The Mar-a-Lago model: how Trump is trying to dominate global governance
The ‘president of peace’ is at it again: threatening Iran again and boasting that his ‘board of peace’ will look over the United Nations.
On this episode of After America, Allan Behm joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the potential consequences if the United States again strikes Iran, the first meeting of Trump’s grotesque ‘board of peace’, and the striking similarities between a(nother) shamefully racist week in Australian politics and Trump administration rhetoric and policies.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 20 February 2026.
The latest Vantage Point essay, What we owe the water: It’s time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo, is available now for $19.95. Use the code ‘PODVP’ at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Allan Behm, Advisor, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Show notes:
Shorter America this week: Will he or won’t he on Iran; The Trump doctrine?; On climate, he absolutely will; The only thing more powerful than hate is love by Emma Shortis, The Point (February 2026)
The Wrap: Trump’s America is a warning, and Australia keeps treating it like a guide, by Emma Shortis, The Point (February 2026)
How to foster global lawlessness: Destroy the UN and its agencies by Allan Behm, The Point (January 2026)
Talk us through AUKUS by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (February 2023)
Photo: The White House/Flickr (U.S. Government work)
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.
Between the Lines Newsletter
The biggest stories and the best analysis from the team at the Australia Institute, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.
You might also like
“Everything is uncertain”: Trump-Xi meeting leaves the world on edge
Trump and Xi may have come to a “deal”, but their meeting was a wasted opportunity. Plus: what do Australians think about our relationship with the US?
All the way with the USA?
Despite demands from the hawks that the Australia Government fall in line with the United States over Iran, it’s not inevitable that Australia supports illegal American military intervention.
“Living within a lie”: Carney’s eulogy to the international order
The Trump administration may have killed what remained of the post-war international order, but last week Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered its eulogy.