Is the United States still the stabilising force of the international system — or has it become part of the instability?


In our first episode back, Professor Scott Lucas joins John Bruni to unpack the Iran War, the growing global energy crisis, NATO’s deepening anxiety, and whether Trump-era America has entered a state of permanent political and strategic turbulence.


From the Strait of Hormuz to Washington itself, this is a hard conversation about power, disorder, and whether the world’s superpower is now accelerating the very chaos it once contained.


Show Notes:


After a period away due to medical leave, John Bruni returns to The Focus for a major conversation on the state of the international system — and the growing instability surrounding the United States itself.


Joining us is Professor Scott Lucas from the Clinton Institute in Dublin, one of the most respected analysts of American politics and international affairs.


Together, they examine whether the United States is still acting as the stabilising force of the global order — or whether internal political turmoil, strategic overreach, and the Trump presidency are now contributing to international instability.


Topics include:


The Iran War and risks of wider U.S. escalation
Strait of Hormuz tensions and global energy insecurity
“World War E” — energy as the new geopolitical battlespace
Concerns over American reliability
Trump, executive power, and institutional strain


Scott’s presence on socials:


X: @ScottLucas_EA
Bluesky: @scottlucas.bysky.social
Instagram: scottlucasworldview
Web: https://eaworldview.com/ 

Is the United States still the stabilising force of the international system &mdash; or has it become part of the instability?
 In our first episode back, Professor Scott Lucas joins John Bruni to unpack the Iran War, the growing global energy crisis, NATO&rsquo;s deepening anxiety, and whether Trump-era America has entered a state of permanent political and strategic turbulence.
 From the Strait of Hormuz to Washington itself, this is a hard conversation about power, disorder, and whether the world&rsquo;s superpower is now accelerating the very chaos it once contained.
 Show Notes:
 After a period away due to medical leave, John Bruni returns to The Focus for a major conversation on the state of the international system &mdash; and the growing instability surrounding the United States itself.
 Joining us is Professor Scott Lucas from the Clinton Institute in Dublin, one of the most respected analysts of American politics and international affairs.
 Together, they examine whether the United States is still acting as the stabilising force of the global order &mdash; or whether internal political turmoil, strategic overreach, and the Trump presidency are now contributing to international instability.
 Topics include:
 The Iran War and risks of wider U.S. escalation Strait of Hormuz tensions and global energy insecurity &ldquo;World War E&rdquo; &mdash; energy as the new geopolitical battlespace Concerns over American reliability Trump, executive power, and institutional strain
 Scott&rsquo;s presence on socials:
 X: @ScottLucas_EA Bluesky: @scottlucas.bysky.social Instagram: scottlucasworldview Web: https://eaworldview.com/&nbsp;

The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical  think tank.

Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.

Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

The Focus&nbsp;is the flagship current affairs podcast of&nbsp;SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical &nbsp;think tank.
Hosted by&nbsp;Dr. John Bruni&mdash;a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media&mdash;The Focus&nbsp;brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the&nbsp;Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for&nbsp;Jane&rsquo;s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.
Produced by&nbsp;Neil Smart,&nbsp;The Focus&nbsp;cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.