australia should get a better return for its natural resources, the power of corporations to mark up prices and push down wages, and why democracies should collect more corporate tax.

This episode was recorded live on Wednesday 11 February 2026.

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: Joseph E Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate economist and Professor, Columbia University // @josephestiglitz

Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss

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

Show notes:

The Price of Inequality: How Today's Divided Society Endangers Our Future by Joseph E Stiglitz (June 2013)

Australia’s great gas giveaway: how Australia gives gas to multinational corporations for free by Mark Ogge, Rod Campbell and Piers Verstegan, the Australia Institute (May 2024)

The capital gains discount and negative gearing benefit the rich and destroy housing affordability by Jack Thrower, the Australia Institute (February 2025)

Trump’s Big Bill makes America more dangerous while enriching a few, After America, the Australia Institute (July 2025)

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.

Inequality creates insecurity and, as the United States is demonstrating right now, that insecurity can have devasting consequences for democracy.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz joins Ebony Bennett and Dr Richard Denniss to discuss why Australia should get a better return for its natural resources, the power of corporations to mark up prices and push down wages, and why democracies should collect more corporate tax.
This episode was recorded live on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
<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>&nbsp;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: Joseph E Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate economist and Professor, Columbia University // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/josephestiglitz.bsky.social">@josephestiglitz</a>
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenniss.bsky.social">@richarddenniss</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.penguin.com.au/books/the-price-of-inequality-9780718197384">The Price of Inequality: How Today's Divided Society Endangers Our Future</a> by Joseph E Stiglitz (June 2013)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/australias-great-gas-giveaway/">Australia&rsquo;s great gas giveaway: how Australia gives gas to multinational corporations for free</a> by Mark Ogge, Rod Campbell and Piers Verstegan, the Australia Institute (May 2024)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/the-capital-gains-discount-and-negative-gearing-benefit-the-rich-and-destroy-housing-affordability/">The capital gains discount and negative gearing benefit the rich and destroy housing affordability</a> by Jack Thrower, the Australia Institute (February 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/trumps-big-bill-makes-america-more-dangerous-while-enriching-a-few/">Trump&rsquo;s Big Bill makes America more dangerous while enriching a few</a>, After America, the Australia Institute (July 2025)
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>.

Inequality creates insecurity and, as the United States is demonstrating right now, that insecurity can have devasting consequences for democracy.

Joseph Stiglitz on super profits, capital gains and why corporate tax is good for democracy

New START expiry

Trump administration's nuclear diplomacy

"Nuclear weapons are back with avengeance"

AUKUS & Australia's nuclear capability

What can allies do?

By removing guardrails around nuclear weapons, the Trump administration is making the world a far more dangerous place.

On this episode of After America, Jon B Wolfsthal, former Special Assistant to President Obama for National Security Affairs, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the expiry of the New START nuclear weapons treaty between the United States and Russia, AUKUS and Australia’s nuclear capabilities, and why “nuclear weapons are back with avengeance”.

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 12 February 2026 Australian time.

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: Jon B Wolfsthal, former Director of Global Risk, Federation of American Scientists // @jonatomic

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

Show notes:

Trump has scrapped the long-standing legal basis for tackling climate emissions by Robyn Eckersley, The Conversation (February 2026)

It is now 85 seconds to midnight, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (February 2026)

The nuclear option, After America, the Australia Institute (December 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 removing guardrails around nuclear weapons, the Trump administration is making the world a far more dangerous place.
On this episode of After America, Jon B Wolfsthal, former&nbsp;Special Assistant to President Obama for National Security Affairs, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the expiry of the New START nuclear weapons treaty between the United States and Russia, AUKUS and Australia&rsquo;s nuclear capabilities, and why &ldquo;nuclear weapons are back with avengeance&rdquo;.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 12 February 2026 Australian time.
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: Jon B Wolfsthal, former Director of Global Risk, Federation of American Scientists // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jonatomic.bsky.social">@jonatomic</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://theconversation.com/trump-has-scrapped-the-long-standing-legal-basis-for-tackling-climate-emissions-275921">Trump has scrapped the long-standing legal basis for tackling climate emissions</a> by Robyn Eckersley, The Conversation (February 2026)
<a href="https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/2026-statement/">It is now 85 seconds to midnight</a>, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (February 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/the-nuclear-option/">The nuclear option</a>, After America, the Australia Institute (December 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 removing guardrails around nuclear weapons, the Trump administration is making the world a far more dangerous place.

The “president of peace” is helping revive the nuclear arms race

Commonwealth Bank profits

5% deposit scheme juiced lending figures

Investors still cashing in

Capital gains tax reform rumours

Government spending not to blame for inflation

Tax & government deficits

On the back of ongoing tax concessions primarily benefitting the wealthiest and the government’s five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers, Australia has just broken a new record for average home loan size.

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the persistent rumours of changes to the capital gains tax discount, why government spending isn’t to blame for the latest inflation increase, and the impact of the federal government’s five per cent deposit scheme on lending figures (and don’t discuss wages as promised last week, cus Greg can’t read a calendar).

This discussion was recorded on Thursday 12 February 2026.

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.

Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut

Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek

Show notes:

Will the government finally deliver a housing policy that stops making a bad situation worse? by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (February 2026)

“They rushed this”: why the Reserve Bank got it wrong by raising rates, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

Profit in home lending by David Richardson, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

Submission to the Select Committee on the Operation of the Capital Gains Tax Discount by Matt Grudnoff and Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (February 2026)

Australia’s great gas giveaway by Mark Ogge, Rod Campbell and Piers Verstegan, the Australia Institute (May 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.

On the back of ongoing tax concessions primarily benefitting the wealthiest and the government&rsquo;s five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers, Australia has just broken a new record for average home loan size.
On this episode of Dollars &amp; Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the persistent rumours of changes to the capital gains tax discount, why government spending isn&rsquo;t to blame for the latest inflation increase, and the impact of the federal government&rsquo;s five per cent deposit scheme on lending figures (and don&rsquo;t discuss wages as promised last week, cus Greg can&rsquo;t read a calendar).
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 12 February 2026.
<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.
Host:&nbsp;Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/grogsgamut.bsky.social">@grogsgamut</a>
Host:&nbsp;Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/elinorjohnstonleek.bsky.social">@elinorjohnstonleek</a> 
Show notes:
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/feb/12/government-housing-policy-capital-gains-discount">Will the government finally deliver a housing policy that stops making a bad situation worse?</a> by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (February 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/they-rushed-this-why-the-reserve-bank-got-it-wrong-by-raising-rates/">&ldquo;They rushed this&rdquo;: why the Reserve Bank got it wrong by raising rates</a>, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/profit-in-home-lending/">Profit in home lending</a> by David Richardson, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/submission-to-the-select-committee-on-the-operation-of-the-capital-gains-tax-discount/">Submission to the Select Committee on the Operation of the Capital Gains Tax Discount</a> by Matt Grudnoff and Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/australias-great-gas-giveaway/">Australia&rsquo;s great gas giveaway</a> by Mark Ogge, Rod Campbell and Piers Verstegan, the Australia Institute (May 2024)
Theme music:&nbsp;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>.

On the back of ongoing tax concessions primarily benefitting the wealthiest and the government’s five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers, Australia has just broken a new record for average home loan size.

Are record property prices on the way (again)?

Becoming an activist

Listening to Pacific voices

The Fossil Fuel Treaty

Climate action without the US

Australia's opportunity to take action

With a leading role in this year’s United Nations climate conference, the Australian government has an opportunity to show genuine solidarity with its Pacific neighbours and climate-vulnerable communities at home.

On this episode of Follow the Money, Kumi Naidoo, South African human rights and climate advocate, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the need for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, why it’s past time for the Australia government to stop coal and gas expansion, and his new Vantage Point essay, What We Owe the Water.

This episode was recorded on Monday 9 February 2026.

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: Kumi Naidoo, President, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative // @kuminaidoo

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

Show notes:

"A drowning memory": the Pacific Island communities fighting for their survival, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (March 2025)

Foreign aid and climate finance, Australia’s dismal track record by Matt Saunders and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (November 2025)

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.

With a leading role in this year&rsquo;s United Nations climate conference, the Australian government has an opportunity to show genuine solidarity with its Pacific neighbours and climate-vulnerable communities at home.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Kumi Naidoo, South African human rights and climate advocate, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the need for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, why it&rsquo;s past time for the Australia government to stop coal and gas expansion, and his new Vantage Point essay, What We Owe the Water.
This episode was recorded on Monday 9 February 2026.
<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: Kumi Naidoo, President, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/kuminaidoo.bsky.social">@kuminaidoo</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://australiainstitute.org.au/post/a-drowning-memory-the-pacific-island-communities-fighting-for-their-survival/">"A drowning memory": the Pacific Island communities fighting for their survival</a>, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/foreign-aid-and-climate-finance-australias-dismal-track-record/">Foreign aid and climate finance, Australia&rsquo;s dismal track record</a> by Matt Saunders and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (November 2025)
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>.

With a leading role in this year’s United Nations climate conference, the Australian government has an opportunity to show real leadership and genuine solidarity with its Pacific neighbours and climate vulnerable communities at home.

Australia’s climate crossroads

Washington Post layoffs

AUKUS & the Australia-US relationship

Australian government vs community sentiment

Response to Carney's speech

As American democracy teeters, the Australian government is trying to pretend everything is just fine.

On this episode of After America, Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia senior reporter covering international affairs, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the mass layoffs at the Washington Post, the lack of transparency around the AUKUS submarine deal, and why the Australian government still has its head in the sand over Trump.

This discussion was recorded on Friday 6 February 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: Ben Doherty, Senior Reporter, Guardian Australia

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

Show notes:

‘Possibility of US ever selling Australia nuclear submarines is increasingly remote, Aukus critics say’ by Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia (February 2026)

‘Australia’s confidence in Trump’s US has evaporated. What will it take for the alliance to rupture?’ by Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia (January 2026)

‘‘The whole thing disgusts me’: Australians ditch US travel as new rules require social media to be declared’ by Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia (December 2025)

‘Shorter America This Week:  How to win (or cancel) elections; No START; You should smile more’ by Emma Shortis, 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.

As American democracy teeters, the Australian government is trying to pretend everything is just fine.
On this episode of After America, Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia senior reporter covering international affairs, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the mass layoffs at the Washington Post, the lack of transparency around the AUKUS submarine deal, and why the Australian government still has its head in the sand over Trump.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 6 February 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: Ben Doherty, Senior Reporter, Guardian Australia
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.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/05/aukus-nuclear-submarine-deal-us-australia">&lsquo;Possibility of US ever selling Australia nuclear submarines is increasingly remote, Aukus critics say&rsquo;</a> by Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia (February 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/16/trump-global-world-order-us-australia-alliance">&lsquo;Australia&rsquo;s confidence in Trump&rsquo;s US has evaporated. What will it take for the alliance to rupture?&rsquo;</a> by Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia (January 2026)
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/11/australia-us-tourism-new-visa-rules-social-media-history">&lsquo;&lsquo;The whole thing disgusts me&rsquo;: Australians ditch US travel as new rules require social media to be declared&rsquo;</a> by Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia (December 2025)
<a href="https://thepoint.com.au/news/260206-shorter-america">&lsquo;Shorter America This Week:&nbsp; How to win (or cancel) elections; No START; You should smile more&rsquo;</a> by Emma Shortis, 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>.

As American democracy teeters, the Australian government is trying to pretend everything is just fine.

Democracy “dies in darkness” and Trump is trying to turn out the lights

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

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