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United States Studies Centre

@usstudiescentre.bsky.social
209 followers 37 following 479 posts

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: ussc.edu.au/events

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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Can China price its rare earth rivals out of the market? New mines need secure demand to survive Chinese price cuts. Dr Naoise McDonagh unpacks the missing market → ussc.edu.au/the-missing-market-why-us-and-allies-rare-earth-derisking-needs-a-demand-side-strategy
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The Medicare AI breach raises a question: how quickly should companies be required to report AI incidents? USSC’s Olivia Shen makes the case for reporting requirements similar to those for critical infrastructure cyber incident. bit.ly/4hmQyn4
thenightly.com.au
‘Science fiction': Experts warn AI regulation ‘urgent'
Artificial intelligence regulation needs urgent action as Australia comes to terms with the first known AI agent to hack into a government website.
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Fewer than one in three Australians think their government has properly explained why the US alliance is needed. What does that mean for Washington’s new ambassador? USSC's Ava Kalinauskas unpacks it. ussc.edu.au/why-david-brat-the-new-us-ambassador-to-australia-has-a-big-in-tray
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Could lower fuel prices in America come at Australia’s expense? Trump’s proposed diesel export restrictions could affect Australia despite its minimal direct imports from the US. USSC's Robert Monterosso looks at what Washington’s next move could mean for Australia. bit.ly/4hp1eBs
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The reported Medicare incident is a reminder that AI security challenges are already here. USSC's Olivia Shen says governments need to address technical debt and strengthen vulnerable systems. Listen ↓ abc.net.au/listen/programs/abc-news-daily/how-openai-exposed-our-cyber-security-gaps/107191892
abc.net.au
How OpenAI exposed our cyber security gaps - ABC listen
The Australian government is grappling with how to safeguard sensitive data, after revelations an AI agent controlled by OpenAI accessed private Medicare statistics.   It took months for a breach to be identified and alerted to the highest levels of go...
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Former Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo on the future of the US–Australia alliance: forces could operate under their own national commands within “a true hard power alliance” — with substantive institutions, going beyond sentiment and romanticism. #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Former DFAT Secretary Peter Varghese AO on whether Australia needs an alternative to its US alliance strategy: international ruptures call for more than business as usual — “you’d be looking at least to make adjustments to plan A”. #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Drawing on USSC’s public engagement across Australia, Prof. Ben Reilly on support for the US alliance: “the more contact a jurisdiction has with Americans, American personnel… the more enthusiastic they are.” #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Doug Beck, former Director of the US Defense Innovation Unit, on the pace of progress from ethics to export controls: “we're a really long way to moving the speed that we need to”. #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Former US Federal Reserve Vice Chair Dr Lael Brainard says allies weighing trade options should factor in the likely political shift at the upcoming US election, though “it will not mean a return to the status quo ante”. #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
USSC's Olivia Shen on Australia’s reliance on frontier AI models: “access to frontier models may be restricted or indeed cut off”. She says this puts Australia in a bind when using the technology for critical national security applications. #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
USSC's Hayley Channer says the first step is acknowledging the problem facing the minerals industry: “But the problem is that there is absolutely no commercial value in digging up minerals and selling them.” #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Former US DepSec of State Dr Kurt Campbell on preparations for Trump–Xi meetings: “the amount of focus that normally goes into these meetings is unimaginable.” What’s fascinating about Busan, Beijing, and now the Washington meeting is, "they’re just winging it." #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The Asia Group's Bec Shrimpton on how closer cooperation could reshape partners’ relationship with the US: “as we do become more integrated, and form different groupings around different challenges, I think Trump might want to be able to be careful what he wishes for.” #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Randy Schriver on the US–Australia alliance: "I think it's incumbent upon the United States to continue to show ourselves as a good partner and an alliance partner, where we can help generate mutual benefit alongside our partners in Canberra." #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Prof. Nobukatsu Kanehara, former Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary to PM Shinzo Abe, on the West’s economic weight: "Importantly, the West, including Japan and Korea, is 50% of global GDP. We can still lead." #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Political scientist @sheenagreitens.bsky.social on China’s efforts to influence President Trump: "China’s strategy may be a bit more focused on trying to shape presidential thinking as the key mechanism of change and revolution." #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
USSC's Dr Lavina Lee on the CRINKs: "we have to look at what unites them what drives them and also the strategic effect of what they are already doing together." #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Host of ABC's Planet America Chas Licciardello on the future of US soft power: "I'm sure soft power is gonna make a good comeback 'cause that's an area where American can dominate for decades to come." #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
32nd Under Secretary of the US Navy Dr Janine Davidson on Trump, "MAGA is a tagline and a bumper sticker and Trump has owned it, but I also think there are underlying things that make people really mad." #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
USSC Chairman The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos on why he's optimistic about US politics, "the plot always seems to have a lot of twists and then right at the end something happens and things turn the corner & then suddenly... it's not actually as bad as we thought it was."
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Assoc. Prof. David Smith on Zohran Mamdani, "The particular brand of socialism that he practises is known as a long tradition in the US originates in Milwaukee it's called 'sewer socialism' & that is the focus on public amenities public safety & public infrastructure." #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Sydney International Strategy Forum 2026 is officially underway! USSC CEO Dr Michael Green started the day, reflecting on alliances: "We find ourselves now talking about an age of disorder but in times of turmoil times of hardship we need friends." #SISF2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
AUKUS is expensive. But what would it cost Australia to leave its maritime trade routes vulnerable? USSC's Dr Lavina Lee makes the case that the partnership is a strategic necessity. ussc.edu.au/aukus-isnt-a-mistake-its-a-strategic-necessity
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The AI boom is driving demand for new data centre infrastructure across Australia. USSC's Johanna Lim highlights the importance of early community engagement and transparency as new projects are proposed.
abc.net.au
Australian company Sharon AI buys former Visy paper mill site at Ettamogah
An AI company confirms it has purchased a large paper mill site in Ettamogah, north of Albury, but is yet to disclose why.
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
What makes an alliance endure — and what puts it at risk? The 2026 Sydney International Strategy Forum returns in just a week. See who's speaking and secure a ticket ↓ ussc.edu.au/sisf2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
If your data is stored in Australia, who really controls it? USSC's Olivia Shen explains why the answer is more complicated than you might think, for @aunz.theconversation.com.
theconversation.com
Data centres in Australia: your questions answered
From almost 350 questions, nine experts answer the most common ones you asked.
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
One proposed Sydney data centre could become Australia’s largest single electricity user if built to full capacity. USSC's Johanna Lim explains the scale of the infrastructure taking shape. ussc.edu.au/data-centres-have-existed-for-decades-so-why-are-they-so-controversial-now
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Five years of AUKUS. Two experts taking stock. USSC defence strategist Professor Peter Dean and the American Enterprise Institute's Zack Cooper make their assessment on the partnership's progress — and why Australia, the UK and the US remain invested. Listen ↓ bit.ly/4xYxAu4
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Today we remember the lives lost on September 11, 25 years ago. In our 2023 conversation, USSC CEO Dr Michael J. Green reflected on that day from inside the White House, and what Australia’s solidarity meant in a moment of profound uncertainty. bit.ly/4hkprdn
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Strategic competition. Economic shocks. Alliances under pressure. Join leading policymakers, scholars and commentators on 23 September to examine the choices facing Australia and its partners. → ussc.edu.au/sisf2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
An opportunity for China scholars: Macquarie University is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in China Studies for a 12-month fellowship starting in 2027. Applications close 15 October 2026. Apply ↓
mq.edu.au
China Strategic Knowledge Initiative
The China Strategic Knowledge Initiative (CSKI) aims to strengthen Australia’s knowledge and policy engagement on China through rigorous scholarship & outreach.
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"I was only six months into the job and still entered the compound every morning giddy from all the symbols of history, power and purpose. "The one thing I had never felt was vulnerable – but that would soon change." bit.ly/3SC2Yzf
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Admiral John C. Aquilino (Ret’d) is joining SISF 2026. How can leaders navigate rising tensions, shifting alliances and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific? Hear directly from one of the region’s foremost military leaders. Tickets → ussc.edu.au/sisf2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
How can democratic partners engage the Pacific more effectively? In our latest analysis, @migsinstitute.bsky.social's Monika LeRoy makes the case for Pacific-led, reliable and long-term cooperation. Read ↓ bit.ly/4xDJoli
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Venezuela holds some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, but turning reserves into supply is not straightforward. USSC's Sahara Hoff unpacks why the new US-Venezuela oil agreement may take years to affect fuel prices ↓
theconversation.com
The US has struck a deal to control Venezuela’s oil reserves. It probably won’t help bring down fuel prices
As more details emerge about this controversial deal, big questions remain about what it could mean – both for oil markets and Venezuela’s national sovereignty.
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Australians are less confident in the US than they were a few years ago. Yet only 15% support ending the alliance. Our new polling suggests practical alternatives to the alliance remain elusive. Read Samuel Garrett's analysis → bit.ly/3UjBXB8
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
75 years after ANZUS, support for alliances remains strong — but confidence in their purpose can’t be taken for granted. Our 2026 poll finds Quad publics still value cooperation, even as views of the US, China and the Indo-Pacific’s future shift. Read → bit.ly/4qM7R59
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
How will changes to voting laws and electoral boundaries shape the US midterms? USSC CEO Dr Michael Green says Trump's election reform agenda may have only a marginal impact, with some measures potentially backfiring politically.
sbs.com.au
'He hurt himself': Has Trump changed the midterms before a vote is cast?
From legal battles to gerrymandered boundaries, structural changes to US voting rules could decide the next Congress.
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
106 years after the 19th Amendment was certified, we revisit the ideas and movements that shaped the path to women’s suffrage. Dr Katy Schumaker joined us on our final ep marking America at 250 → ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/declaration-of-sentiments-vs-the-declaration-of-independence
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Australia cannot build its way to AI self-sufficiency. But it can use its critical minerals, compute infrastructure and US alliance to secure reliable frontier AI access. Hannah Merchant explores how → ussc.edu.au/sovereignty-through-managed-dependence-australia-s-strategy-for-frontier-ai-access
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
As US–Canada tariffs climb to 50%, how is Australia navigating trade tensions with Washington? USSC’s Hayley Channer joined American Insight to unpack it. Listen ↓
abc.net.au
American Insight with Hayley Channer - ABC listen
Nightlife takes a deeper perspective than just the news on what is happening in America with Philip Clark joined by Hayley Channer, Director Economic Security Program US Studies Centre at the Universi...
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Australia has long taken an interest in US politics. Now POLITICO is shining a spotlight on Australia. Launch Editor of @politico.com's Canberra Playbook Ryan Heath joins us to compare US and Australian politics, why Canberra matters and more. Listen → bit.ly/4gb7TA9
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
On 27 August, Dr Aaron Nyerges will present on Art in architecture in a panel chaired by Dr Rodney Taveira for the Migrating Modernism, Migrating Ideas symposium. Learn more here: www.sydney.edu.au/museum/whats-on/t…
sydney.edu.au
Migrating Modernism, Migrating Ideas Seidler Symposium
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Another American Studies Student Prize Night in the books, complete with prizes, good food and fun vibes. Congratulations to the latest cohort of students. It is a highlight every year to gather and celebrate their achievements. Want to study with us? www.ussc.edu.au/study
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS CONFIRMED | The list of distinguished speakers and panellists joining the lineup for the 2026 Sydney International Strategy Forum continues to grow. Doug Beck, Dr Lael Brainard and Justin Hayhurst confirmed to speak at SISF 2026. www.ussc.edu.au/sisf2026
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
What would it take to restore US maritime power? Dr Mary Bridges proposes a bold new model built on allies and industrial renewal in this new brief. www.ussc.edu.au/liberty-yards-us-ma…
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
APPLY NOW for the 2027 Women in the Alliance cohort! @USSC is inviting emerging leaders working across government, industry, policy, technology and academia interested in the Australia-US partnership to join the WITA network. Learn more 👇 www.ussc.edu.au/about/programs/wome…
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
How can US allies help address the shortage of key missile munitions? This new USSC report shares solutions from experts across #Australia, #Japan and the #UnitedStates. www.ussc.edu.au/advancing-trilatera…
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United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Why is the Pentagon suddenly interested in a NSW town with just 130 residents? Robert Monterosso explains that the secret is scandium, a #criticalmineral used in advanced aerospace, defence and AI technologies. www.ussc.edu.au/why-the-pentagon-is…
ussc.edu.au
Why the Pentagon is suddenly interested in a tiny town in NSW
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