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The Point recognises the ancestral connections and custodianship of Traditional Owners throughout Australia. We pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.

©2025 The Point, an initiative of The Australia Institute

Emma Shortis

Emma Shortis is a historian and writer, focused on the history and politics of the United States. She writes regularly for Australian and international outlets and appears regularly on radio and television. She is Director of the Australia Institute’s International & Security Affairs Program.

LATEST

WHAT'S NEW

Shorter America this week: Not America, what we need now is love and care and honesty

It isn’t always easy to keep up with what’s happening in the US. ‘Shorter America' is a series where Dr Emma Shortis loops you in on what’s going on in America and shares news and analysis that you can trust. 

International Affairs
Shorter America this week: Not America, what we need now is love and care and honesty

WHAT'S NEW

Shorter America This Week: American National Security = White Supremacy, Trump’s Pennsylvania “pivot”, Venezuela 

It isn’t always easy to keep up with what’s happening in the US. 'Shorter America' is Dr Emma Shortis' weekly column looping you in on what’s going on in America with news and analysis that you can trust.

International Affairs
Shorter America This Week: American National Security = White Supremacy, Trump’s Pennsylvania “pivot”, Venezuela 

WHAT'S NEW

Shorter America this week: Opposing Trump, Trouble in paradise, The American elite

It isn’t always easy to keep up with what’s happening in the US. “Shorter America” is a series where Dr Emma Shortis loops you in on what’s going on in America and shares news and analysis that you can trust.

International Affairs
Shorter America this week: Opposing Trump, Trouble in paradise, The American elite

WHAT'S NEW

Shorter America This Week: Hope is alive? The reactionary far-right. Culture matters

It isn’t always easy to keep up with what’s happening in the US. ‘Shorter America” is a weekly column where Dr Emma Shortis loops you in on what’s going on in America and shares news and analysis that you can trust. 

International Affairs
Shorter America This Week: Hope is alive? The reactionary far-right. Culture matters

WHAT'S NEW

This Week in America: It's Been A Year, Election Week, American Punk

It isn’t always easy to keep up with what’s happening in the US. ‘Shorter America” is a series where Dr Emma Shortis loops you in on what’s going on in America and shares news and analysis that you can trust.

International Affairs
This Week in America: It's Been A Year, Election Week, American Punk

WHAT'S NEW

What you need to know about the next Trump/Xi meeting

As US President Donald Trump prepares to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since 2019, he’s coming off the back of what many in his administration will view as triumphant tour of South East Asia. 

International Affairs
What you need to know about the next Trump/Xi meeting

WHAT'S NEW

This Week in America: Democracy, Architecture and White Supremacy

Dr Emma Shortis explains what's going on with the United States this week.

International Affairs
This Week in America: Democracy, Architecture and White Supremacy

WHAT'S NEW

Can Albanese claim ‘success’ with Trump? Beyond the banter, the vague commitments should be viewed with scepticism

“Success” in a meeting with Trump is to avoid the ritual humiliation the president sometimes likes to inflict on his interlocutors. In that sense, Albanese and his team pulled off an impressive diplomatic feat.

International Affairs
Can Albanese claim ‘success’ with Trump? Beyond the banter, the vague commitments should be viewed with scepticism

WHAT'S NEW

This Week in America: It's 'Alliance Christmas' — almost

Dr Emma Shortis explains what's going on with the United States this week.

International Affairs
This Week in America: It's 'Alliance Christmas' — almost

OPINION

Trump’s tragedy: the US becomes an autocracy and the presidency, a dictatorship

The president has been saying it out loud all along.

International Affairs
Trump’s tragedy: the US becomes an autocracy and the presidency, a dictatorship

WHAT'S NEW

Shorter America: The Insurrection Act and the "Trump aesthetic"

Is Trump actually going to use the Insurrection Act? Dr Emma Shortis' rundown of the last week in America.

International Affairs
Shorter America: The Insurrection Act and the "Trump aesthetic"

WHAT'S NEW

Shorter America: US Government shutdown and the breakdown of law

Dr Emma Shortis explains what's going on with the United States this week.

International Affairs
Shorter America: US Government shutdown and the breakdown of law

WHAT'S NEW

This Week in America: American fascism, RFK Jr and Australia's recognition of Palestine

Catch up on what you may have missed coming from the United States this week.

International Affairs
This Week in America: American fascism, RFK Jr and Australia's recognition of Palestine

WHAT'S NEW

This Week in America: Charlie Kirk, Ted Cruz, and Afghanistan

What's happening in the US? Here's a weekly round up of news sources that you can trust.

International Affairs
This Week in America: Charlie Kirk, Ted Cruz, and Afghanistan

OPINION

Jimmy Kimmel’s cancellation is the latest sign we’re witnessing the end of US democracy

It is rare to be able to identify the moment when we can say “this is the point at which everything changed”.

International Affairs
Jimmy Kimmel’s cancellation is the latest sign we’re witnessing the end of US democracy

OPINION

Donald Trump cannot make the Epstein files go away. Will this be the story that brings him down?

Conspiracy theories are funny things.

International Affairs
Donald Trump cannot make the Epstein files go away. Will this be the story that brings him down?

OPINION

Let’s rethink Australia’s national security – and focus on fairness and climate action, not blind fealty to the US

The America we thought we knew is not coming back. America in 2028 will be different, perhaps worse. And Australians, along with much of the world, are eager for something different.

International Affairs
Let’s rethink Australia’s national security – and focus on fairness and climate action, not blind fealty to the US