United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Can 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 001
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 25/09/2026The 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/4hmQyn4thenightly.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. 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Fewer 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 010
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Could 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 25/09/2026The 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/107191892abc.net.auHow OpenAI exposed our cyber security gaps - ABC listenThe 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... 001
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Former 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Former 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Drawing 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Doug 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Former 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026USSC'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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026USSC'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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Former 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026The 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Randy 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 001
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Prof. 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Political 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026USSC'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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Host 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/202632nd 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026USSC 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." 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Assoc. 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Sydney 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 22/09/2026AUKUS 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 17/09/2026The 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.auAustralian company Sharon AI buys former Visy paper mill site at EttamogahAn AI company confirms it has purchased a large paper mill site in Ettamogah, north of Albury, but is yet to disclose why. 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 16/09/2026What 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 16/09/2026If 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.comData centres in Australia: your questions answeredFrom almost 350 questions, nine experts answer the most common ones you asked. 012
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 15/09/2026One 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Five 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 11/09/2026Today 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 011
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 10/09/2026Strategic 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 09/09/2026An 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.auChina Strategic Knowledge InitiativeThe China Strategic Knowledge Initiative (CSKI) aims to strengthen Australia’s knowledge and policy engagement on China through rigorous scholarship & outreach. 000
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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 03/09/2026Admiral 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 02/09/2026How 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 02/09/2026Venezuela 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.comThe US has struck a deal to control Venezuela’s oil reserves. It probably won’t help bring down fuel pricesAs more details emerge about this controversial deal, big questions remain about what it could mean – both for oil markets and Venezuela’s national sovereignty. 010
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 01/09/2026Australians 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 31/08/202675 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 28/08/2026How 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. 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 26/08/2026106 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 26/08/2026Australia 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 25/08/2026As 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.auAmerican Insight with Hayley Channer - ABC listenNightlife 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... 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 21/08/2026Australia 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 19/08/2026On 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.auMigrating Modernism, Migrating Ideas Seidler Symposium 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 19/08/2026Another 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 18/08/2026ADDITIONAL 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 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 17/08/2026What 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… 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 14/08/2026APPLY 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… 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 12/08/2026How 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… 000
United States Studies Centre @usstudiescentre.bsky.social · 11/08/2026Why 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.auWhy the Pentagon is suddenly interested in a tiny town in NSW 000