Emma Shortis
@emmashortis.bsky.social
Director, International and Security Affairs at @australiainstitute.org.au. All things Australian foreign policy and US history & politics.
Maybe someone should ask the Israeli president about this on Monday
I guess I'm a dupe or something, because I'm still capable of being shocked by this stuff.
www.crikey.com.au/2026/02/06/a...
www.crikey.com.au/2026/02/06/a...
The graves of Anzac soldiers in Gaza have been desecrated. Where is The Australian's outrage?
The News Corp publication, usually quick to defend the memory of fallen Anzac soldiers, is quiet on the destruction of a grave in Gaza where more than 250 Australian servicemen are buried.
www.crikey.com.au
February 6, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Maybe someone should ask the Israeli president about this on Monday
Reposted by Emma Shortis
Worth keeping a close watch on this 👇
The CIA is up to something and Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat who is the longest serving member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, doesn't like it but can't tell us about it.
February 6, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Worth keeping a close watch on this 👇
Reposted by Emma Shortis
My take on the politics of the week -- for the @australiainstitute.org.au newsletter.
If you want regular updates straight to your inbox, sign up on the website: nb.australiainstitute.org.au/subscribe
If you want regular updates straight to your inbox, sign up on the website: nb.australiainstitute.org.au/subscribe
February 6, 2026 at 12:16 AM
My take on the politics of the week -- for the @australiainstitute.org.au newsletter.
If you want regular updates straight to your inbox, sign up on the website: nb.australiainstitute.org.au/subscribe
If you want regular updates straight to your inbox, sign up on the website: nb.australiainstitute.org.au/subscribe
Reposted by Emma Shortis
I guess I'm a dupe or something, because I'm still capable of being shocked by this stuff.
www.crikey.com.au/2026/02/06/a...
www.crikey.com.au/2026/02/06/a...
The graves of Anzac soldiers in Gaza have been desecrated. Where is The Australian's outrage?
The News Corp publication, usually quick to defend the memory of fallen Anzac soldiers, is quiet on the destruction of a grave in Gaza where more than 250 Australian servicemen are buried.
www.crikey.com.au
February 6, 2026 at 1:19 AM
I guess I'm a dupe or something, because I'm still capable of being shocked by this stuff.
www.crikey.com.au/2026/02/06/a...
www.crikey.com.au/2026/02/06/a...
Reposted by Emma Shortis
i am trying not to joke about the Epstein stuff because it's so horrible but there's also this ridiculous element where it's like... discovering Dracula is real, he's taken over human society at the highest levels, he's involved in tons of evil and also he's a huge dipshit
February 5, 2026 at 3:43 AM
i am trying not to joke about the Epstein stuff because it's so horrible but there's also this ridiculous element where it's like... discovering Dracula is real, he's taken over human society at the highest levels, he's involved in tons of evil and also he's a huge dipshit
Reposted by Emma Shortis
Clearly it’s time to appoint a permanent officer in the government to look over all the festival programs. Some fellow in a centralised office where all the art can be submitted beforehand, to make sure it’s socially cohesive. Some kind of Chief Approver, if you like www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Questions about Randa Abdel-Fattah inclusion in NSW writers festival
The NSW government makes contact with the board of next month's Newcastle Writers Festival about the inclusion of Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah, the ABC understands.
www.abc.net.au
February 5, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Clearly it’s time to appoint a permanent officer in the government to look over all the festival programs. Some fellow in a centralised office where all the art can be submitted beforehand, to make sure it’s socially cohesive. Some kind of Chief Approver, if you like www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Reposted by Emma Shortis
'Despite the United States experiencing a shift towards authoritarian practises, the Australian Government is continuing to stand by the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, that largely benefits the US.' 🤬
@emmashortis.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/news/260205-...
@emmashortis.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/news/260205-...
MAGA will outlive Donald Trump, experts warn
The MAGA movement is synonymous with Donald Trump, but experts say it’s become so “battle-hardened” it’s likely to endure long after the US President leaves office.
thepoint.com.au
February 4, 2026 at 11:41 PM
'Despite the United States experiencing a shift towards authoritarian practises, the Australian Government is continuing to stand by the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, that largely benefits the US.' 🤬
@emmashortis.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/news/260205-...
@emmashortis.bsky.social
thepoint.com.au/news/260205-...
“Someone who incites genocide does not satisfy the good character test for entering Australia. On the contrary, a person who incites genocide should be arrested on arrival and tried under Australian law and international law for the crime.”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Isaac Herzog is accused of inciting genocide in Gaza. He shouldn’t be welcomed to Australia | Chris Sidoti
Anthony Albanese should recognise he made a terrible mistake in inviting the Israeli president to Australia and put a stop to this divisive political visit
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:05 AM
“Someone who incites genocide does not satisfy the good character test for entering Australia. On the contrary, a person who incites genocide should be arrested on arrival and tried under Australian law and international law for the crime.”
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Emma Shortis
With threats from culture wars, climate disaster and insecure funding, Australia's thriving writers' festivals face an uncertain future. Read more in @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/what-is-the-...
theconversation.com/what-is-the-...
What is the future of Australia’s embattled writers festivals?
Australia’s literary festivals are under threat from culture wars, climate risks, new hate speech laws and ongoing funding scarcity.
theconversation.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:20 PM
With threats from culture wars, climate disaster and insecure funding, Australia's thriving writers' festivals face an uncertain future. Read more in @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/what-is-the-...
theconversation.com/what-is-the-...
Reposted by Emma Shortis
"Trading blocs require trust between nations. What country would trust the US under Trump to keep their word on trade? Ask Canada and Mexico what their trade deal with the US was worth" writes @mattgrudnoff.bsky.social over on the liveblog at The Point
live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
February 5, 2026 at 12:11 AM
"Trading blocs require trust between nations. What country would trust the US under Trump to keep their word on trade? Ask Canada and Mexico what their trade deal with the US was worth" writes @mattgrudnoff.bsky.social over on the liveblog at The Point
live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
Reposted by Emma Shortis
On our current course, it will cause 14 million deaths by 2030, according to a Lancet study.
If every day I published an article like the one below—remembering 27 people killed by the destruction of USAID—it would take me 1400 years to mourn them all
timhirschelburns.substack.com/p/the-people...
If every day I published an article like the one below—remembering 27 people killed by the destruction of USAID—it would take me 1400 years to mourn them all
timhirschelburns.substack.com/p/the-people...
The People They Killed
When the Trump administration destroyed USAID, people died. We know some of their names.
timhirschelburns.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:38 PM
On our current course, it will cause 14 million deaths by 2030, according to a Lancet study.
If every day I published an article like the one below—remembering 27 people killed by the destruction of USAID—it would take me 1400 years to mourn them all
timhirschelburns.substack.com/p/the-people...
If every day I published an article like the one below—remembering 27 people killed by the destruction of USAID—it would take me 1400 years to mourn them all
timhirschelburns.substack.com/p/the-people...
Reposted by Emma Shortis
According to a leading mathematical model, the destruction of USAID has resulted in 800,000 people dying who otherwise wouldn’t have.
It is as if every single person in North Dakota had died over the last year—that is, if 2/3rds of North Dakota were children
www.impactcounter.com/dashboard?vi...
It is as if every single person in North Dakota had died over the last year—that is, if 2/3rds of North Dakota were children
www.impactcounter.com/dashboard?vi...
Impact Dashboard - Impact Counter | Impact Counter
Visualize the human impact of funding changes for aid and support organizations.
www.impactcounter.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:38 PM
According to a leading mathematical model, the destruction of USAID has resulted in 800,000 people dying who otherwise wouldn’t have.
It is as if every single person in North Dakota had died over the last year—that is, if 2/3rds of North Dakota were children
www.impactcounter.com/dashboard?vi...
It is as if every single person in North Dakota had died over the last year—that is, if 2/3rds of North Dakota were children
www.impactcounter.com/dashboard?vi...
Reposted by Emma Shortis
A year ago Elon Musk tweeted that he had fed USAID "into the wood chipper."
It was an act that killed people. We don't know most of their names, but we know 27. I've listed them below.
Much like with Renee Good + Alex Pretti, we should also remember these lives taken by the cruel men who lead us
It was an act that killed people. We don't know most of their names, but we know 27. I've listed them below.
Much like with Renee Good + Alex Pretti, we should also remember these lives taken by the cruel men who lead us
February 4, 2026 at 3:38 PM
A year ago Elon Musk tweeted that he had fed USAID "into the wood chipper."
It was an act that killed people. We don't know most of their names, but we know 27. I've listed them below.
Much like with Renee Good + Alex Pretti, we should also remember these lives taken by the cruel men who lead us
It was an act that killed people. We don't know most of their names, but we know 27. I've listed them below.
Much like with Renee Good + Alex Pretti, we should also remember these lives taken by the cruel men who lead us
Reposted by Emma Shortis
Tomorrow, the last remaining arms control agreement between the US and Russia expires. The end of New START Treaty removes the final restraints on an accelerating nuclear arms race.
What does this mean? Read more in
@melissaparke01.bsky.social 's Op-ed: passblue.com/2026/02/01/t...
#NuclearBan
What does this mean? Read more in
@melissaparke01.bsky.social 's Op-ed: passblue.com/2026/02/01/t...
#NuclearBan
February 4, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Tomorrow, the last remaining arms control agreement between the US and Russia expires. The end of New START Treaty removes the final restraints on an accelerating nuclear arms race.
What does this mean? Read more in
@melissaparke01.bsky.social 's Op-ed: passblue.com/2026/02/01/t...
#NuclearBan
What does this mean? Read more in
@melissaparke01.bsky.social 's Op-ed: passblue.com/2026/02/01/t...
#NuclearBan
Reposted by Emma Shortis
Happy last day of nuclear arms control to those who celebrate
February 4, 2026 at 8:59 AM
Happy last day of nuclear arms control to those who celebrate
This superb @adambonica.bsky.social and @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social piece in @bostonreview.bsky.social on the perils of centrism has some extremely relevant lessons for left-leaning parties worldwide (including here in Australia 👀).
www.bostonreview.net/forum/how-no...
www.bostonreview.net/forum/how-no...
How Not to Defeat Authoritarianism
Moderation used to help Democrats win, but its advantages now have been greatly exaggerated.
www.bostonreview.net
February 4, 2026 at 1:38 AM
This superb @adambonica.bsky.social and @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social piece in @bostonreview.bsky.social on the perils of centrism has some extremely relevant lessons for left-leaning parties worldwide (including here in Australia 👀).
www.bostonreview.net/forum/how-no...
www.bostonreview.net/forum/how-no...
Reposted by Emma Shortis
Another report showing AUKUS is truly f*cked @emmashortis.bsky.social gives you a summary #PointLive
live.thepoint.com.au
live.thepoint.com.au
The Point Live: RBA decision to raise rates gives the Treasurer a headache, Liberals/Nationals still a mess, as parliament continues.
Parliament returns for another day, with the interest rate rise giving the Liberal party some hope it will have something to talk about that is not itself. The Nationals are also there. All the day'...
live.thepoint.com.au
February 3, 2026 at 11:58 PM
Another report showing AUKUS is truly f*cked @emmashortis.bsky.social gives you a summary #PointLive
live.thepoint.com.au
live.thepoint.com.au
As this new Aukus report outlines, Australia has committed, in USD:
$3 billion to our own sub industry
$3 billion to the US industry
$3 billion to the UK industry
And zero dollars of that *US$9 billion* is refundable.
We don't get our money back when the stuff we ordered doesn't arrive.
$3 billion to our own sub industry
$3 billion to the US industry
$3 billion to the UK industry
And zero dollars of that *US$9 billion* is refundable.
We don't get our money back when the stuff we ordered doesn't arrive.
February 3, 2026 at 11:27 PM
As this new Aukus report outlines, Australia has committed, in USD:
$3 billion to our own sub industry
$3 billion to the US industry
$3 billion to the UK industry
And zero dollars of that *US$9 billion* is refundable.
We don't get our money back when the stuff we ordered doesn't arrive.
$3 billion to our own sub industry
$3 billion to the US industry
$3 billion to the UK industry
And zero dollars of that *US$9 billion* is refundable.
We don't get our money back when the stuff we ordered doesn't arrive.
Reposted by Emma Shortis
Always good to hear Don Watson and Emma have a chat
MAGA is becoming more "battle-hardened" & less likely to disappear once Trump leaves office (whenever that may be).
Don Watson joins @emmashortis.bsky.social to discuss the opposition to Trump & why Australia can’t avoid the rupture being brought about by the MAGA movement.
🎧 theaus.in/4afwmA3
Don Watson joins @emmashortis.bsky.social to discuss the opposition to Trump & why Australia can’t avoid the rupture being brought about by the MAGA movement.
🎧 theaus.in/4afwmA3
February 3, 2026 at 11:12 PM
Always good to hear Don Watson and Emma have a chat
Oh my god you guys why didn't you tell me about this???? Leo!! variety.com/2025/tv/news...
‘Captain Planet and the Planeteers’ Live-Action Series Set at Netflix
Netflix has set a live-action adaptation of 'Captain Planet and the Planeteers,' an animated superhero series from the '90s.
variety.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Oh my god you guys why didn't you tell me about this???? Leo!! variety.com/2025/tv/news...
Reposted by Emma Shortis
The latest Congressional Research Service Virginia Class submarine advisory to Congress paints a troubling picture for Australia’s future nuclear submarine ambitions. Luckily Richard Marles chooses to ignore bad news in his own Defence procurement planning. #AUKUS #auspol
February 3, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Reposted by Emma Shortis
I am still shocked at just how much emailing is involved in being evil
February 3, 2026 at 5:39 AM
I am still shocked at just how much emailing is involved in being evil
Reposted by Emma Shortis
Albanese Government dragged out the 30-day freedom of information process for another 120 days to disguise how flimsy their arguments are.
Now we have the docs, there's nothing in them to support the Govt's push to limit freedom of information rights.
live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
Now we have the docs, there's nothing in them to support the Govt's push to limit freedom of information rights.
live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
live.thepoint.com.au
February 3, 2026 at 5:42 AM
Albanese Government dragged out the 30-day freedom of information process for another 120 days to disguise how flimsy their arguments are.
Now we have the docs, there's nothing in them to support the Govt's push to limit freedom of information rights.
live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
Now we have the docs, there's nothing in them to support the Govt's push to limit freedom of information rights.
live.thepoint.com.au/2026/02/the-...
Reposted by Emma Shortis
The Nationals are the party of the bush, making Liberals the party of the city, right?
In fact, Libs have lost most of their metro seats -- so One Nation's rise in the regions threatens the Libs as much as the Nats.
@skyelark.bsky.social on @thepointau.bsky.social live.thepoint.com.au#732cfc1bdd
In fact, Libs have lost most of their metro seats -- so One Nation's rise in the regions threatens the Libs as much as the Nats.
@skyelark.bsky.social on @thepointau.bsky.social live.thepoint.com.au#732cfc1bdd
The Point Live: RBA raises rates to 3.85%, Liberals, Nationals abort leadership moves amid talent deficit
Parliament officially returns for 2026 with the Nationals and Liberals still in turmoil and unable to agree on a new leader, while One Nation continues to establish itself as the new conservative forc...
live.thepoint.com.au
February 3, 2026 at 5:17 AM
The Nationals are the party of the bush, making Liberals the party of the city, right?
In fact, Libs have lost most of their metro seats -- so One Nation's rise in the regions threatens the Libs as much as the Nats.
@skyelark.bsky.social on @thepointau.bsky.social live.thepoint.com.au#732cfc1bdd
In fact, Libs have lost most of their metro seats -- so One Nation's rise in the regions threatens the Libs as much as the Nats.
@skyelark.bsky.social on @thepointau.bsky.social live.thepoint.com.au#732cfc1bdd
Reposted by Emma Shortis
More shared values…i hope there arent any enviro implications of Australia buying nuclear powered submarines and needing to dispose of significant quantities of high level nuclear waste on our soil…especially those old Virginia class subs we planning to buy just as they near the end of their life
February 3, 2026 at 4:23 AM
More shared values…i hope there arent any enviro implications of Australia buying nuclear powered submarines and needing to dispose of significant quantities of high level nuclear waste on our soil…especially those old Virginia class subs we planning to buy just as they near the end of their life