United States Studies Centre

The Sydney International Strategy Forum returns this September. Join renowned experts from the United States, Australia and across the Indo-Pacific to examine the biggest strategic questions shaping our world. ussc.edu.au/sisf2026

Opposition to the US-Iran war reached levels that took years to emerge during Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, says USSC's @jaredmondschein. It's a political reality likely to shape the upcoming US midterm elections. youtube.com/watch?v=GbtqlA…

"The original issue about Iran's nuclear program now just seems completely remote," says @USSC+@sydney_uni's @dtsmith_sydney. "The next stage of conflict is going to be all about the Strait of Hormuz." sbs.com.au/news/article/s…

"The sudden and unexpected passing of Senator Lindsey Graham at age 71 will directly affect how the United States conducts itself around the globe, and not for the better," writes USSC's @lestermunson. ussc.edu.au/the-challenge-…

"Celebrations for July 4 revealed a polarised nation still anchored by civic traditions, democratic checks and enduring global confidence in the United States," writes USSC CEO @DrMichaelJGreen. ussc.edu.au/what-the-unite…

China dominates key critical minerals chokepoints. The Quad’s response? Up to US$20B and deeper coordination. But success hinges on execution across three fronts, write @HayleyChanner and Robert Monterosso. ussc.edu.au/operationalisi…

“It’s meant to intimidate. It’s meant to be awe-inspiring, to send the signal that resistance is futile.“ China’s missile test is not just a show of capability, but a deliberate signal to Pacific states about regional power, says USSC's @DrMichaelJGreen. bit.ly/4xZ37MO

China’s missile launch was meant to “intimidate Pacific island nations and Australia” and signal there will be “punishment” for new security agreements, says USSC CEO Michael Green. bit.ly/4ePGBys

Short-term security gains can come at the expense of long-term relationships. In the Pacific, resilience may be the more strategic investment writes @KathrynPaik (@CSIS @AustraliaChair). ussc.edu.au/bolstering-pac…

“Vast amounts of water and energy”, land use pressures, and noise pollution. These are some of the concerns driving calls to pause new data centres. USSC's Olivia Shen weighs in. theconversation.com/should-austral…

The next Mythos is just around the corner. "Australia can either be proactive with shaping the rules of access now or accept a future where the rules lock us out," writes Olivia Shen. theconversation.com/australia-shou…

What do Australians think their government should actually do about the alliance? "Despite their pessimism, just 15% of Australians want Australia to abandon it," write Samuel Garrett and Ava Kalinauskas. bit.ly/4v8pVao

"The goal is not a fantasy of energy independence, nor passive dependence on the United States, but a more resilient Australia in a more equal alliance, striving to form that 'more perfect union' between our two nations," writes @lachlanrcarey. bit.ly/4fkw2mf

America’s founding continues to shape political debates 250 years later. Prof. Brendon O’Connor examines how scholars associated with the Claremont Institute interpret the Declaration of Independence — and the influence of those ideas in the Trump era. ussc.edu.au/the-claremonte…

“Perhaps most strikingly, less than a third of Australians (31%) think the Australian government has properly explained why Australia even needs the alliance at all,” writes Samuel Garrett and Ava Kalinauskas. bit.ly/4v8pVao

What does the American Revolution have to do with Australia’s founding? Dr Aaron Nyerges explores how the events of 1776 reverberated far beyond North America, influencing everything from European empires to the founding of British Australia. ussc.edu.au/1776-internati…

Why do Americans treat the Declaration of Independence and Constitution differently from almost any other nation? Associate Prof. @dtsmith_sydney explores how these founding documents continue to shape American politics 250 years on. ussc.edu.au/america-s-sacr…

As America marks 250 years of independence, Australians remain concerned about the United States — but steady in their view of the alliance. @jaredmondschein examines why long-term national interests appear more event-proof than ever. ussc.edu.au/australian-pub…

The Declaration inspired more than revolution against the British Crown. Its language of liberty and equality was later embraced by women and other reformers seeking rights the Founders themselves never fully envisioned, explains @KatySchumaker. ussc.edu.au/the-declaratio…

What connects the Declaration of Independence to the Moon landing? @KatRobisonPhD argues America’s founding ideals have long fuelled its culture of innovation — while also raising enduring questions about power, progress and who benefits from it. ussc.edu.au/american-innov…