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Shared risk, shared sacrifice,
shared security
23 April 2025
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on the shores of Gallipoli, Turkey 110 years ago in their first major military action.
Three years later, American troops fought under an international commander, Australian General Sir John Monash, for the first time. A significant milestone for both countries, it set the trajectory for what would become an official alliance under the ANZUS Treaty in 1951.
Australian forces have fought alongside US troops in every major conflict since the treaty was signed. Yet amidst tariffs in spite of a free trade agreement and significant intelligence breaches, the Australian public and elected officials are now grappling with the future of their relationship with their most significant ally.
Australia’s relationship with the United States has become a central focus of the Australian election campaign. Liberal Leader Peter Dutton first aligned and then distanced himself from President Trump. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had to account for why Australia was hit with tariffs despite their trade deficit with the United States and free trade agreement.
The final weeks of the campaign has seen defence spending come into focus, with both candidates pledging to increase spending. Yesterday, Dutton pledged to match the 3% of GDP military spending target the Trump administration has lobbied US allies to achieve.
While there is tumult in the US-Australia relationship, the increasing risks and encroachment by China and Russia in the region remain constant. In light of these challenges, the importance of the long-shared history of Australia and the United States comes into sharp relief.
Mari Koeck
Director, Engagement and Impact
Header photo: US Marines conduct an amphibious landing during Exercise Talisman Sabre in Queensland, 29 July 2021, designed to strengthen capabilities to respond to security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region (credit: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alyssa Chulud, US Department of Defense).
"What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly
and will end badly."
Pope Francis in a letter to US bishops | 10 February 2025
Recent content from us
COMMENTARYLet’s ignore flashy politics, defence needs the basics firstAs the Australian federal election approaches, Director of Foreign Policy and Defence Prof. Peter Dean analyses the role of defence policy in the election campaign in this op-ed for The Australian. |
COMMENTARYThe new face of North Korean sanctions monitoring: Can the MSMT pick up where the panel of experts left off?In this article for 38 North, Research Fellow Dr Christopher Watterson looks at the latest meeting of the Steering Committee of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team and the future of monitoring sanctions on North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs. |
Our experts in the news
South China Morning Post | Will US tariffs sink Australia’s AUKUS submarine delivery goals?
The South China Morning Post reports that new US tariffs on steel and aluminium could delay delivery and increase the cost of nuclear submarines promised to Australia under the AUKUS pact. The article quotes Research Fellow Tom Corben.
The Australian | ‘Soft power surrender’: US retreat from Pacific is a gift to China
The Australian reports that China is now outstripping the US in providing assistance to Pacific nations, as Anthony Albanese warns that the Trump administration’s decision to abandon aid programs in the Pacific and withdraw from the Paris climate agreement presents Australia with a new “strategic reality” in the region. The article quotes Director of Foreign Policy and Defence Peter Dean.
ABC | Pete Hegseth's second Signal chat revealed
The US Defense Secretary has allegedly shared sensitive military information in a message group that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer. Director of Research Jared Mondschein was interviewed about these latest developments for the ABC's The World Today.
Upcoming events
While our upcoming event with the Sydney Morning Herald 100 Days of the Trump administration and our Trump administration and the US Constitution events are sold out, there are a number of other upcoming events you can still join. Recordings from our major live events will be shared on our YouTube channel after the event.
INFORMATION SESSION
Visiting fellowships for the JADE program—Japan-Australia Dialogue and Exchange for the Next Generation
Join this information session to learn more about applying for the Japan-Australia Dialogue and Exchange for the Next Generation (JADE) program—designed to help cultivate a new generation of Japan-Australia strategic experts.
24 April 2025
4:00-5:00pm AESTZoom
PUBLIC FORUM
Global economy in turmoil: Can Australia and Japan shape the new economic world order?
A panel of leading experts will explore how Australia and Japan can navigate and shape the evolving global economic order.
7 May 2025
6:00-7:00pm AESTUSSC Boardroom, Institute Building, City Road, University of Sydney
PUBLIC FORUM
Cosmic shield: A panel on space security
USSC is hosting a panel discussion on the future of space security featuring Audrey Schaffer, Professor Melissa de Zwart and Aude Vignelles in conversation with Dr Kathryn Robison.
12 May 2025
6:00-7:00pm AESTThe Refectory, Level 5, Abercrombie Business School, University of Sydney
WEBINAR
Space traffic jam: Challenges facing space sustainability
Audrey M. Schaffer joins Dr Kathryn Robison to discuss how space sustainability can be integrated into the national security policy debate.
14 May 2025
9:00-10:00am AESTZoom
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United States Studies Centre
Institute Building (H03)
University of Sydney NSW 2006