No images? Click here
February 2022
The Biden agenda in the balance
The year ahead is already seeing US politics at the fore of Australian attention. Next month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Australia for the first time in his official capacity to join with the Foreign Ministers of the Quad for strategic discussions. A couple of months later, we anticipate the appointment of Caroline Kennedy as ambassador to Australia.
For Biden’s first year in office, the United States Studies Centre (USSC) launched our inaugural annual State of the United States (SOTUS) publication, offering a broad look at the top priorities for the US-Australia relationship. In the midst of such significant moments in the US-Australia relationship, the Centre is tremendously excited to launch the 2022 edition in March. Because President Biden has been invited to give his first State of the Union address on 1 March (as opposed to January or February, as is often the case) our timing will align closer than anticipated.
This year’s edition of SOTUS couldn’t be more salient. President Biden faces an uphill battle as his popularity dwindles, his legislative agenda is flailing within his own party and the clock is ticking toward the midterm elections which may well shift the balance of power in Congress. The Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy is expected soon, but tensions with Russia appear to be taking all of the foreign policy oxygen. To respond to this, our 2022 theme is, “The Biden agenda in the balance”.
We will feature original polling in addition to analysis from both our research and academic teams at the Centre. Our major topics for 2022 include:
- Political and social foundations of US power
- Economic and technological foundations of US power
- Trajectory of US power and position in the Indo-Pacific region
Both the United States and the US-Australia relationship are in a state of flux as strategic international priorities intensify in the context of domestic tension in the United States. How President Biden threads the needle on these critical months in the lead-up to the midterm elections in November will set the trajectory for the next few years and his legacy as a whole. In all of this, the USSC will continue analysing, explaining and publishing our research and insights to make them as broadly available as possible.
NEWS
Just released: From 'China Shock' to deglobalisation shock
In his latest report, From “China Shock” to deglobalisation shock: China’s WTO accession and US economic engagement 20 years on, USSC International Economy Program Director Dr Stephen Kirchner unpicks the popular ‘China shock’ literature which says the pursuit of permanent and normal trade relations with China 20 years ago was a strategic error on the part of the United States. Instead the report finds it was the failings of US institutions and policy settings that exacerbated the negative impacts. His commentary on the topic was published in The Australian Financial Review and The Australian Institute of International Affairs.
The Alliance at 70 book launch
In December, we had the pleasure of gathering with stakeholders and project supporters to officially launch The Alliance at 70 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Former USSC staffer, Mrs Melissa McIntosh MP, who offered remarks on behalf of Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined book contributors The Honourable Dr Brendan Nelson AO, Major General Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC and Dennis Richardson AC for a lively discussion facilitated by Sara James.
On the day of the launch, The Australian ran Paul Hogan and The Dish add comic touch to tale of US alliance and The Australian Financial Review published the book contribution from former Ambassador Joe Hockey.
Now hiring | Student Recruitment and Mobility Coordinator
Student Recruitment and Mobility Coordinator | Applications close 17 February 2022
The Student Recruitment and Mobility Coordinator works with the Academic team to develop and implement student recruitment and alumni relation strategies and manages operational plans for the recruitment and alumni activities. This role is responsible for the development and delivery of all Centre study abroad and internship programs in consultation with the Director of Finance and Academic Lead. This role also performs general administrative support under general direction.
Study and intern with us in 2022
Climate Crisis in America
This year, USSC is launching a new undergraduate course, AMST2607: Climate Crisis in America. Combining American history, literature, and politics, this unit examines environmental changes within and beyond the United States. It considers how different perspectives on land management, human needs, and state policies can inform the various uses of natural resources. From buffalo to agri-business, railroads to oil wells, Standing Rock to Three Mile Island, the unit uses a variety of sources to think about how people have understood their relationship with the environment. The unit asks questions about food and water supplies, conservation, urban planning, and the complex
roots of the present climate emergency. Learn more here
US Studies Internship
We are delighted to have our internship program (USSC3703: US Studies Internship) running again in Semester 1 2022. Students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world problems through an internship in an American-based or affiliated business, government, or non-government organisation located in Australia or the US. Assessment includes a research project with proposal, essay and presentation tied to the internship experience. Learn more here
Other American Studies courses for Semester 1, 2022 are:
In the news
President Biden marked one year in office, but with approval ratings dropping and tensions flaring in Ukraine our experts have provided analysis on what to expect in 2022 and what this means for Australia.
What are the possible geopolitical flashpoints for 2022?
Senior Lecturer in US Politics and Foreign Policy Dr Gorana Grgic was interviewed on ABC RN Breakfast to discuss President Biden's approach to Ukraine and 'countering Beijing." LISTEN HERE
Credibility pressure on US to show resolve on
Ukraine
USSC CEO Professor Simon Jackman told Sky News the credibility pressure on the Biden administration to show resolve on Ukraine is particularly high, amid fears of a looming Russian invasion. WATCH HERE
One year into the job, what has Biden
actually achieved?
Joe Biden brought hope to many as he was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States, but with a divided America and a spiralling COVID-19 pandemic to contend with, his approval ratings have taken a hit and some of his policies are yet to take effect. USSC senior non-resident fellow Bruce Wolpe is quoted in this article published by SBS News. READ MORE HERE
Paul Hogan and The Dish add comic touch to tale of US alliance
The Australian reports on the United States Studies Centre's commemorative book, The Alliance at 70. The book is a sweeping warts-and-all memoir of the US-Australia alliance — Australia’s most important alliance — from wars to culture to comedy. READ MORE
HERE
USSC IMHO
After much anticipation, Caroline Kennedy was announced as President Biden's nominee for Ambassador to Australia. Our experts provided the latest insights on the announcement as well as hot topics including voting rights and emerging technology:
- Caroline Kennedy brings White House closer by Stephen Loosley. First published by The Australian.
- Australian capital and talent is leaving home by Dr Stephen Kirchner. First published by The Australian Financial Review.
- The world’s oldest democracy debates how it functions by Victoria Cooper. First published by the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
- With his presidency in the balance, Biden must switch on Truman show by Bruce Wolpe. First published by The Sydney Morning Herald.
- Realising Australia’s quantum potential by Jennifer Jackett. First published by The Australian Institute of International Affairs.
- Caroline Kennedy is an ideal US Ambassador and a huge compliment to Australia by Jared Mondschein. First published by The Conversation.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Webinar replays
The latest episodes of our webinars are now available on our YouTube channel. Catch up on these events through the USSC Live podcast and on YouTube. Here are some of the greatest hits from recent webinars and events:
- What to expect in US politics and policy in 2022 with Dr Gorana Grgic, Bruce Wolpe, Jared Mondschein and Simon Jackman
- Master of the game: A conversation with Martin Indyk on his new book with Bruce Wolpe, Victoria Cooper and Simon Jackman
- NATO Expert Talk Series: Emerging and disruptive technologies: Progress and challenges with Mr David van Weel and Dr Gorana Grgic
- A conversation with The New Yorker's Evan Osnos, author of Wildland: The making of America's fury with Dr Charles Edel
- Launch of The Alliance at 70 book: Commemorating 70 years since the signing of the ANZUS Treaty with Dr Brendan Nelson AO, Major General Duncan Lewis AO, Mrs Melissa McIntosh MP, Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos AO, The Hon Kim Beazley AC, Sara James
- A seat at the table: The role of regional multilateral institutions in US Indo-Pacific strategy with Susannah Patton, Hoang Thi Ha and Dr Prashanth Parmeswaran and Dr Peter Lee
Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the USSC YouTube channel to get notifications as soon as new videos are uploaded.
ARE YOU GETTING "THE 46TH"?
"The 46th" is our weekly wrap of US politics and policy news, analysis and events. Get it delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday!
Sign up now
Manage your email preferences | Forward this email to a friend
United States Studies
Centre
Institute Building H03
University of Sydney NSW 2006
