From the Quad Principles on Critical and Emerging Technology to AUKUS Pillar II, technology is increasingly seen as an issue of national security and it is playing a larger role than ever in US alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

What is driving this technological cooperation? What can allies and partners gain by working together? What’s next on the tech agenda for the alliance?

USSC Non-Resident Fellow Jennifer Jackett joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on the USSC Briefing Room to discuss these issues.

Publications by Jennifer Jackett:

· Laying the foundations for AUKUS: Strengthening Australia’s high-tech ecosystem in support of advanced capabilities

· Delivering the Quad’s tech agenda

· Defence review highlights urgency of tech reset

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist David Sanger was one of the few journalists selected to ask President Biden a question in his press conference following the NATO Summit in Washington DC and has reported on Washington during the last seven US presidential administrations. His latest book, New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Defend the West, considers America’s global position in this pivotal time.

What might the 2024 election mean for global powers? What is the future of US-China relations? How is conflict playing out differently for US allies in Europe compared to in Asia? What should Australians be watching for in 2024?

To explore these questions, USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein sat down with NYT’s David Sanger to dive into the central argument of his latest book, and what the 2024 US presidential election could mean for US allies and partners around the world.

David also sat down with USSC CEO Dr Michael Green during his visit for a public event discussing his new book. Watch the full event.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

This year, India held the largest democratic exercise in the world as 643 million people voted in their election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi won his third election, however, his party, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), could not secure a majority in the Parliament, leading to the formation of a coalition government. The opposition secured enough seats to have a leader of the opposition for the first time in a decade, setting up a more contested framework for Prime Minister Modi to govern.

What do these electoral shifts signify about political trends in India? What emerging challenges will Prime Minister Modi face in the term ahead? How will these changes in India impact Australia and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region?

To discuss these issues, USSC 2024 Maitri Fellow Riya Sinha joined Director of Research Jared Mondschein on the podcast a few weeks ago. Sinha’s fellowship is supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She is also an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) in New Dehli.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Within a week of President Biden announcing he is ending his candidacy for a second term, Vice President Kamala Harris secured scores of endorsements, set fundraising records and secured enough delegates to become the presumptive nominee.

How would a Harris administration be different from the Biden administration? Who’s on Harris’ VP short list? Does Harris stand a chance against former president Trump?

To discuss these questions, USSC Non-Resident Fellow Victoria Cooper welcomed DC insiders and USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellows Bruce Wolpe and Lester Munson on the podcast. Bruce worked with Democrats in Congress during President Obama’s first term and Lester served in senior positions on the Hill, most recently as Staff Director of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Former president Donald Trump narrowly avoided death when a bullet grazed his ear at a campaign rally on 13 July. The images of him rising, holding his fist high and chanting “Fight!” while blood streamed down his face instantly became iconic.

Donald Trump has been called a ‘strongman’ throughout his political career, how does this assassination attempt shape the mythology around him? What cultural factors contribute to his persona and perception at home and abroad? How could this change in his standing influence perceptions of him for the rest of the election?

USSC Non-Resident Fellow Dr Yancey Orr joined Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck to discuss these questions from a cultural perspective.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

Last week, NATO leaders gathered in Washington DC for their annual summit, this year celebrating the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. However, much of Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg’s final summit was overshadowed by scrutiny of President Biden and then quickly followed by the assassination attempt on former president Trump and the announcement of his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

What was the main objective for NATO at this summit and was it achieved? Did competing for attention with President Biden and former president Trump hinder those objectives? What does the announcement of Senator JD Vance, one of the most prominent voices against aid for Ukraine mean for the future of NATO under a second Trump administration?

To discuss these issues, we welcomed USSC Senior Lecturer in US Politics and Foreign Policy Dr Gorana Grgic back on the podcast for a conversation with USSC Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck. Dr Grgic attended the NATO Summit again this year and offered her perspective on the experience in the room as the eyes of the world were on DC.

Recommended reading and listening:

• USSC Briefing Room | Inside the NATO Vilnius Summit with Dr Gorana Grgic and Mari Koeck
• ‘I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine’: what a JD Vance vice presidency could mean for the world by Ava Kalinauskas and Samuel Garrett
• Red Book | Blue Book 2024: A guide to the next US administration by various
• Redefining NATO’s Indo-Pacific partnerships: cooperative security meets collective defence and deterrence by Dr Gorana Grgic

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat

The US Supreme Court handed down their ruling in former president Trump’s immunity case and it granted far broader immunity than most experts anticipated.

Why was the ruling so expansive? What does this mean for Trump’s criminal trials? How will this change the presidency going forward?

To discuss these issues, we welcomed Chas Licciardello from ABC’s Planet America back on the podcast to follow up on his initial discussion with USSC Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck.

Read the full Supreme Court ruling.

If you can’t get enough of US politics, in addition to Planet America, check out Chas’ Planet Extra Podcast with Chas and Dr Dave, featuring Chas in conversation with USSC Associate Prof. David Smith each week: YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, Google and Stitcher.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

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President Biden’s approval rating is at an all-time low and the number of “double haters” who want neither candidate is at an all-time high. The US system is driving the selection of candidates further and further away from the mainstream. Campaign financing contributes to this.

How did Trump and Biden become their party’s nominee with so little public support? What systems contribute to the polarisation of politics? Could campaign finance reform lead to candidates with a broader appeal?

USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein spoke with Prof. Raymond La Raja, Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amhurst, about his research into campaign finance reform.

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Produced by: Elliott Brennan

Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat