The United States we thought we knew is gone

A majority of Australians now think Donald Trump is a bigger threat to world peace than either Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping.
On the 100th episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Angus Blackman discuss new Australia Institute polling on Australians’ views of Trump, the deadlock between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, and what it might take for the Australian government to get out of the AUKUS submarine deal.
This episode was recorded on Monday 11 May.
The latest Vantage Point essay, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro, is available now for $19.95. Use the code ‘PODVP’ at checkout to get free shipping.
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @angusrb
Show notes:
It’s not me, it’s you – Australians ready to break up with Trump’s America, the Australia Institute (May 2026)
Shorter America: The past is never past; Great (bad) men; Magical thinking by Emma Shortis, The Point (May 2026)
After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)
Photo: The White House/Flickr (U.S. Government work)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by 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.
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
“No plan” and no end in sight for Trump’s “little excursion” in Iran
The Trump administration’s war on Iran is the most “incompetent, incoherent” war the United States has fought in a century, according to one US Senator.
“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?
Will Trump run again?
“Probably not…”
