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Emma Shortis

@emmashortis.bsky.social
5.8K followers 777 following 324 posts

Director, International and Security Affairs at @australiainstitute.org.au. All things Australian foreign policy and US history & politics.

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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 5h
It’s somehow even worse than I thought!
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 10h
Note it’s dated October 9, but as far as I can tell it was posted today.
foreignminister.gov.au
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 10h
Apparently we exist in a timezone three days behind the rest of the world
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 11h
Interestingly, Australia has now appeared on that joint statement, and the release looks to me like it has been backdated. ABC is reporting the delay was due to “timezones”. Lol.
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 13h
Why is the Australian government unprepared to “back its own values” with Trump's America? Journalist Ben Doherty joins @emmashortis.bsky.social to discuss the Trump administration’s sanctions on the International Criminal Court & the US military footprint in Australia. #auspol 🎧 theaus.in/4rZfZjk
Photo of Anthony Albanese speaking at the United Nations General Assembly
NEW EPISODE | Australian government unprepared to “back its own values” with Trump’s America
Listen to After America now via the link or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
I don’t think the gov was that strong? The dept responded to a specific question, basically saying Australians shouldn’t have to see it, not that the act itself should be condemned. And that’s certainly not in line with the gov’s own stated policy or its statements in response to other regimes.
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
“Australia opposes the death penalty in all circumstances for all people.”* *Except, apparently, when Pete Hegseth wants to put it on the telly.
Senator Penny Wong tweet from May 2023:

“Australia condemns Iran’s barbaric abuses of human rights and reaffirms its call on Iran to immediately cease all executions.

Australia opposes the death penalty in all circumstances for all people.

We will continue to work with partners to hold Iran to account.”
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
The very same!
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Once again, Australia goes missing.
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The Point @thepointau.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
"Things are not normal! But you knew that already. This week, Trump thinks it’s fine if Iran “takes out” San Diego or Los Angeles. And despite his historic unpopularity, he’s “doing great”. And on we go" writes @emmashortis.bsky.social Read the full piece on The Point: sbrew.link/jDI4QtZ4
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 06/10/2026
While miles apart in their responses to the Trump administration, Canada & Australia are in lock-step on expanding fossil fuel production. Senator for Québec Rosa Galvez joins @emmashortis.bsky.social to discuss shared challenges & common failures in Australia & Canada. 🎧 theaus.in/3VRTBfQ
Photo of Canadian PM Mark Carney & Australian PM Anthony Albanese
NEW EPISODE | Shared challenges, shared failures: Canada and Australia aren’t meeting the moment
Listen to After America now via the link or wherever you get your podcasts
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6 News Australia @6newsau.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
#BREAKING 🚨 NSW senator David Shoebridge has been elected the new leader of the Greens, following the resignation of Larissa Waters Shoebridge ran on a joint ticket with Victorian senator Steph Hodgins-May as his deputy
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Another day, another threat to commit genocide from our most important security ally. But whaddaya gonna do 🤷‍♀️
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Melbourne mates! I am hosting a conversation with the delightful Allan Behm about his new book at AIIA Vic this evening. I have some comp tickets available - please DM me (students/people under 80 especially encouraged!)
aiiavic.glueup.com
New Game, New Rules: A Foreign Policy for Dystopian Times | Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria
The Old Order is fading.What should Australia build next?Wars rage, great powers flout international law, alliances are under strain and economic nationalism is back. In New Game, New Rules: A Foreig...
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Proud to be here representing @australiainstitute.org.au at the Red Lines Package launch - a suite of legislation that would draw red lines around Australian complicity in genocide, war crimes and illegal settlements. www.redlinespackage.com.au
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Proud to be here representing @australiainstitute.org.au at the Red Lines Package launch - a suite of legislation that would draw red lines around Australian complicity in genocide, war crimes and illegal settlements. www.redlinespackage.com.au
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 15/09/2026
Tuvalu's Climate Minister, Dr Maina Vakafua Talia, is delivering a sobering address at the Climate Integrity Summit. Tuvalu is on the front line of the climate crisis. "Transitioning away from fossil fuels is more urgent than ever." Follow along here: #ClimateIntegritySummit26
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I’m really proud of this episode - Richard Tanter has done some outstanding research on the extent of the US military footprint in Aus, and as he says, it’s pretty shocking. All of his research is publicly available too:
ausbases.au
Australian defence facilities and US access
Public evidence and analysis of US access to Australian defence and intelligence facilities.
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
(Yes, I am prepping for a radio interview)
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I tend to avoid maths, but $5k per adult, when a quick search tells me the adult population of the US is just under 270 million is…well over one trillion dollars?
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 08/09/2026
"Pathetic..." Allan Behm on the Australian government's public response to Trump administration's attacks on the International Criminal Court. "It is a fundamental assault on a really important part of the international rules-based order," he tells @emmashortis.bsky.social. 🎧 theaus.in/4i8e3lP
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 08/09/2026
Nine nuclear states are holding the rest of the world “hostage to annihilation”, but the Australian government is yet to act on a global ban. @nuclearban.bsky.social's Melissa Parke joins @emmashortis.bsky.social to discuss the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. 🎧 theaus.in/3Vhc7xS
Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump speaking at the White House
NEW EPISODE | “Part of the problem”: why Australia, US haven’t joined nuclear weapons ban treaty
Listen to After America now via the link or wherever you get your podcasts.
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 08/09/2026
“It doesn't matter what you do, doesn't matter how much you give him. [Trump] will not defend those bases.” The moment Senator David Shoebridge quoted our own Dr Emma Shortis on the Senate floor! #auspol @emmashortis.bsky.social @davidshoebridge.bsky.social
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
“We cannot remain silent while Palestinian children are being starved, maimed and killed by the actions of Israeli authorities and military forces”.
deepcutnews.com
500+ health professionals defy AHPRA in open letter on Gaza
Nobel laureate among signatories who declare that silence on the slaughter of Palestinian children is a "failure of our ethical obligations”
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Senator David Shoebridge @davidshoebridge.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
It’s been one of those “End AUKUS” kind of weeks! thepoint.com.au/new/260904-s...
thepoint.com.au
Shoebridge slams AUKUS, says it is ‘inviting war’ onto Australian soil
The AUKUS security agreement is an extraordinary and deep betrayal of Australia’s national interests and will invite the frontline of the next great war onto our doorstep, an independent inquiry into ...
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Rishika Pardikar @rishpardikar.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Australia approving coal projects while discussing climate at the Pacific Islands Forum and with only two months to go until it co-hosts COP31
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Screenshot of intercept article: THE U.S. HAS KILLED 227 CIVILIANS IN BOAT STRIKES DURING “A YEAR OF MURDERS”
“The boat strikes are, perhaps, the most stark testament to the lawlessness of the Trump administration.”Pic of Richard Marles standing next to Pete Hegseth. Hegseth is giving the thumbs up.
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 02/09/2026
"I think that we hide behind the ANZUS treaty as a way of not thinking through what the real relationship is & what drives it." Allan Behm & @emmashortis.bsky.social on 75 years of ANZUS & the state of the Australia-US relationship. Hear more on After America 🎧➡️ theaus.in/4i8e3lP
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 25/08/2026
Is Trump spiralling? "Let's just say there there weren't nearly as many George Washington & Trump AI pictures before I left..." Chas Licciardello from @pepchasdrdave.bsky.social joins @emmashortis.bsky.social on the latest episode of After America. 🎧 theaus.in/46iQQWT
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 25/08/2026
What might the midterms mean for an historically unpopular president? Chas Licciardello from @pepchasdrdave.bsky.social joins @emmashortis.bsky.social to discuss the latest from the midterm primaries & the “civil war” between democratic socialists & establishment Democrats. 🎧 theaus.in/46iQQWT
Photo of Donald Trump speaking at a lectern
NEW EPISODE | Will the midterms be NOT NORMAL? with Chas Licciardello
Listen to After America now via the link or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
TFW you can’t even muster up a strongly worded statement
abc.net.au
Australian officials warn of US's 'destructive' move to 'dismantle' ICC
There are real concerns within the Australian government about what US President Donald Trump is doing in regards to sanctioning the International Criminal Court, government sources tell the ABC.
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Always!
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Angus Blackman @angusrb.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
These fucken guys, amirite @emmashortis.bsky.social?
youtu.be
Australia's security policy is "a joke"
YouTube video by The Australia Institute
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 20/08/2026
Australian foreign & security policy "is based on the assumption that these guys, who are treating their own servicepeople like this, are gonna keep us safe." "That's a joke." @emmashortis.bsky.social on US Defense leadership amid reports of dire conditions on the USS Lincoln. 🎧 theaus.in/4xEjqxI
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
As the Australian government continues to shield itself with words, here’s Chris Sidoti on what Australia could be doing in the face of Israel’s assault on Palestinians and the rule of law.
youtu.be
Australia's Gaza hypocrisy
YouTube video by The Australia Institute
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Thank you so much Bella, that’s really lovely!
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Our little show is creeping up those rankings!
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Uncommon Sense 3RRR FM @uncommonsenseradio.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Join @amymullins.bsky.social on @3rrrfm.bsky.social from 9am til noon & subscribe this #Radiothon! With Stolen Moments’ @modalbailey.bsky.social; fmr 3RRR hosts & Coodabeens Simon Whelan & Greg Champion; US politics regular @emmashortis.bsky.social; fmr MP @fionapatten.bsky.social; poet Gregory Day!
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
We spoke in detail about the fundamental flaw at the heart of Australian defence policy on After America this week.
australiainstitute.org.au
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
So because Trump will eventually go away, we should just…not worry about it? And potentially damage relationships with the rest of the US in the process? Seems kinda risky. FWIW, I explain in more detail here:
australiainstitute.org.au
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I didn’t say anything about Aukus.
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The Point @thepointau.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
"She’s running. Is she running?! This week, we are deep into speculation about who will run for president in 2028 (assuming we make it that far)” writes @emmashortis.bsky.social Read the full piece on The Point: thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Your regular reminder that the whole of Australian foreign and security policy rests on the idea that these guys - *these guys* - will keep us safe
theguardian.com
USS Abraham Lincoln sailors tried to jump overboard amid extended deployment – reports
Aircraft carrier’s crew in ninth month at sea and has spent record 250 days consecutively without making land
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Angus Blackman @angusrb.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Important analysis from Chris Sidoti & @emmashortis.bsky.social about the many ways the Australian government could be doing better.
youtu.be
Australia's Gaza hypocrisy
YouTube video by The Australia Institute
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Moira Donegan @moiradonegan.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
She’s running lol
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 11/08/2026
"It's the United Nations as a whole that is being attacked by the Trump administration. "And that's a matter of grave concern for everyone everywhere." Human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti & @emmashortis.bsky.social on the Trump administration's attacks on the UN. 🎧 theaus.in/4cat5Uk
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
It’s that as part of the Aukus arrangements, US nuclear weapons might be stationed in or pass through Australia. That would be new, and contrary to both longstanding policy and treaty obligations under Raratonga.
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
As the Aukus public inquiry is underway in Sydney today, here’s @australiainstitute.org.au’s Allan Behm in @thepointau.bsky.social on the coming clash between Australia’s commitment to no nuclear weapons, and the fact that the new class of American Virginias will be nuclear weapons capable.
thepoint.com.au
SURF’s up, game’s up: AUKUS is between a rock and a hard place
It’s not often that Sarah Ferguson’s ABC current affairs program 7.30 can be compared with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, the new meme for everything. Odysseus navigated between a rock (Scylla) and ...
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The Australia Institute @australiainstitute.org.au · 04/08/2026
Fragile men in government & tech are supercharging misogyny in the US & beyond. @lrobinson.bsky.social joins @emmashortis.bsky.social to discuss the misogyny of the Trump administration, how Big Tech accelerates its spread & Linda's new book, 'Women in Power'. 🎧 theaus.in/45IlKHO
Photo of Donald Trump speaking to journalists on Air Force One
NEW EPISODE | “Quiet, piggy”: how the Trump administration projects misogyny abroad
Listen to After America now via the link or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Emma Shortis @emmashortis.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
On the theme of why men! My @thepointau.bsky.social column this week is mostly about men being embarrassing.
thepoint.com.au
Shorter America This Week: Red Scare, but make it more embarrassing; Same but for white supremacy; Oh my god these men (cont.)
It isn’t always easy to keep up with what’s happening in the US. “Shorter America” is a series where Dr Emma Shortis loops you in on what’s going on in America and shares news and analysis that you ca...
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