31 March 2025

This month, the United States Studies Centre (USSC) strengthened ties with a number of partner countries. We had delegations visit Taiwan and Japan and we published reports that featured relationships between Australia, India, Japan, Korea and the United States. In trips to the region, USSC experts are meeting with a range of government departments, NGOs and academic institutions. One emerging trend we are hearing from partners in the region is that the US withdrawal of funding for foreign aid is leaving a gap with significant implications for competition with China. As CEO Dr Michael Green told the New York Times last week, "When we reveal human rights abuses or Chinese misinformation, it’s another form of competition with China. And getting rid of it only creates a vacuum that Beijing is going to try to fill. And we are already seeing that happening."

Non-Resident Senior Fellow and former USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Lester Munson posits that, rather than disappearing altogether, soft power is being replaced by "deal power" in this new administration. Rather than give aid away for free, they will look for what the United States can get in return. He expects, "Trump and Rubio will look to use billions in foreign aid dollars to achieve policy goals around the world — help on immigration, counternarcotics and security cooperation from aid recipient nations."

USSC will continue to analyse these changing geopolitical trends, but, as our tagline notes, we will not stop with insights. We will work with our partners around the world to look for practical, meaningful solutions both now and for the the future. To make sure you never miss out on our publications or events, you can sign up to receive or modify your newsletter subscriptions here.

News

USSC delegation meets with former president of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen

USSC sent a delegation to Taiwan for high-level meetings. The team had the privilege of engaging in insightful discussions with key leaders, including former President Tsai Ing-wen, current Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung. Areas of discussion focused on assessing the state of play of Australia and Taiwan ties amid the broader Indo-Pacific regional context, as well as exploring opportunities to expand a multi-layered approach to relations.

Study abroad applications open for 2025

Students who are currently enrolled in a University of Sydney undergraduate degree and have completed at least 48 credit points of study may be eligible for USSC's UCLA Study Abroad program for 2025. From 22 June to 3 August, students will travel to Los Angeles to participate in the Summer Sessions program at the prestigious University of California campus (currently ranked 18th in the 2025 Times Higher Education university rankings). Students can complete two subjects (6 credit points) across a wide range of disciplines.

Applications close 23 April and you can apply via the Sydney Global Mobility Database.

Senior economics adviser speaks at Global Food Forum

Senior Economics Adviser Dr John Kunkel joined a panel discussion on "Trump, tariffs and trade" at The Australian's Global Food Forum 2025. The forum was held in Melbourne on 14 March, right as the first wave of tariffs were taking effect. Dr Kunkel told the forum, "our direct exports in the US are about 5% of total exports...but it's really when we get into a tit for tat retaliation with the big players, China, the EU and others, the knock on effects [of] that, to not just trade but global growth, is certainly the thing that Canberra worries about."

Delegation to Japan looks at economic security cooperation

USSC researchers led by Director of Economic Security Hayley Channer travelled to Tokyo last week to discuss a future agenda for Australia-Japan economic security cooperation. The team participated in a workshop hosted by the Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG), in which attendees discussed critical minerals, supply chains, emerging technologies, and the future of the regional order.  They also met with Japanese government departments and think tanks. IOG staff will travel to Australia next month for reciprocal engagements and a first-of-its-kind Australia-Japan Agenda for Economic Security Track 1.5 workshop hosted by the USSC.

Research associate joins Track 1.5 workshop in the United States

Research Associate Kester Abbott took part in a Track 1.5 workshop titled "Extended Deterrence in a Multipolar Nuclear World," organised by the Center for Global Security Research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. This two-day dialogue convened policymakers and experts from the United States, allied nations, and partner countries to assess the effectiveness of current US extended deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Participants explored ways for US allies to leverage their growing defence capabilities to strengthen US extended deterrence efforts and what US allies in the two regions can learn from each another as they address regional security challenges. Abbott's analysis will feature in a forthcoming publication on the Pacific Forum. 

CEO speaks at Australia-Japan Society of NSW event

CEO Dr Michael Green was a featured speaker at an Australia-Japan Society of NSW event on 18 March. His focus was on Japan’s role in a fragmenting world and looked at the future of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and how Japan can work with the United States and Australia in a time of change and uncertainty.

Spotlight on student opportunities and engagement

In March, USSC's student affairs and curriculum coordinator visited undergraduate and postgraduate classrooms across the USSC academic program to connect directly with students. These presentations introduced USSC's distinctive units of study in US politics, media and culture, as well as its internship program, scholarships, prizes, and student events.

The outreach helped showcase USSC's student offerings, including the recent county fair pop-up during Welcome Week. With lawn games, a petting zoo, food trucks, and live performances, the event drew over 160 new student newsletter sign-ups and set the tone for an exciting year ahead.

USSC is also preparing to launch a new public service–focused scholarship, further expanding opportunities for students passionate about policy, civic engagement, and impact-driven careers.

Vale Mia Love

Former USSC Non-Resident Senior Fellow Mia Love passed away from cancer this month. Love was the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress. USSC hosted her for a special event in 2019: Mia Love on Trump, race and the future of the Republican Party. In 2021, she joined Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe for a webinar: Love and Wolpe on Republicans, Democrats, Biden’s agenda and 2022. USSC sends heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

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