30 April 2025

Today marks 100 days since President Trump took office to begin his second term. The significance of this period has been felt globally, from tariffs to the rapid reduction of foreign aid programs. These changes are striking a nerve and captivating the world as governments, business and individuals look on to ask, “What’s next?” and “What does this mean for me?”

Here at the United States Studies Centre, we have noticed a dramatic uptick in interest, whether it’s in the surge of interest in our latest publications or selling out events within hours, it is clear that people are looking for analysis and answers.

It is in this spirit that we are pleased to announce that our 2025 Sydney International Strategy Forum theme will be: Navigating disruption. This year’s conference will feature a distinguished lineup of political and business leaders from the United States and the Indo-Pacific region sharing their insider insights on what to expect over the next few years and how different countries and businesses can not just weather the uncertainty, but seek strategic advantages in this time.

Please save the date. This year’s conference will be held on Wednesday, 17 September in Sydney. We will be announcing speakers and opening registrations soon. Make sure you subscribe to USSC event invitations so you will be the first to know when tickets go on sale.

If you missed out on getting tickets for 100 days of the second Trump administration with the Sydney Morning Herald or other recent events, check out our YouTube page and USSC Live podcast where we share recordings of our major events.

News

Final climate and energy roundtable

USSC kicked off the month with the final roundtable in a series on climate and energy. This roundtable looked at post-election pathways for Australia-US climate and energy cooperation and featured insights from DC-based Non-Resident Fellow Lachlan Carey on Washington’s thinking on energy issues following the US presidential election. The roundtable featured a mix of government policymakers, industry leaders and researchers.

These cross-sector roundtables will inform an upcoming USSC report on the future of bilateral climate and energy cooperation.

Study tour: US Space, Science and Technology Policy in the Indo-Pacific

From space exploration to trade, tech and security, US influence runs deep in the Indo-Pacific. Experience it firsthand on our two-week tailored study tour through Japan and South Korea. In Semester 2 2025, University of Sydney undergraduate students will enrol in USSC2601: Power, Conflict, and Diplomacy, while postgraduate students will enrol in USSC6910: Special Topics in US Studies. As part of these units, students will undertake the US Space, Science, and Technology Policy in the Indo-Pacific Study Tour under the expert guidance of Lecturer in American Studies and Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Space Governance, Dr Kathryn Robison. This tour will provide a unique opportunity for students to blend academic knowledge with real-world experience.

Please email paulo.olivares@sydney.edu.au to express your interest in the next study tour presented by the United States Studies Centre.

USSC hosts Prof. Benjamin Goldsmith

Benjamin Goldsmith, professor at the School of Politics and International Relations at the Australian National University, was in Sydney this month as a visiting fellow with the USSC. While here, USSC held an academic roundtable with Prof. Goldsmith to explore his research on the relationship between presidential diplomacy and domestic public opinion. Read his paper on the topic here.

JADE fellowship applications now open

The USSC and Japan Foundation are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 JADE Program fellowships.

The JADE Program seeks to contribute to the development of the intellectual infrastructure between Japan and Australia. The JADE Program leverages the Japan Foundation’s historical commitment to fostering intellectual exchanges with the global community, in combination with the United States Studies Centre’s deep policy expertise and regional networks. Fellows participate in immersive field trips to Japan or Australia, respectively, engaging with key government, industry and academic stakeholders to deepen their understanding of each country’s strategic policy and culture. Throughout the program, participants are mentored by senior USSC experts including Dr Michael J. Green, CEO of the USSC and Professor Peter Dean, Director of Foreign Policy and Defence Program. Fellows also work closely with Tom Corben, Research Fellow in the Foreign Policy and Defence Program, to produce policy-relevant publications on their areas of research interest.

Applications close at 12pm on 11 June 2025.

100 days of Trump – the view from Australia

Research Associate Kester Abbott was interviewed by the Konrad Adenaur Stiftung think tank for their publication: A first look at the new US administration’s security policies in the Indo-Pacific. Abbott shared a perspective from Australia, citing polling showing concern about President Trump, but continued support for the alliance with the United States. He noted Australia’s extensive preparation for a second Trump term and how well Australia fared in the first administration, but noted the pressures that will be faced around defence production capacity and spending. Read here.

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