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Newsroom FeedNewsroom
Geoffrey Garrett appointed as new Dean of University of Sydney Business School
31 March 2011
Current CEO of the US Studies Centre Professor Geoffrey Garrett has been appointed as the next Dean of the University of Sydney Business School. He will take up the Deanship on 1 April 2012 following the completion of his term as CEO of the US Studies Centre.
"Professor Garrett is a scholar of international renown and I am delighted he has accepted this position as the University of Sydney Business School enters a crucial stage in its development," said the University's Vice-Chancellor Dr Michael Spence. Read More
World's policeman turns in the badge
30 March 2011
The Age
Professor Geoffrey Garrett argues that Barack Obama's speech on America's role in Libya spelt out the "Obama doctrine" which says the US can no longer afford to go it alone with military interventions in far flung places where American national interests are not clear. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Obama reluctant to enter Libyan ground war
29 March 2011
ABC News PM with Mark Colvin
In this interview Professor James Fallows talks through the significance America's limited actions in Libya and what President Obama's latest speech about US foreign policy will mean for the future. James Fallows is chair in US media at the US Studies Centre and national correspondent for The Atlantic.
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Obama signals new era for American foreign policy
29 March 2011
ABC News Radio
US President Barack Obama's public address concerning American involvement in the Libyan situation is a historic moment, says Professor Geoffrey Garrett. In particular, Garrett says the speech highlighted that the United States can no longer afford to act alone on international matters like the Libyan situation. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Global policeman no more
29 March 2011
ABC 702 Sydney
In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses Barack Obama’s address on Libya and how this shift in American foreign policy will now define American leadership. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Notes on America: Libya, Uncanny Landscapes and Inside Washington
28 March 2011
In this edition:
- Libyan action marks policy shift for Obama
- Uncanny landscapes explored through the lens: Crewdson
- Student sees inner workings of Washington DC
- Events and commentary Read More
Caught in America's electoral cycle
28 March 2011
Inside Story
With the recent ascendency of the Republican Party in America, the spending debate in Washington is coming to a head, writes Dr Lesley Russell. Lesley Russell is a research associate at the US Studies Centre. Read article
Lessons from New Orleans in how to rebuild
26 March 2011
Writing in the Australian Financial Review, Professor Ed Blakely has argued that disasters in New Orleans, and more recently in Japan and Christchurch have lessons for the world and especially for the Asia-Pacific region. In particular he says any city hampered by poor preparation and poor internal governance will take many years to reach a state of good repair, even in wealthy countries.
Read article summary
Uncertainty over Libya intervention
23 March 2011
ABC News 24
In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses the dilemma facing US President Barack Obama, namely that the United States can't afford to fight another Middle Eastern war and the American public are exhausted from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but that all eyes are on him to intervene to protect Libyan civilians. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Train graduates to think outside square
23 March 2011
The Australian
Creating more good jobs in America and Australia depends on innovation in higher education rather than simply more people with degrees, argues Dr Sean Gallagher. To this end he advocates financial incentives to encourage universities to strategically transform degrees, experiment with new models of education, and equip graduates with the new skills and knowledge needed to compete in an increasingly globalised job market. Dr Gallagher is a research associate in American higher education and chief operating officer at the US Studies Centre. Read article
Rebuilding lives
22 March 2011
6pm with George Negus
In this interview Professor Ed Blakely explains the likely path to recovery for Japan, while also advocating better international coordination for future large-scale disasters. Ed Blakely is honorary professor in urban policy at the US Studies Centre.
The potential for faster response to disasters
22 March 2011
ABC News 24
Professor Ed Blakely says the international community could benefit greatly from investing in a disaster response agency that could be on standby to offer expert advice to nations and regions facing abrupt disasters such as those seen this year in Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Ed Blakely is honorary professor in urban policy at the US Studies Centre.
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Japan's huge task of rebuilding infrastructure and lives
21 March 2011
Radio Australia Asia Pacific
In this interview with Sen Lam, Professor Ed Blakely draws on his expert knowledge of disaster management to explain the likely next steps for disaster recovery in Japan once the nuclear threat has been arrested. Ed Blakely is honorary professor in urban policy at the US Studies Centre.
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Notes on America: Japanese Disaster and American Grace
21 March 2011
In this edition:
- Japanese disaster defeated world's best preparation: Blakely
- American Grace: The intersection of religion and politics
- New appointments to Council of Advisors
- Events and commentary Read More
With hand on heart, and heart in stomach, US takes on Libya
21 March 2011
The Sydney Morning Herald
Professor Geoffrey Garrett says putting US troops on the ground in Libya is out of the question for President Barack Obama, whom he says is following Bill Clinton's idealism-realpolitik balancing act when it comes to foreign policy. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.
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Japan in crisis mode
21 March 2011
As Japan faces the multiple crises of earthquake, flood and tsunamis, Professor Ed Blakely provides insights into the way forward, drawing on his considerable experience in disaster recovery. He says communication is the top priority so that people's safety is made paramount while at the same time the authorities try to negotiate the threat of dangerous radiation levels hampering the rescue efforts in the northern half of Japan. Ed Blakely is honorary professor in urban policy at the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
America criticised over Libya situation
18 March 2011
702 ABC Sydney
In this interview with Richard Glover, Tom Switzer says criticism of the Obama administration over "dragging its feet" on the situation in Libya fails to appreciate the constraints currently influencing US foreign policy in the Middle East. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
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Overlapping disasters
18 March 2011
ABC News Radio
In this interview with John Barron, Professor Ed Blakely says the overlapping disasters of earthquakes, tsunamis and nuclear radiation have thrown off Japan's typically efficient and well-drilled disaster management procedures. Ed Blakely is honorary professor of urban policy at the US Studies Centre.
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Long recovery
16 March 2011
Australia Network Newsline
Professor Ed Blakely says the recovery effort following the giant earthquake off the coast of northern Japan has been made much more complex by the nuclear accident at Fukushima. Ed Blakely is an international disaster recovery expert and honorary professor in urban policy at the US Studies Centre.
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Gillard speech to congress reexamined
16 March 2011
612 ABC Brisbane (radio)
In this interview with Steve Austin, Brendon O'Connor says Julia Gillard's address to congress in America last week was typical of her populist approach to speaking since she became Prime Minister midway through last year. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor of American politics at the US Studies Centre.
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Science is the victim when beliefs reign supreme
16 March 2011
The Canberra Times
Lesley Russell says denialist politicians in Australia and America are simply protecting their own interests in opposing attempts to put a price on carbon. Dr Russell is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
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Politics & Language: Political Abuse and the Web
15 March 2011
Sydney Papers
Tom Switzer says a regrettable by-product of today's media, especially on the internet, has been its frequent lack of decency and respect but the late US political reporter David Broder sets the right example for journalists. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
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International relations
14 March 2011
Australia Network Business Today
Following Prime Minister Julia Gillard's visit to Washington, Geoffrey Garrett examines both US-Australia and US-China relations in this interview with Whitney Fitzsimmons. In particular Garrett teases out the different angles that the White House, congress and America's business community each have on how the country should relate to China. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Earthquakes and recovery
14 March 2011
702 ABC Sydney
In this interview with Richard Glover, Professor Ed Blakely gives an overview of the situation facing Japan, including how their disaster preparedness has saved lives and what lessons there are for the rest of the world, including Australia. Professor Blakely is honorary professor of urban policy at the US Studies Centre.
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Sentimentality vs strategy: seeking influence in the USA
14 March 2011
The Drum Unleashed (ABC online)
Brendon O'Connor contrasts the Gillard/Howard approach to relations with America with the tactics of Keating and Rudd, arguing that apart from the sentimental appeal to mutual loyalty that helps protect Australia in a worst-case scenario, there is not a great deal to recommend such an approach. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor of American politics at the US Studies Centre.
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Disaster in northern Japan
12 March 2011
Weekend Sunrise (Channel Seven)
Disaster recovery expert Professor Ed Blakely says the Japanese are world leaders in natural disaster management, but that this disaster is yet another case where leading experts from around the world could provide valuable advice if such a group were assembled by the international community. Professor Blakely is honorary professor in urban policy at the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Notes on America: An Alliance Special
11 March 2011
In this edition:
- US Studies Centre to lead US Alliance research
- Prestigious appointment bolsters Centre leadership
- Gillard visit important for meeting US movers and shakers
- Events and commentary Read More
Australia's Carbon Warning for Obama
11 March 2011
Wall Street Journal
Tom Switzer says Labor's recent experience in Australia indicates President Obama could face a voter backlash if he seeks to put a price on carbon, which is something he campaigned about in 2008 but has not yet delivered on. Tom Switzer is a research associate at the US Studies Centre.
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US Studies Centre appoints top diplomat to Board
11 March 2011
The US Studies Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis Richardson AO, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), to its Board of Directors. Announcing the appointment, US Studies Centre Board Chairman Malcolm Binks AO said Mr Richardson would bring invaluable expertise in Australia-US relations to the Centre. Read More
Reemergence of Asia and globalisation
11 March 2011
In this interview Professor Geoffrey Garrett discusses how the alliance between US and Australia will become more important to both nations in the coming years due to the challenges associated with the rise of Asia on the world stage coupled with the forces of globalisation. He also outlines the aim of the recently announced 21st Century Alliance project. Geoffrey Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Prime Minister's speech to congress examined
10 March 2011
ABC News 24
In this interview Brendon O'Connor says Prime Minister Julia Gillard's speech was welcome to American ears though not visionary in its content. Brendon O'Connor is an associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
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Gillard signals strong support for its key ally
10 March 2011
SBS World News Australia
Brendon O'Connor says Australian Ambassador to America and former Labor leader Kim Beazley would have been a key contributor to Prime Minister Julia Gillard's speech to congress. Brendon O'Connor is an associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
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US alliance research project welcomed
10 March 2011
The US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney has welcomed Prime Minister Julia Gillard's support for a major research project to be led by the Centre into the Australia - United States Alliance. The Prime Minister announced her government's $2 million contribution for the 21st Century Alliance project at an American Australian Association dinner in New York. Read More
Shared interests keep Australia and America side-by-side
10 March 2011
ABC News Radio
In this interview with John Barron, Geoffrey Garrett says Julia Gillard echoed Barack Obama's emotional appeal to Americans during her address to US congress. Garrett also notes that Australia and America continue to have shared interests, though they are of a different nature to the days of the Cold War. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Gillard talks, congress listens
10 March 2011
ABC2 News Breakfast
After the standing ovation that Julia Gillard received from US congress, Geoffrey Garrett assesses the significance of the Prime Minister's address to the future of the US-Australia alliance, highlighting in particular the rise of the Asia-Pacific on America's foreign policy agenda. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
Watch Online
China challenge will bind us closer to Washington
10 March 2011
The Australian
Geoffrey Garrett says there is every reson to believe the US-Australia alliance will be at least as important to both countries in the next half century as it has in the past, with more issues on the table and more avenues for the two nations to collaborate in addressing them. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Disaster preparation the key to preservation
9 March 2011
Writing in the Australian Financial Review, Professor Ed Blakely notes that 2010 was the most devastating year on human record for loss of life and property damage because of natural events, according to a World Bank report. He argues we may be entering a new normal in which nature is being transformed. Read article summary
It's deluded to think we're the only apple of America's eye
9 March 2011
The Age
Tom Switzer says Prime Minister Julia Gillard needs to keep a steady eye on reality amid the thrill of Washington. Gillard will address a joint session of Congress, following in the footsteps of only three Australian prime ministers - Robert Menzies in 1952, Bob Hawke in 1988 and John Howard in 2002. Read Article
Gillard visit more than just a photo opportunity: expert
9 March 2011
Dr James Curran is an historian of the US-Australia alliance, and says that while Prime Minister Julia Gillard's visit to Washington means more to Australia than it does to America, there are serious issues to be discussed. Chief among them, says Curran, is how both countries manage relations with other countries in the Asia-Pacific - particularly China. He also considers the long-term situation in Afghanistan and gives a precis of his recently published book "Curtin's Empire" which looks at the wartime story of one of Australia's most celebrated leaders. Watch Online
New talking points for Gillard and Obama
8 March 2011
Radio Australia Asia Pacific
Geoffrey Garrett says in this interview that Australia and the United States continue to have close mutual interests in security matters but also in newer areas such as sustainability. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre. Listen Online
Close relations
8 March 2011
Newsline
Professor Geoffrey Garrett, head of the US Studies Centre, talks to Jim Middleton about the relationship between the US and Australia. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is currently in Washington for talks with US President Barack Obama. Watch Online
US economy under the microscope
8 March 2011
Lateline Business
As Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard continues with high-level meetings in Washington, Geoffrey Garrett discusses the economic aspects of the trip as well as pressing issues facing America that include oil reserves, currency problems and unemployment. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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US-Australia relations on the agenda
8 March 2011
ABC News 24
Tom Switzer says the war in Afghanistan is a pressing issue for both Julia Gillard and Barack Obama as they meet in Washington, however the public are still in the dark about a timeframe for troop withdrawal. Also discussed is the issue of pricing carbon in both countries. Tom Switzer is a research associate with the US Studies Centre.
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Gillard goes to Washington
7 March 2011
PM with Mark Colvin (ABC radio)
Geoffrey Garrett says that while a celebration of the US-Australia alliance will be the focus of the public aspect of Prime Minister Gillard's visit to Washington, discussions behind closed doors about future challenges such as engagement with China will be of greater importance. Professor Garrett is chief executive of the US Studies Centre.
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Presidential candidates still missing in action
7 March 2011
The Drum on ABC News 24
Featuring in this panel discussion is US Studies Centre research associate and ABC broadcaster John Barron, who says it unusual for there not to be a solid group of contenders nearly 18 months out from a presidential election. Furthermore, he adds that Barack Obama knows how to win the White House and how to raise $750 million for the campaign.
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Gillard in Washington
7 March 2011
ABC News 24
The multiple situations in the Middle East are likely to come up when Barack Obama meets with Julia Gillard, though Brendon O'Connor says US military intervention in Libya is highly unlikely. In this interview with Joe O'Brien, O'Connor also discusses the rare opportunity the Australian Prime Minister has to add lustre to her image through her address to Congress. Brendon O'Connor is associate professor in American politics at the US Studies Centre.
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Thus far it's an Obama-only race to the White House
7 March 2011
The Drum (ABC online)
Whatever shortcomings there may have been in the Obama presidency to date, says John Barron, his campaign team has one critical advantage over all the others - they know how to win the White House. John Barron is a research associate at the US Studies Centre and a journalist and broadcaster with ABC NewsRadio.
Read article
Curtin's Empire
5 March 2011
ABC Radio National Saturday Extra
John Curtin is often remembered as the very able leader who questioned Winston Churchill and spurred a new Australian nationalism aligned with the United States and distinctly anti-British. In this interview with Mark Bannerman, historian Dr James Curran argues that this is a simplification of John Curtin's views and that while courting the United States, John Curtin still believed in Australia's essential Britishness and that Australia needed to remain part of the empire.
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Notes on America: Alternative fuels, knowledge gaps and new books
4 March 2011
In this edition:
- Fuel forum: Carbon tax to push airlines towards biofuels
- Indigenous artists fill a knowledge gap in society: Michelson
- New Books: Libel tourism and Latino politics
- Events and commentary Read More
Soils a source of life
4 March 2011
Classic FM Mornings with Margaret Throsby
In this interview, soil scientist and recent participant in the US Studies Centre's Soil Carbon Summit, Professor John Crawford talks with Margaret Throsby about the importance of fertile soils for the world's population and the role of soil carbon.
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Let a stronger, better Christchurch rise from the rubble
4 March 2011
National Times
As Christchurch moves from the phase of rescue to recovery, Professor Ed Blakely says the city needs to be looking at the best international alternatives in earthquake safety, citing California and Japan as leading models. Ed Blakely is honorary professor in urban policy at the US Studies Centre.
Read article
Alternative energy to power next jet age
3 March 2011
ABC News Radio
Richard Altman, executive director of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative, says in this interview that the focus of his organisation's research and development is on energy crops grown in areas where food production is not possible. Realistically, Altman says there will need to be a time period where jet fuels contain a blend of biofuels with petroleum. Richard Altman is in Australia to lead a forum on alternative aviation fuels as a visitor of the US Studies Centre. Listen Online
Indigenous art with Alan Michelson
3 March 2011
In this two-part interview, native American artist Alan Michelson discusses how the Stop(the)Gap/Mind(the)Gap indigenous art exhibition seeks to "fill the gap" left by the official histories of white settlement in North America and Australia. Alan Michelson is in Australia as a visitor of the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Fuelling the future of aviation
3 March 2011
The aviation industry is playing a leading role in the search for renewable fuels that will not adversely affect human food supplies, according to Susan Pond, adjunct professor of the Dow Sustainability Program at the US Studies Centre. Dr Pond, who is leading an industry forum on the topic at the Australian International Airshow, says government policy is critical to supporting research and development into alternative fuels, and contends that even without a carbon tax Australia's aviation industry is heavily involved in renewable energy roadmapping. Watch Online
Trends: recovering from natural disasters
2 March 2011
ABC Radio National By Design
Professor Ed Blakely is one of the world's leading scholars and practitioners of urban policy -- with expertise in how to recover from disasters such as flood, earthquake and cyclones. He talks to By Design about the latest ideas and trends for averting and recovering from natural disasters that affect our increasingly urban lives. Ed Blakely is an honorary professor in urban policy at the US Studies Centre.
Listen Online
Curtin, champion of the Empire
2 March 2011
The Australian Literary Review
US Studies Centre research associate and senior lecturer James Curran has adapted this essay from his latest book Curtin's Empire published by Cambridge University Press. The book is about former Prime Minister John Curtin's role leading his country during World War II when Australia's strong alliance with the United States was forged. Read Essay
Sustainable aviation fuels to overcome carbon hurdle
1 March 2011
Groundbreaking biofuels capable of powering jet engines with minimal environmental fallout will be top of the agenda at a special alternative aviation fuels forum hosted by the US Studies Centre at the 2011 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition in Melbourne this week. The three-day forum will bring together leading government and international aviation industry representatives to discuss the progress towards commercial use of sustainable fuels and opportunities for cooperation and investment. Read More
