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15 February 2023
Downed UFOs: Defence or distraction?
An unfolding drama over the skies of Canada and the United States captured the imagination of pundits and the public alike this week. The detection, and shooting down, of a Chinese balloon and three other unidentified flying objects, made repeated headlines across the globe.
It also presented an opportunity for President Joe Biden to appear strong on national security, particularly, as USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe explained, during a shaky time for Joe Biden's presidency.
"The Democrat veteran will remember 1982 when Ronald Reagan, at this very moment in his presidency, had an approval rating lower than his. The economy, ravaged by inflation, was in recession. But it came roaring back the next year. It was morning in America again, and Reagan romped to re-election," Mr Wolpe said.
China denied that the UFOs were spying over the United States, and while this is yet to be established as true or not, the underlying issue is the ramping up of tensions between China and the United States.
Amid the rising tensions with China, President Biden has effectively engaged with partners in Asia, as USSC CEO Dr Michael Green noted.
It came as millions fewer Americans watched President Biden's State of the Union address than did so in 2022, and far fewer than the 2023 Super Bowl (by a factor of at least four to one).
Maintaining the interest in long-term issues of great importance, like US-China relations or the economy, will, therefore, be an ongoing challenge for the Biden presidency.
NEWS WRAP
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- Republican Trump critic declares she will run in 2024 | Nikki Haley, who has levelled criticism at former President Donald Trump, will run in 2024. The former South Carolina governor said the day after the January 6 Capitol riot, that Trump's actions since election day "will be judged harshly by history".
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- US rushes aid to Turkey following deadly earthquake | Led by the United States, nations from around the world, including key partners and allies, have rushed aid and rescue experts to the region. The US sent more than 160 expert rescuers as part of the aid effort. READ MORE HERE
- Kansas City Chiefs win epic Super Bowl duel | The hotly contested match saw the Chiefs take out their second title, emerging victorious over the Philadelphia Eagles. READ MORE HERE
- As US ramps up military aid, UK to mark Ukraine anniversary with a minute's silence | The first year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine fast approaches this month. The US is stepping up its deliveries of advanced weapons systems, including tanks. And the UK Prime Minister said his government would announce a minute's silence to mark the anniversary.
READ MORE HERE
STUDENT EVENT
Adelle Gillen, Head of Public Affairs at the US Consulate General in Sydney, will be hosting a 1-hour Q&A session in the USSC Boardroom this Thursday, 16th February.
Bring your questions to this small & informal chat to learn first-hand about global careers, international diplomacy and the future of the US-Australia alliance!
Adelle Gillen has been a United States diplomat since 2005. She has served at US embassies in Angola, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Portugal. She holds a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. Free food and drinks will be provided for all attendees.
WHEN
SYDNEY | Thursday, 16 February, 1:00pm-2:00pm AEDT
COST
Free, but registration is essential
ANALYSIS
Security requires a balance of secrecy and transparency
Dr Miah Hammond-Errey, Director of Emerging Technology
Intelligence work is fast changing. This has implications not just for those working in national security but for regular citizens. Digital transformation and emerging technologies are shifting the balance between secrecy and transparency in intelligence work. Secrecy is a defining characteristic of intelligence.
However, this is being challenged by a digital landscape that renders very little secret. For too long, the trend has been to become less transparent. This comes at the cost of trust in our national security institutions, our democracy and government.
New research by the emerging technology program at the United States Studies Centre highlights the need to rebalance the equilibrium of secrecy and transparency in national security to increase trust in democracy and government.
Data abundance, digital connectivity and ubiquitous technology are challenging some of the principles and practices that have traditionally been central to the work of intelligence agencies.
This piece was first published in The Australian on 9 February 2023.
"We did the right thing."
President Joe Biden, on a United States F-22 fighter jet shooting down a Chinese balloon over US territory | 6 February
BY THE NUMBERS
President Joe Biden's State of the Union focused on unity, and a hopeful economic message for citizens dealing with high inflation.
Regardless, the number of viewers for the president's State of the Union address was far fewer than those that watched the Super Bowl.
113 million people watched the Kansas City Chief's beat the Philadelphia Eagles, compared to just 27 million who watched President Biden's address.
Holding the interest of the American people is a continuing challenge for the country's political leaders.
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United States Studies Centre
Institute Building H03
University of Sydney NSW 2006
