United States Studies Centre
@usstudiescentre.bsky.social
The leading think tank analysing US foreign policy, defence, economics, politics and culture. At the University of Sydney.
Analysis of America. Insight for Australia. Solutions for the Alliance.
📅 Events: https://www.ussc.edu.au/events
Analysis of America. Insight for Australia. Solutions for the Alliance.
📅 Events: https://www.ussc.edu.au/events
After the longest shutdown in US history, sweeping tariffs, and a radically reshaped federal government, Australia is facing big questions about its most important ally.
Join us as we unpack a historic year in US politics.
Register: https://www.ussc.edu.au/a-look-back-at-year-one-of-trump-2-0
Join us as we unpack a historic year in US politics.
Register: https://www.ussc.edu.au/a-look-back-at-year-one-of-trump-2-0
December 3, 2025 at 4:50 AM
After the longest shutdown in US history, sweeping tariffs, and a radically reshaped federal government, Australia is facing big questions about its most important ally.
Join us as we unpack a historic year in US politics.
Register: https://www.ussc.edu.au/a-look-back-at-year-one-of-trump-2-0
Join us as we unpack a historic year in US politics.
Register: https://www.ussc.edu.au/a-look-back-at-year-one-of-trump-2-0
Planet America’s Chas Licciardello returns to the Briefing Room. Will the Supreme Court stop Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs? He helps us unpack this question.
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-supreme-court-tests-trump-s-tariffs-with-chas-licciardello
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-supreme-court-tests-trump-s-tariffs-with-chas-licciardello
December 2, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Planet America’s Chas Licciardello returns to the Briefing Room. Will the Supreme Court stop Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs? He helps us unpack this question.
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-supreme-court-tests-trump-s-tariffs-with-chas-licciardello
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-supreme-court-tests-trump-s-tariffs-with-chas-licciardello
Former head of the US Marine Corps Gen. David Berger joined us to talk how interoperability with allies like Australia is key to deterrence.
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-how-us-allies-can-influence-us-policy-with-gen-david-berger-ret-d
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-how-us-allies-can-influence-us-policy-with-gen-david-berger-ret-d
November 18, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Former head of the US Marine Corps Gen. David Berger joined us to talk how interoperability with allies like Australia is key to deterrence.
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-how-us-allies-can-influence-us-policy-with-gen-david-berger-ret-d
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-how-us-allies-can-influence-us-policy-with-gen-david-berger-ret-d
Despite most in Australia, Japan and India saying Trump’s second term has been bad for their countries, support for alliances with the US remains firm.
Explore our latest polling: https://www.ussc.edu.au/despite-anxiety-about-trump-asia-s-maritime-democracies-are-increasingly-aligned-on-security
Explore our latest polling: https://www.ussc.edu.au/despite-anxiety-about-trump-asia-s-maritime-democracies-are-increasingly-aligned-on-security
October 28, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Despite most in Australia, Japan and India saying Trump’s second term has been bad for their countries, support for alliances with the US remains firm.
Explore our latest polling: https://www.ussc.edu.au/despite-anxiety-about-trump-asia-s-maritime-democracies-are-increasingly-aligned-on-security
Explore our latest polling: https://www.ussc.edu.au/despite-anxiety-about-trump-asia-s-maritime-democracies-are-increasingly-aligned-on-security
Congratulations to USSC Chairman The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO on his honorary doctorate at the University of Sydney in recognition of his outstanding achievements over his impactful career. An honorary doctorate is the highest level of recognition by the university and it is very well deserved.
October 8, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Congratulations to USSC Chairman The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO on his honorary doctorate at the University of Sydney in recognition of his outstanding achievements over his impactful career. An honorary doctorate is the highest level of recognition by the university and it is very well deserved.
Australians are fascinated by space — but many are looking outward, not inward.
More follow NASA than Australia's own space agency.
See what people are thinking: https://www.ussc.edu.au/looking-up-from-down-under-in-2025-re-investigating-australian-attitudes-to-national-space-activities
More follow NASA than Australia's own space agency.
See what people are thinking: https://www.ussc.edu.au/looking-up-from-down-under-in-2025-re-investigating-australian-attitudes-to-national-space-activities
October 2, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Australians are fascinated by space — but many are looking outward, not inward.
More follow NASA than Australia's own space agency.
See what people are thinking: https://www.ussc.edu.au/looking-up-from-down-under-in-2025-re-investigating-australian-attitudes-to-national-space-activities
More follow NASA than Australia's own space agency.
See what people are thinking: https://www.ussc.edu.au/looking-up-from-down-under-in-2025-re-investigating-australian-attitudes-to-national-space-activities
From the White House to the CIA, @cnas.bsky.social's Lisa Curtis has spent decades helping shape US strategy.
She joined us to talk the future of alliances.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-the-prognosis-for-the-quad-and-other-us-alliances-in-the-indo-pacific
She joined us to talk the future of alliances.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-the-prognosis-for-the-quad-and-other-us-alliances-in-the-indo-pacific
October 1, 2025 at 11:32 PM
From the White House to the CIA, @cnas.bsky.social's Lisa Curtis has spent decades helping shape US strategy.
She joined us to talk the future of alliances.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-the-prognosis-for-the-quad-and-other-us-alliances-in-the-indo-pacific
She joined us to talk the future of alliances.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-the-prognosis-for-the-quad-and-other-us-alliances-in-the-indo-pacific
Space is growing ever more important.
While more than half back funding an astronaut program, less than a quarter know where space policy is headed.
Read the report: https://www.ussc.edu.au/looking-up-from-down-under-in-2025-re-investigating-australian-attitudes-to-national-space-activities
While more than half back funding an astronaut program, less than a quarter know where space policy is headed.
Read the report: https://www.ussc.edu.au/looking-up-from-down-under-in-2025-re-investigating-australian-attitudes-to-national-space-activities
September 26, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Space is growing ever more important.
While more than half back funding an astronaut program, less than a quarter know where space policy is headed.
Read the report: https://www.ussc.edu.au/looking-up-from-down-under-in-2025-re-investigating-australian-attitudes-to-national-space-activities
While more than half back funding an astronaut program, less than a quarter know where space policy is headed.
Read the report: https://www.ussc.edu.au/looking-up-from-down-under-in-2025-re-investigating-australian-attitudes-to-national-space-activities
7 days to go. From tariffs to AI, global conflicts and shifting alliances — 2025 is defined by disruption.
What does this mean for US allies, businesses and governments?
Find out at SISF 2025.
Get your last minute tickets:
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
What does this mean for US allies, businesses and governments?
Find out at SISF 2025.
Get your last minute tickets:
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
September 10, 2025 at 12:25 AM
7 days to go. From tariffs to AI, global conflicts and shifting alliances — 2025 is defined by disruption.
What does this mean for US allies, businesses and governments?
Find out at SISF 2025.
Get your last minute tickets:
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
What does this mean for US allies, businesses and governments?
Find out at SISF 2025.
Get your last minute tickets:
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
Pandas capture hearts — and serve China’s foreign policy interests.
USSC's David Smith and Sydney Uni's Minglu Chen talk the enduring practice of “panda diplomacy.”
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-the-role-of-panda-diplomacy-in-international-relations
USSC's David Smith and Sydney Uni's Minglu Chen talk the enduring practice of “panda diplomacy.”
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-the-role-of-panda-diplomacy-in-international-relations
September 8, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Pandas capture hearts — and serve China’s foreign policy interests.
USSC's David Smith and Sydney Uni's Minglu Chen talk the enduring practice of “panda diplomacy.”
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-the-role-of-panda-diplomacy-in-international-relations
USSC's David Smith and Sydney Uni's Minglu Chen talk the enduring practice of “panda diplomacy.”
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-the-role-of-panda-diplomacy-in-international-relations
What does it take to run America’s intelligence community?
Avril Haines, former US Director of National Intelligence, brings her perspective on today’s complex security challenges to the 2025 Sydney International Strategy Forum.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
Avril Haines, former US Director of National Intelligence, brings her perspective on today’s complex security challenges to the 2025 Sydney International Strategy Forum.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
August 21, 2025 at 1:50 PM
What does it take to run America’s intelligence community?
Avril Haines, former US Director of National Intelligence, brings her perspective on today’s complex security challenges to the 2025 Sydney International Strategy Forum.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
Avril Haines, former US Director of National Intelligence, brings her perspective on today’s complex security challenges to the 2025 Sydney International Strategy Forum.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
Few have shaped US Indo-Pacific strategy like Kurt Campbell — architect of the “Pivot to Asia,” key driver of AUKUS, and former US Deputy Secretary of State.
Hear his insights at the 2025 Sydney International Strategy Forum.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
Hear his insights at the 2025 Sydney International Strategy Forum.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
August 19, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Few have shaped US Indo-Pacific strategy like Kurt Campbell — architect of the “Pivot to Asia,” key driver of AUKUS, and former US Deputy Secretary of State.
Hear his insights at the 2025 Sydney International Strategy Forum.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
Hear his insights at the 2025 Sydney International Strategy Forum.
https://www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-international-strategy-forum-2025
Coverage of the Epstein saga often stops at the headlines. But what’s the legal reality?
Media and defamation law expert Harry Melkonian talks the DOJ’s handling, Maxwell's appeal, and more.
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-a-legal-look-at-epstein
Media and defamation law expert Harry Melkonian talks the DOJ’s handling, Maxwell's appeal, and more.
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-a-legal-look-at-epstein
August 19, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Coverage of the Epstein saga often stops at the headlines. But what’s the legal reality?
Media and defamation law expert Harry Melkonian talks the DOJ’s handling, Maxwell's appeal, and more.
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-a-legal-look-at-epstein
Media and defamation law expert Harry Melkonian talks the DOJ’s handling, Maxwell's appeal, and more.
Listen: https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/ussc-briefing-room-a-legal-look-at-epstein
Only a small share of adults in Australia are receiving AI training.
Trump’s AI Action Plan highlights why skills — alongside chips, energy and talent — are critical for competitiveness.
Our experts explain the plan.
Read: https://www.ussc.edu.au/build-baby-build-america-s-ai-action-plan
Trump’s AI Action Plan highlights why skills — alongside chips, energy and talent — are critical for competitiveness.
Our experts explain the plan.
Read: https://www.ussc.edu.au/build-baby-build-america-s-ai-action-plan
August 15, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Only a small share of adults in Australia are receiving AI training.
Trump’s AI Action Plan highlights why skills — alongside chips, energy and talent — are critical for competitiveness.
Our experts explain the plan.
Read: https://www.ussc.edu.au/build-baby-build-america-s-ai-action-plan
Trump’s AI Action Plan highlights why skills — alongside chips, energy and talent — are critical for competitiveness.
Our experts explain the plan.
Read: https://www.ussc.edu.au/build-baby-build-america-s-ai-action-plan
Our Sydney International Strategy Forum lineup just got even stronger.
Hear from world-leading thinkers shaping the global agenda.
Secure tickets: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
Hear from world-leading thinkers shaping the global agenda.
Secure tickets: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
August 12, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Our Sydney International Strategy Forum lineup just got even stronger.
Hear from world-leading thinkers shaping the global agenda.
Secure tickets: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
Hear from world-leading thinkers shaping the global agenda.
Secure tickets: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
What’s really driving the US AI Action Plan?
Trump says America will win the AI race — but how much of this plan is about competing with China? What’s in it and what’s missing?
We break it down on the last episode of the Briefing Room.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
Trump says America will win the AI race — but how much of this plan is about competing with China? What’s in it and what’s missing?
We break it down on the last episode of the Briefing Room.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
August 6, 2025 at 10:26 PM
What’s really driving the US AI Action Plan?
Trump says America will win the AI race — but how much of this plan is about competing with China? What’s in it and what’s missing?
We break it down on the last episode of the Briefing Room.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
Trump says America will win the AI race — but how much of this plan is about competing with China? What’s in it and what’s missing?
We break it down on the last episode of the Briefing Room.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
What’s inside Trump’s major legislative package — and how did Republicans navigate narrow majorities to pass it?
Leading government relations expert Lester Munson joins us to unpack the politics and process behind the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
Leading government relations expert Lester Munson joins us to unpack the politics and process behind the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
August 1, 2025 at 5:28 AM
What’s inside Trump’s major legislative package — and how did Republicans navigate narrow majorities to pass it?
Leading government relations expert Lester Munson joins us to unpack the politics and process behind the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
Leading government relations expert Lester Munson joins us to unpack the politics and process behind the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
Australia 🇦🇺 and Japan 🇯🇵 face rising economic security threats — from energy and tech to supply chains and trade.
Our latest report outlines how they can lead together through shared action and strategy.
Read: www.ussc.edu.au/developing-a...
Our latest report outlines how they can lead together through shared action and strategy.
Read: www.ussc.edu.au/developing-a...
July 28, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Australia 🇦🇺 and Japan 🇯🇵 face rising economic security threats — from energy and tech to supply chains and trade.
Our latest report outlines how they can lead together through shared action and strategy.
Read: www.ussc.edu.au/developing-a...
Our latest report outlines how they can lead together through shared action and strategy.
Read: www.ussc.edu.au/developing-a...
From The Matrix to The Fall Guy, Australia has long been a hub for US film production.
With Trump's proposed 100% tariff on films made overseas, what’s at stake for the industry?
@sydney.edu.au's Mike Seymour joined us on the pod to break it down.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
With Trump's proposed 100% tariff on films made overseas, what’s at stake for the industry?
@sydney.edu.au's Mike Seymour joined us on the pod to break it down.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
July 27, 2025 at 9:59 PM
From The Matrix to The Fall Guy, Australia has long been a hub for US film production.
With Trump's proposed 100% tariff on films made overseas, what’s at stake for the industry?
@sydney.edu.au's Mike Seymour joined us on the pod to break it down.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
With Trump's proposed 100% tariff on films made overseas, what’s at stake for the industry?
@sydney.edu.au's Mike Seymour joined us on the pod to break it down.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
What does US military strategy in the Indo-Pacific look like in a world of great power competition?
Hear it from the source.
General David Berger, former Marine Corps Commandant and architect of Force Design 2030, is joining us at SISF.
Secure tickets: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
Hear it from the source.
General David Berger, former Marine Corps Commandant and architect of Force Design 2030, is joining us at SISF.
Secure tickets: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
July 14, 2025 at 10:52 PM
What does US military strategy in the Indo-Pacific look like in a world of great power competition?
Hear it from the source.
General David Berger, former Marine Corps Commandant and architect of Force Design 2030, is joining us at SISF.
Secure tickets: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
Hear it from the source.
General David Berger, former Marine Corps Commandant and architect of Force Design 2030, is joining us at SISF.
Secure tickets: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
The Australia-US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) turns 20 this year.
As global trade shifts from liberalisation to security, where does the trade relationship stand? USSC's Tom Barrett unpacks the past, present and future of it.
Read: www.ussc.edu.au/ausfta-at-20...
As global trade shifts from liberalisation to security, where does the trade relationship stand? USSC's Tom Barrett unpacks the past, present and future of it.
Read: www.ussc.edu.au/ausfta-at-20...
July 14, 2025 at 4:24 AM
The Australia-US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) turns 20 this year.
As global trade shifts from liberalisation to security, where does the trade relationship stand? USSC's Tom Barrett unpacks the past, present and future of it.
Read: www.ussc.edu.au/ausfta-at-20...
As global trade shifts from liberalisation to security, where does the trade relationship stand? USSC's Tom Barrett unpacks the past, present and future of it.
Read: www.ussc.edu.au/ausfta-at-20...
What’s next for AUKUS under Trump?
Former Pentagon Chief of Staff Kelly Magsamen joined us on the pod to discuss the upcoming AUKUS review, defence spending shifts and how Australia fits into Trump’s “Golden Dome” vision.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
Former Pentagon Chief of Staff Kelly Magsamen joined us on the pod to discuss the upcoming AUKUS review, defence spending shifts and how Australia fits into Trump’s “Golden Dome” vision.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
July 10, 2025 at 10:08 PM
What’s next for AUKUS under Trump?
Former Pentagon Chief of Staff Kelly Magsamen joined us on the pod to discuss the upcoming AUKUS review, defence spending shifts and how Australia fits into Trump’s “Golden Dome” vision.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
Former Pentagon Chief of Staff Kelly Magsamen joined us on the pod to discuss the upcoming AUKUS review, defence spending shifts and how Australia fits into Trump’s “Golden Dome” vision.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
Where did Trump’s love of tariffs come from — and what do they actually achieve?
In Ep. 3 of the Unpacking Trump 2.0 series, USSC’s Dr John Kunkel unpacks Trump’s tariff strategy and how it will reshape trade dynamics.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
In Ep. 3 of the Unpacking Trump 2.0 series, USSC’s Dr John Kunkel unpacks Trump’s tariff strategy and how it will reshape trade dynamics.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
July 2, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Where did Trump’s love of tariffs come from — and what do they actually achieve?
In Ep. 3 of the Unpacking Trump 2.0 series, USSC’s Dr John Kunkel unpacks Trump’s tariff strategy and how it will reshape trade dynamics.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
In Ep. 3 of the Unpacking Trump 2.0 series, USSC’s Dr John Kunkel unpacks Trump’s tariff strategy and how it will reshape trade dynamics.
Listen: www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/uss...
From Washington to Canberra and Tokyo, disruption is defining 2025. Be in the room with global experts as they unpack what it means for US allies, the Indo-Pacific, and the future of security.
Secure your ticket now: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
Secure your ticket now: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
June 30, 2025 at 5:26 AM
From Washington to Canberra and Tokyo, disruption is defining 2025. Be in the room with global experts as they unpack what it means for US allies, the Indo-Pacific, and the future of security.
Secure your ticket now: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
Secure your ticket now: www.ussc.edu.au/sydney-inter...
Trump’s second term has seen executive power become more centralised — but key players still shape US foreign policy behind the scenes.
Here’s who’s influencing strategy — and what Australians need to know about them: www.ussc.edu.au/key-players-...
Here’s who’s influencing strategy — and what Australians need to know about them: www.ussc.edu.au/key-players-...
June 30, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Trump’s second term has seen executive power become more centralised — but key players still shape US foreign policy behind the scenes.
Here’s who’s influencing strategy — and what Australians need to know about them: www.ussc.edu.au/key-players-...
Here’s who’s influencing strategy — and what Australians need to know about them: www.ussc.edu.au/key-players-...