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Newsroom FeedNewsroom
Rudd's resignation as Foreign Minister won't affect US relations
29 February 2012
The Global Times
Kevin Rudd's resignation as Foreign Minister and failed bid for the Prime Ministry was important for Australian politics, but US Studies Centre Research Associate Tom Switzer says the change won't affect Australia's relationships with the US or China. Although Rudd is a fluent Mandarin speaker, Switzer tells the Global Times, the Gillard government's policy of increased military cooperation with the US has bipartisan support and will continue for the forseeable future. Read article
Growth horizons for sustainable aviation fuels
29 February 2012
ATSE Focus
A sustainable aviation fuel industry would carry great economic, social and environmental benefits, according to Adjunct Professor of the Dow Sustainability Program Susan Pond. Now, with a memorandum of understanding between the Australian Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and the US Department of Transport, and support from an American private-public coalition, the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative, Australia has an excellent chance to develop this large-scale, transformative industry. Read article
Candidates neck and neck in Michigan
29 February 2012
Sky Business
With a close result in Michigan, a state that Mitt Romney grew up in and his father was a well-respected governor of, the race for the Republican nomination looks far from over. Dr David Smith looks at how the latest primary results will affect the chances of both Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney with Super Tuesday just over a week away. Watch Online
Romney will need more than Michigan to win the nomination
29 February 2012
ABC Radio National
Romney may have won his home state of Michigan but none of the candidates look like they can defeat Obama in November. Santorum may appeal to many social conservatives but, as Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor suggests, turns off many moderate Republicans while Romney is still struggling to excite the base of the GOP. Can either candidate mount a strong enough campaign to secure the nomination on Super Tuesday and present a strong challenge in November? Listen Online
A close result in Michigan puts Super Tuesday into play
29 February 2012
ABC News Radio
With a tight result in Michigan, all the Republican candidates will be looking ahead to Super Tuesday give them the momentum (and the delegates) they need to secure the nomination. US Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett offers a range of scenarios for the months ahead and suggests that the contest may go all the way to the Convention floor. And how much will these extended primaries benefit Obama in November? Listen Online
More wins for Romney but victory remains elusive
29 February 2012
ABC News 24
Mitt Romney recovered from a surge by Santorum in the polls to clinch his home state, but the tight margin indicates that he hasn't yet sown up the nomination. Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor from the United States Studies Centre suggests that Romney may be the right man for the job, but is lacking the X factor and appeal of other candidates. Can he close the deal before the Convention in August? Watch Online
Romney wins Michigan but the race remains open
29 February 2012
ABC 24 The World
Senior Lecturer at the United States Studies Centre, Dr Harry Melkonian, discusses the chances of each of the Republican candidates following Mitt Romney's win in Michigan and Arizona. Can the other candidates make an impact on Super Tuesday? And what are their chances against Obama in November? Watch Online
Scientific fact, not fiction, needed in gas debates
29 February 2012
ABC News Breakfast
Research Scientist at the University of Texas at Austin, Dr Ian Duncan, discusses the lessons that Australia can learn from the US experience in natural gas extraction. His research found that many of the accusations of pollution caused by gas extraction were either overstated or part of pre-exisiting problems. Dr Duncan was in Australia for a forum on unconventional gas production co-hosted by the US Studies Centre. Watch Online
Notes on America: Michigan focus, research grants and student welcome
29 February 2012
In this edition:
- Election Watch 12: Mitt Romney's campaign on the line
- Centre funds Australian-based US research
- Welcome to 2012 students
- Events and commentary Read more
Environmental concerns over unconventional gas production
29 February 2012
ABC Radio National
Energy from unconventional gases is a booming sector of both the Australian and American economies, but environmental concerns surround the industry's expansion. Does the drilling required to extract the gas contaminate ground water, or is the debate dominated by alarmist rhetoric instead of scientific data? Research Scientist at the University of Texas in Austin, Dr Ian Duncan and Senior Policy Advisor in the energy program at the Environmental Defense Fund, Scott Anderson, clear up fact from fiction, saying much of the worry about environmental damage is unfounded. Dr Duncan and Mr. Anderson were in Australian for a forum on unconventional gas production co-hosted by the US Studies Centre. Listen online
An American Melodrama - The Presidential Campaign in 2012
28 February 2012
The presidential election in November 2012 promises to be tight, and the campaign brutal. Barack Obama will have to spend as much time defending his record as making promises for the future. And with the Republican challenger still yet to be decided, whoever wins the GOP nomination, will have the to unite the party after five years of squabbling and an increasingly ugly primary season.
Research Associate Tom Switzer and Lecturer in US Politics Dr David Smith both offered their unique perspectives on the elections and the outlook for the US at a panel discussion hosted by the Australian Institute for International Affairs. Watch Online
Australia can learn lessons from US gas extraction
27 February 2012
ABC Radio Queensland
With a boom in natural gas extraction hitting Queensland, landholders are increasingly concerned about the environmental impacts of CSG extraction and what it will mean for their property's production potential not just now, but well into the future. Research scientist and guest at the US Studies Centre's forum on unconventional gases, Dr Ian Duncan, says that much of the stated environmental impact is overblown or based on anecdotal rather than scientific evidence. He says that Australia can learn some important lessons from the US experience of natural gas extraction to make mines safer and more efficient. Listen Online
Industry must work with regulators in coal seam gas mining
27 February 2012
ABC TV News
A group of gas industry experts have urged Australian companies to work with regulators to minimise environmental risks. Mark Boling and Scott Anderson, who both spoke at a forum on unconventional gas production in Brisbane co-hosted by the United States Studies Centre, said the American experience offered some important lessons for local companies. Watch Online
The future of foreign policy without Rudd
27 February 2012
Sky Business
With Kevin Rudd resigning as Foreign Minister and Julia Gillard considering his replacement, US Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett talks to Sky News about how this might change the foreign policy outlook. What does this mean for US-Australian relations? Professor Garrett also assesses Obama's chances of remaining in power after November. Watch Online
Rudd borrows from US primaries playbook
27 February 2012
The Sydney Morning Herald
Rudd's decision to hire a communications expert to run his campaign to regain the prime ministership represents a move to an American style of campaign management, says US Studies Centre Visiting Professor Murray Goot. If Rudd wins today, Goot says there may well be others, given independent means and the right circumstances, tempted to tread a similar path. On the other hand, if Rudd loses by a large margin, we will have learnt something about how far this path might take leadership candidates in Australian politics. Read Online
CEO Geoffrey Garrett elected as new Asia Foundation trustee
24 February 2012
The Asia Foundation, the premier international development organization serving the Asia-Pacific region, today announced the election of US Studies Centre CEO Professor Geoffrey Garrett to its Board of Trustees. Professor Garrett is one of 5 new trustees including Karl Eikenberry, Sunder Ramaswamy, Masako Shinn, and Alice Young, aiming to bring diverse international government, academic, and philanthropic perspectives to the Foundation’s initiatives and programs in 17 Asian countries. Read Online
Not only Nixon could go to China
23 February 2012
National Review
"Only Nixon could go to China" has become shorthand for a moment when a political leader makes a move that would anger his supporters if taken by someone without his credentials. But was President Richard Nixon's engagement with China something only a staunch anti-communist like Nixon could do? US Studies Centre Research Associate Tom Switzer says that the rapidly shifting political climate of the late 1960s made Nixon's famous trip one that even a liberal Democrat could have taken. Read article
Notes on America: Gas and water, DC internship and constitutional compromise
22 February 2012
In this edition:
- Unconventional gas production and water: US lessons
- Washington intern on Bo Obama, briefings and CPAC 2012
- Postdoc Profile: Constitutional compromise
- Events and commentary
US Election Watch 2012 Website & Experts
22 February 2012
The United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney has launched a new website packed with news, background detail and expert commentary for those wanting to decipher the primaries, polls and policies that make up the highly anticipated 2012 US presidential campaign. With the pivotal Michigan and Arizona Republican primaries next week, Wednesday 29 February Australian time, US Election Watch 2012 can get you up to speed before this crucial contest and the multi-state Super Tuesday primaries on Wednesday 7 March our time. Read more
Univesity of Adelaide re-appoints Robert Hill as Chancellor
21 February 2012
InBusiness
Adjunct Professor in Sustainability at the United States Studies Centre Robert Hill has been reappointed for a further two-year term as Chancellor at the University of Adelaide. The former Federal Government minister who commenced as Chancellor in 2010 said he was honoured to lead the University's Council for another term and looked forward to overseeing the University's plans for the future. Read Online
Avowed anti-communist opened China to the world
18 February 2012
The Australian
On the 40th anniversary of Richard Nixon's historic visit to the People's Republic of China, Research Assosciate at the US Studies Centre Tom Switzer challenges the conventional wisdom that surrounds the trip, suggesting that Nixon's views on China were privately softening even as his public rhetoric remained fiery. Was Nixon ahead of his time in paving the way for a rapprochement or pragmatically adapting his foreign policy to match the changing political climate? Read here
Al Qaeda's Merger
17 February 2012
Foreign Policy
The merger between al Qaeda and the Somali insurgent group al-Shabab has effectively resulted in dozens of Americans joining al Qaeda. US Studies Centre Research Associate Leah Farrall tells Foreign Policy that the merger will see al Qaeda pressue al-Shabab to conduct external operations beyond Somalia. Read article
Xi Jinping visit cements a long history of US-China relations
16 February 2012
ABC Radio Australia Connect Asia
Chinese Vice-President and heir apparent to President Hu Jintao, Xi Jinping, visited the US this week in a trip that combined the pomp and circumstance of an official visit with high level talks about some of the issues that unite and divide the two countries. With the 40th anniversary of President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit to China occurring next week, Research Assosciate at the US Studies Centre Tom Switzer talks about how this visit fits into the history of the alliance between the two nations. Listen Online
Al Qa'ida's global reach lengthens
16 February 2012
The Australian
US Studies Centre Research Associate Leah Farrall, who specialises in counter terrorism, writes that the merger between al-Qai'da and the Somali militant group al-Shabab shows that the former remains consistently relevant. Farrall argues that while Western officials present a narrative of Al-Qa'ida being in terminal decline, mergers offer the terrorist group a low-risk, resource-cheap means of expanding its brand power. Read article
Visit to US offers opportunities and challenges for China
15 February 2012
Australia Network Newsline
The man most likely to succeed Hu Jintao as China's President, Xi Jinping, was in Washington this week to meet US President Obama and discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the US-China relationship. In this Newsline report, US Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett explains that the trip was important not only to cement a personal relationship between the leaders but also open up discussions on important economic, military and human rights issues that have divided them in the past. Watch Online
Shawn Treier: US Studies Centre postdoctoral fellow
14 February 2012
Dr Shawn Treier describes his research into the framing of the US Constitution, which he is using his 2011-12 postdoctoral fellowship to turn into a book, co-authored with Jeremy Pope. Far from having a united voice, Treier says the Founding Fathers were divided over many issues and the final constitution is a product of negotiation and compromise. He discusses his use of the mathematical technique of spatial modelling to graphically depict the ideological differences between those such as Hamilton, Washington and Madison on the issues discussed at the Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787. What were the motivations behind those divisions? Are those issues still relevant in contemporary politics? Watch Online
Notes on America: Hearts & minds, Planet America and vale Barrie Leay
14 February 2012
In this edition:
- Are we really winning hearts and minds in Afghanistan?
- Planet America
- Vale Barrie Leay: Energy sector leader
- Events and commentary Read more
Obama's budget provides a road-map to the election
14 February 2012
2GB Money News
Obama's latest budget proposes a range of measures to increase taxes on the richest Americans and increase spending in some key areas to continue growing the American economy. US Studies Centre CEO Professor Geoffrey Garrett says this is as much a political statement as an economic policy. Can he harness the power of the Occupy movement and will this budget help him win a second term in November? Listen Online
Australia should look to US on China higher education partnerships
13 February 2012
ABC Radio Australia Asia Pacific
With China increasingly seeking greater autonomy in it's higher education provision, Research Assosciate in Higher Education Dr Sean Gallagher suggests that Australian universities should look to the long-term strategies of US institutions such as Duke University to help foster connections between East and West, rather than simply trying to export Australian education to China or import students here. Dr Gallagher suggests we should be more responsive to Chinese demands for equal higher education partnerships. Listen Online
Adam Lockyer on civil development in Afghanistan
13 February 2012
In this interview, Lecturer in US Politics and Foreign Policy Dr Adam Lockyer, discusses his article published this month in the Australian Journal of International Affairs. Dr Lockyer evaluates civil development programs in Afghani counterinsurgency operations and says previous methods for measuring the success of projects that attempt to 'win the hearts and minds' of civilians have produced little evidence of effectiveness. Instead he advocates a more scientific approach. Watch Online
Planet America debuts on ABC
10 February 2012
ABC TV
US Studies Centre research associate and ABC News Radio host John Barron has launched his new show Planet America on the ABC. Each week Barron, who will teaching a course on US campaign politics and the media in the winter of 2012 for the Centre, joins The Chaser's Chas Licciardello to discuss and analyse every aspect of the 2012 race to the White House. The first episode features interviews with former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton and former NSW premier Bob Carr. Watch Online
It's not too late for a Jeb Bush candidacy
10 February 2012
The Australian
Rick Santorum's trifecta of primary wins this week has damaged the Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney, and left the GOP even more uncertain about the weaknesses of a candidate many of them still cannot bring themselves to support. United States Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett considers whether a white knight, in the form of Jeb Bush, might ride to their rescue on the convention floor. Read article
Santorum: the 'right' candidate?
9 February 2012
Triple J Hack
After a string of wins in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado, Rick Santorum is positioning himself as the representative of the conservative Right in the 2012 Republican Primaries. Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor speaks to Hack's Claire Aird about Santorum's unlikely rise, his strong ideology and some of the controversy that surrounds his candidature. Listen Online
Rebuilding after disaster
8 February 2012
ABC 702 Sydney
On the third anniversary of the Black Saturday Victorian bushfire disaster, Richard Glover speaks to Professor Edward Blakely from the United States Studies Centre about how Australian disaster response compares to the handling of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Professor Blakely also describes the rebuilding process and his own personal experience of natural disasters. Listen here
Santorum stakes his claim in the Midwest
8 February 2012
Sky News
With a series of convincing wins in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri, Rick Santorum has stopped the momentum of the Romney campaign and staked his claim as the candidate of the Right over his rival, Newt Gingrich. Lecturer at the US Studies Centre, Dr David Smith talks to Sky News about how these results will affect the rest of the campaign and Santorum's chances of facing Obama in November. Watch Online
Notes on America: The Right Candidate, Green Fleets and US imperialism
8 February 2012
In this edition:
- American Review: The Right Candidate
- US Navy's Great Green Fleet catches attention
- Postdoc Profile: Medicine and an imperial America
- Events and commentary Read more
CEO Geoffrey Garrett named in Top 50 most influential in Higher Education
7 February 2012
The Australian
United States Studies Centre CEO Geoffrey Garrett has been named one of the 50 most influential people in higher education by The Australian, joining Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Chief Scientist of Australia Ian Chubb and 2011 Nobel Prize winner Brian Schmidt. Professor Garrett placed 44th in the list, beating out Pablo Picasso and Sydney University alumni Adam Spencer. See full list
Medicine and an imperial America
7 February 2012
New research into medical policies and practice in 19th century-Hawai’i by postdoctoral fellow Dr Jean Kim challenges the idea the US was exempt from imperial expansion. Kim is in Sydney for the 2011-12 academic year from Dartmouth College where she is an assistant professor. Read interview
The Super Bowl explained
6 February 2012
ABC Radio
Still scratching your head over the Super Bowl? David Smith from the US Studies Centre explains everything from the difference between a running back and a wide reciever to the history of the infamous (and expensive) Super Bowl ads. Listen here
Hi-tech mining promises more jobs
6 February 2012
The Australian
A new report by consultancy firm BAEconomics finds that technological advancements in mining would lead to an overall growth in employment, despite concerns to the contrary. The significance of this emerging sector, known as MTSE — mining technology services and equipment — has been underestimated, according to a US Studies Centre report. Advances in MTSE are set to transform the way the mining industry operates. Read article
Romney keeps rolling in Nevada
5 February 2012
Sky News
With two wins in a row, Mitt Romney finally seems to be getting the momentum he needs to secure the Republican nomination for the 2012 general election. David Smith asks whether he can sustain the energy through the up-coming caucuses and whether his opponents still stand a chance. Watch Online
The trouble with Romney
4 February 2012
2SER
The race for Republican leadership in the United States is heating up, with front-runner Mitt Romney winning the Florida primary this week. The victory has put Romney in a strong position to represent the Party and challenge President Barack Obama in this year’s election -- but he still has opinion divided. Dr David Smith from the US Studies Centre spoke to 2SER’s Anthony Sonego about his chances in 2012. Listen Online
Trump jumps on the Romney bandwagon
3 February 2012
Sky News
After his convincing win in Florida, Mitt Romney has been endorsed by the tycoon Donald Trump as his preferred candidate to win the nomination for the GOP and fight the 2012 general election against Obama. David Smith talks to Sky News about how this might help or hinder his campaign, especially in light of revelations about Romney's low effective tax rate. Watch Online
US forces may end Afghanistan combat role by 2013
2 February 2012
ABC Radio Connect Asia
The United States is hoping to end its combat mission in Afghanistan next year - a year ahead of the previously announced deadline of late 2014. Tom Switzer discusses the domestic and international implications of this decision as well as the on-going Republican primaries. Listen here
Central Coast biofuel plant fuels US interest
2 February 2012
Express Advocate Gosford
A company in regional NSW could become a supplier of biofuel to US Navy to help support President Barack Obama's dream of a Great Green Fleet. Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy Thomas Hicks was one of a small group of American officials to pay a visit to the Licella plant. Mr Hicks was a speaker at the Pacific 2012 International Maritime Conference, which was co-sponsored by the United States Studies Centre. Read article
Sustainable fuel use on the high seas
2 February 2012
SBS Podcasts
Tom Hicks, the US Navy's deputy assistant secretary of energy, tells Ron Sutton about the US Navy's future plans for sustainable fuels. Hicks was in Sydney for the Pacific 2012 International Maritime Conference, which was co-hosted by the US Studies Centre. Listen online
Romney gets the upper hand but not the nomination
1 February 2012
Sky News
David Smith and Tom Switzer talk to Sky News about Mitt Romney's latest primary victory in Florida. While both agree that Romney hasn't yet secured the opportunity to face Obama in the general election later in the year, they both outline different views of the challenges that face all the candidates as the race to the White House continues. Watch Online
Romney picks up momentum in Florida
1 February 2012
Sky News
Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor talks to Sky News about the results of the Republican primary in Florida. Will this result give Romney the momentum he needs to sew up the nomination or can the other candidates mount a comeback in Arizona? Watch Online
Panel discussion: Mitt Romney leads Republican nomination race
1 February 2012
ABC Radio National
Mitt Romney has trounced his main rival Newt Gingrich in Florida's primary, putting himself in a commanding position to win the Republican nomination and take on president Barack Obama in the November election. Simon Jackman, Professor of Politics at Stanford University, California and Visiting Professor at the US Studies Centre; Ford O'Connell, Republican strategist, national political commentator and former presidential campaign adviser; and Susan MacManus, Professor at the University of South Florida; discuss whether Mitt Romney will become the next president of the United States. Listen online
Landslide win for Romney
1 February 2012
ABC 702
David Smith explains the significance of Mitt Romney's landslide win in the Florida primary. Will Romney be the Republican nominee to take on Barack Obama in November? Listen online
Romney defeats Gingrich in Florida
1 February 2012
ABC Radio National
Mitt Romney has resoundingly defeated his main rival and former House speaker Newt Gingrich in the Florida primary. However, Gingrich has vowed to battle on until the party formally nominates a candidate in August. Brendon O'Connor, associate professor at the US Studies Centre, discussed Romney's prospects as a candidate against Obama with Waleed Aly. Listen online
Romney takes lead in Republican race
1 February 2012
ABC NewsRadio
Brendon O'Connor says Mitt Romney is in a strong position following his win in the Florida primary but Newt Gingrich is still in with a chance in the Republican nomination race. Listen online
Rebuilding America's most religious city after natural disaster
1 February 2012
ABC Religion and Ethics Report
In August 2005, winds gusting at more than 200 km an hour hit the coast of Louisiana in the southern United States. At the same time, 53 levees protecting the historic city of New Orleans broke and flooded up to 80 per cent of the city. Much of New Orleans remained underwater for almost two months. When it was over, the city called on Professor Ed Blakely, one of the world’s leading urban planners to oversee the rebuilding. In his memoir about the rebuilding, My Storm, he explains why New Orleans is a special place for religion and spirituality. Listen online
Australian companies to gain from US Navy switch to renewable energy
1 February 2012
The Australian
At the Pacific 2012 International Maritime Conference, Tom Hicks, the US Navy's deputy assistant secretary of energy, unveiled the details of a new alternative fuels policy. The US Navy plans to power half its fleet with sustainable energy by 2020, including a fleet of warships powered by biofuel, which will be headed to Australia in 2016. Read article
