Episodes
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The Indian Ocean Region brims with economic promise, yet it faces growing challenges — from inadequate infrastructure to fierce geoeconomic competition. As China deepens its presence through the Belt and Road Initiative, Australia and India are poised to offer a resilient and strategic alternative.
This event featured inaugural Maitri Fellow Riya Sinha in conversation with USSC Economic Security Director Hayley Channer, discussing opportunities for India and Australia to collaborate on Indian Ocean port linkages, supply chains and sustainable development.
They discussed practical ways to create a competitive edge that not only advances each country’s interests but also benefits the broader regional landscape.
Riya Sinha's Maitri Fellowship is generously supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR).
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The 2024 presidential race is already emerging as one of the most important elections of our generation, and could shape Australia’s foreign policy for years to come. So what can we expect?
On 24 October 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted an exclusive event in partnership with The Sydney Morning Herald. SMH editor Bevan Shields, political and international editor Peter Hartcher and columnist and senior writer Jacqueline Maley were joined by USSC experts, Chief Executive Officer Dr Michael Green, who previously served on the National Security Council at the White House from 2001 to 2005, and Director of Research Jared Mondschein.
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We are increasingly living our lives in cyberspace — from global banking and financial transactions, to managing critical infrastructure and supply chains, to social media. With more government, business and public interactions happening online, coupled with concentrated strategic competition, there are more nefarious state-backed and rogue cyber actors seeking to take advantage of this.
What could cyber and national security policy look like under a first Harris administration or second Trump administration and what could this mean for the region? What implications do the major cyber incidents of the last two years — from the Russia–Ukraine conflict to the Volt Typhoon campaign — have for countries around the world and for Australian businesses? How has US cyber, intelligence and technology policy evolved?
The USSC held an event featuring Admiral (ret) Mike Rogers, a senior US expert on cybersecurity and geopolitics. Admiral Rogers is the former Director of the US National Security Agency and former Commander of US Cyber Command. Admiral Rogers brings deep knowledge and experience, having served both President Obama and President Trump in shaping US cyber, intelligence and technology policy between 2014 and 2018.
Admiral Rogers was joined by John Barron, renowned ABC journalist and co-host of Planet America.
The discussion considered how to tackle some of the most pressing cyber and national security challenges of our time.
This event was run in collaboration with CyberCX.
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An eye-opening exploration of the intersection between folk music and political activism, writer and historian Aaron J. Leonard dived into the lives of some of the 20th century’s most influential folk singers—Woody Guthrie, ‘Sis Cunningham, Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, and Burl Ives—and their contentious relationship with the US government. These artists weren’t just cultural icons, but also outspoken political activists, closely monitored by the FBI and targeted for their associations with the US Communist Party.
Through rare video clips, news clippings, and declassified files obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, Leonard uncovered the intense surveillance and suppression these artists faced.
Aaron J. Leonard, author of Heavy Radicals: The Secret War on America’s Maoists and The Folk Singers and the Bureau, brought these stories to life in a compelling presentation. The event concluded with a conversation led by Associate Professor Charles Fairchild (Sydney Conservatorium of Music), giving participants the chance to engage directly with these powerful narratives.
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The United States Studies Centre held a discussion hosted by Lecturer in American Studies and political scientist, Dr Kathryn Robison. This webinar featured a panel of leading experts who shared their knowledge and perspectives on critical aspects of the US election for use in the classroom and beyond.
Topics discussed:
How the Electoral College works
Featuring: Dr Kathryn Robison and Professor Brendon O’Connor
The intricacies of the Electoral College and its crucial role in American elections.The Impact of the US Election in Australia and the Indo-Pacific
Featuring: Dr Kathryn Robison and USSC CEO, Dr Michael Green
How the 2024 US Election will shape political dynamics in Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.Public opinion and polling
Featuring: Dr Kathryn Robison and Associate Professor David Smith
The essential role of public opinion and polling in influencing electoral strategies.The event was attended by high school teachers, educators, and anyone keen to deepen their understanding of the US election process. Attendees received a resource sheet aimed at high school students and teachers.
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On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
The final session featured opening remarks by Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, followed by a panel discussion moderator by Professor Peter Dean, Director, Foreign Policy and Defence, United States Studies Centre, with panellists Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; =Yasuo Takamura, Cabinet Councillor, National Security Secretariat, Government of Japan
Senator Dave Sharma, Senator for New South Wales; and Dr Elizabeth Economy, Hargrove Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University. -
On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
In session 8, opening remarks were provided by Dr Daniel Yergin, Vice-Chairman of S&P Global (by video-link) with further remarks given by Paul Everingham, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association. Then followed a panel discussion moderated by Matthew Warren, Principal, Boardroom Energy, and featuring Tania Constable PSM, Chief Executive Officer, Minerals Council of Australia; Meg McDonald, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, United States Studies Centre and Member of the NSW Net Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board; and Paul Everingham, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association.
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On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives, and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
In session 7, opening remarks were provided by Emily Kilcrease, Senior Fellow and Director of the Energy, Economics and Security Program, Center for a New American Security. Further remarks were given by Mike Yeh, Regional Vice President, Corporate External and Legal Affairs, Microsoft Asia. Then followed a panel discussion, moderated by Helen Mitchell, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre; Professor Kazuto Suzuki, Director, Economic Security, Institute of Geoeconomics at the International House of Japan and Professor of Science and Technology Policy, Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo; and Emily Kilcrease, Senior Fellow and Director of the Energy, Economics and Security Program, Center for a New American Security
Mike Yeh, Regional Vice President, Corporate External and Legal Affairs, Microsoft Asia. -
On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
The conference dinner featured a discussion between Andrew Shearer, Director-General, Office of National Intelligence; Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources; and David Fredericks PSM, Secretary, Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. The discussion was moderated by Dr Michael Green, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Studies Centre. Welcome remarks were provided by Mark Baillie, Chairman of the United States Studies Centre.
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On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
Session 6 was delivered in four parts:
A keynote address by The Honourable Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (by video-link);An address on "A view from East Asia" by Professor Myung-hee Yoo, Visiting Professor at the Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University and former Minister for Trade, Republic of Korea;A panel discussion moderated by Dr John Kunkel, Senior Economics Adviser at the United States Studies Centre. with expert comments from George Mina, Deputy Secretary, Trade and Investment Group, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Alan Beattie, Senior Trade Writer, Financial Times; and Professor Myung-hee Yoo, Visiting Professor at the Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University and former Minister for Trade, Republic of Korea; andAn address on "Europe’s economic security strategy: A view from Brussels" by Denis Redonnet, Deputy Director-General and Chief Trade Enforcement Officer, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission (by video link). -
On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
Session 5 featured a keynote address from Tadashi Maeda, Chairman of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, followed by a discussion between Tadashi Maeda and Dr Michael Green, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Studies Centre.
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On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
Session 4 was moderated by The Honourable Arthur Sinodinos AO, Partner at The Asia Group and former Australian Ambassador to the United States, and featured panellists Ziad Haider, Global Director of Geopolitical Risk, McKinsey & Company; Dr Sally Auld, Chief Investment Officer, JBWere; and Neville Power, Chairman of Future Battery Minerals, Deputy Chairman of Strike Energy and former Chair of the Australian Government’s National COVID-19 Coordination Commission.
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On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
A keynote address was provided by Dr Steven Kennedy PSM, Secretary to the Australian Treasury.
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On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
Session 3 featured a keynote address by Dr Elizabeth Economy, Hargrove Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University. A panel discussion followed, moderated by Dr John Kunkel, Senior Economics Adviser at the United States Studies Centre, and featuring experts Richard McGregor, Senior Fellow for East Asia, Lowy Institute and Dr Elizabeth Economy, Hargrove Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University.
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On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
Session 2's opening remarks were provided by Professor Kazuto Suzuki, Director, Economic Security, Institute of Geoeconomics at the International House of Japan and Professor of Science and Technology Policy, Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Hayley Channer, Director of the Economic Security Program at the United States Studies Centre, and featuring Dr Yunjong Wang, Deputy National Security Advisor for Economic and Cyber Security in the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea; Jonathan Fritz, Chief of Staff to the Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, US Department of State; and Professor Kazuto Suzuki, Director, Economic Security, Institute of Geoeconomics at the International House of Japan and Professor of Science and Technology Policy, Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo.
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On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
In session 1, Alan Beattie, Senior Trade Writer for the Financial Times delivered a keynote address. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr Michael Green, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Studies Centre, and featuring Ziad Haider, Global Director of Geopolitical Risk, McKinsey & Company; Emily Kilcrease, Senior Fellow and Director of the Energy, Economics and Security Program, Center for a New American Security; and Alan Beattie, Senior Trade Writer, Financial Times.
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On 19 and 20 June 2024, the United States Studies Centre hosted a major international conference in Sydney spotlighting the search for “economic security in a turbulent world”. Over a day and a half, the conference brought together leading policymakers, business executives, and independent experts from around the world to discuss arguably the defining economic policy debate of our age – how to reconcile security and prosperity in an era of strategic competition and economic interdependence.
USSC CEO Dr Michael Green provided welcoming remarks for the conference. Gina Raimondo, US Secretary of Commerce, then provided remarks via video.
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The United States Studies Centre launched the latest edition of the USSC’s annual public opinion polling. The 2024 Allies and Partners Poll by USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein and Research Associates Samuel Garrett and Ava Kalinauskas reveals that despite uncertainties about the US presidential election, the publics of Australia, the United States and Japan are converging in their views of alliances and China.
Do Australians believe their alliance with the United States should continue if Donald Trump is re-elected? How would all three countries react to an invasion of Taiwan? Is support for AUKUS growing or in decline?
The event featured two panel discussions with USSC experts dissecting the latest public opinion findings from Australia, the United States and Japan ahead of a historic election.
1. How do Australia, the United States and Japan think about the future of alliance cooperation, economic security and AUKUS?
Dr Michael Green, Chief Executive OfficerProfessor Peter Dean, Director of Foreign Policy and DefenceHayley Channer, Director of Economic SecurityJared Mondschein, Director of Research2. How do Australia, the United States and Japan think about the future of US democracy and a second Trump presidency?
Bruce Wolpe, Non-Resident Senior FellowBarbara Comstock, Non-Resident Senior FellowProfessor Benjamin Reilly, Non-Resident Senior FellowMari Koeck, Director of Engagement & Impact -
On the eve of its February 2022 invasion, Russia conducted a massive cyber attack on Ukraine’s satellite communications that not only downed services in Ukraine, but the spill-over effects were also felt all across Europe. Two-and-a-half years later, what many saw as the first true cyber war in world history is now also characterised by disinformation warfare.
At last month’s NATO’s Washington Summit, the allies doubled-down on a commitment to engage and work with partners in the Indo-Pacific, particularly on cyber defence, countering disinformation, and technology.
What lessons can we learn about cyber threats and the role of technological innovation from the war in Ukraine? What do these trends tell us about cyber threats and opportunities in the future? How can NATO and partners in the Indo-Pacific apply these lessons in the ongoing technological race against potential adversaries and strategic competitors?
To discuss these issues, the USSC hosted a public forum featuring NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber James Appathurai in conversation with Dr Michael Green.
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The USSC hosted historians Frances Clarke, Michael Green, Michael McDonnell, and Kathryn Schumaker of the University of Sydney and the United States Centre for a lively discussion of Associate Professor Frances Clarke’s award-winning book, Of Age: Boy Soldiers and the American Civil War (Oxford University Press, 2024).
Roughly ten per cent of all soldiers in the American Civil War were underaged. As Clarke and her co-author Rebecca Jo Plant reveal in Of Age, these boys and young men not only contributed vitally to the Union Army, but they also challenged the scope of American federal authority. As boys ran off to join the war effort, their parents often sought to bring them back home. The point at which a father’s authority ended and the United States Government’s began became the subject of intense conflicts over the meanings of childhood, parental rights, and state power in America.
For Of Age, Clarke and Plant received the prestigious 2024 Lincoln Prize, awarded by the Gilder Lehrman Center for the best book on the Civil War, and the Grace Abbott Prize, awarded by the Society for the History of Children and Youth for the best English-language book on the history of children, childhood or youth published in 2023.
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