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August 2022
Welcome Peter Dean, IPEF debate begins
I am pleased to welcome one of Australia’s leading international defence experts, Professor Peter J. Dean, to the United States Studies Centre (USSC) as the new Director of Foreign Policy and Defence (FPD). Since joining at the start of August, Peter is already playing an important role in working closely with government as the Centre focuses on the crux of issues for the Australia-US Alliance.
To tackle another alliance challenge, we re-launched the USSC Debate Papers with the first issue examining the only significant trade policy to come out of the Biden administration, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). Wendy Cutler, a veteran US Trade Representative negotiator, and Daniel M. Price, a former senior White House official responsible for international trade and investment in the George W. Bush administration, debated whether IPEF is glass half full or half empty. While both agree there is more work to be done, they provide a solutions-oriented focus that can inform the upcoming ministerial meeting in September.
As I write this, I have just concluded my time at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference hosted by our sister centre, the Perth USAsia Centre. The Centre's FPD team (pictured) led some great discussions, and I am tremendously encouraged to see so many key players come together to work through the tough issues to ensure the best outcomes for the Indo-Pacific region.
Sincerely
Prof. Michael Green
CEO, United States Studies Centre
NEWS
Top US trade experts debate IPEF pros and cons
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) is the United States’ first major economic initiative in the Indo Pacific region in more than half a decade, but is it enough? We asked: Is the IPEF glass half full or glass half empty? to top US trade experts, Wendy Cutler and Daniel M. Price for the first edition of our re-launched Debate Papers series. Discussing the pros and cons, it is clear both experts want more from IPEF and greater focus from allies and partners on finding solutions to complex challenges facing the region.
Reaching out to new students
Scores of new students flocked to the USSC stall at the University of Sydney Welcome Fest in mid-August with the student team offering prizes, merchandise, and other fun activities. Open Day followed on Saturday, 27 August, and the popular campus International Fair will keep the team busy on 1 September. There has never been a better time to get involved in student life at the USSC. Want to learn more? Subscribe to our Student and Alumni newsletters.
Now hiring: Centre seeks Lecturer in American Studies
The USSC is seeking a Lecturer in American Studies who will be able to contribute to outstanding educational design, delivery, and outcomes within the Centre’s teaching programs. The Centre is open to flexible working arrangements, providing a work-life balance and the ability to meet personal needs. Applications close on 15 September. Read here for more information.
In the news
China's live-fire military action near Taiwan following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island, the passing of the biggest ever US climate bill and the unprecedented FBI search of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home dominated the US news in August.
China’s domestic troubles will hang over Biden-Xi call
USSC CEO Dr Michael Green tells the New York Times he does not think Chinese President Xi Jinping is looking to cause trouble but needed to demonstrate that he could force the United States to back down before the November party congress. READ MORE
US Senate passes biggest ever climate change measures
USSC Associate Professor David Smith tells ABC's The World Today the Inflation Reduction Act pushed through a lot of the long-term aims of President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party. READ MORE
China surrounds Taiwan with live-fire
military drills
USSC Director of Foreign Policy and Defence, Professor Peter Dean, tells ABC's PM that any "mistake" from the Chinese military near Taiwan could escalate matters even further. READ MORE
Unprecedented raid at former
President’s home
USSC Research Director Jared Mondschein tells ABC's The World that an FBI search on a former president's property is no small matter, in fact it is unprecedented. READ MORE
USSC perspectives
USSC experts reflected on rising US-China tensions over Taiwan, the January 6 hearings and the legal battles facing former President Donald Trump.
- Xi’s display of muscle would happen anyway by Dr Michael J. Green first published in The Australian
- Donald Trump faces a Nixon-like end to his political career as the wolves of justice come knocking at his door by Stephen Loosley first published in Sky News.
- A K-Arsenal of democracy? South Korea and US allied defence procurement by Dr Peter K. Lee and Tom Corben first published in War on the Rocks
- Indo-Pacific partnership can help America keep its tech edge by Dr Jennifer Jackett and Charles Edel first published in the Australian Financial Review
- The January 6 hearings have been spectacular TV, but will they have any consequences for Trump? By Associate Professor David Smith first published in The Conversation
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Event replays
The latest videos from our webinars and events are available on our YouTube channel. Catch up on these events through the USSC Live podcast and on YouTube. Here is a recent webinar:
- A Crisis in American Democracy with Professor Stephen Macedo in conversation with USSC Research Director Jared Mondschein and Engagement and Impact Director Mari Koeck
- American democracy in peril: The US Senate's crucial role with Ira Shapiro and Bill Kristol in conversation with USSC CEO Dr Mike Green and Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe.
Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the USSC YouTube channel to get notifications as soon as new videos are uploaded.
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United States Studies
Centre
Institute Building H03
University of Sydney NSW 2006
