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As America’s international behaviour since 9/11 so clearly demonstrates, the damage of 9/11 is burned deeply into the American psyche. America is perpetually hyper-vigilant, and perpetually defensive. It constantly reaches for military solutions to complex problems where diplomacy and some self-reflection might offer better outcomes.
Sovereignty should be on the minds of most Australians, but it’s not – mostly because politicians don’t want it there. But it matters more than politicians would like us to think about. It was on my mind recently, because it’s popped up across a few issues and our answer as a nation has been different each time. That’s not how sovereignty is supposed to work, and yet, for political expediency, it does.
The Australia-United States relationship is strong in spite of the flawed defence partnership.
On this episode of After America, Allan Behm and Dr Emma Shortis discuss 75 years of the ANZUS treaty, the Trump administration’s assault on international law, and what confident, capable Australian foreign policy could look like.
This episode was recorded Friday 28 August.
New Game, New Rules: A foreign policy for dystopian times by Allan Behm is available now from Australia Institute Press for $19.95.
Guest: Allan Behm, Special Advisor, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Quality research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts you can trust.
Show notes:
ANZUS and Australia’s Security by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (July 2020)
After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)
Shorter America: Oh, Dolly; We’re not ready; Barely Gettin’ By by Emma Shortis, The Point (August 2026)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
