The Next Generation Challenges in the US-Australia Alliance (‘NextGen’) project strengthens the bilateral Australia-US alliance by building a diverse and well-equipped network of future Australian leaders dedicated to shaping the alliance’s future.

Through masterclasses and engagement with leading US and Australian experts, the program deepens the knowledge and skills of emerging leaders in Australian industry, government, and academia in areas that will shape the future of the alliance, including climate change, economic security, and emerging technologies.

NextGen masterclasses

The United States Studies Centre has hosted four masterclasses as part of the NextGen project with more planned for 2025.

  • Masterclass 1. Allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific
    27 June 2024
    Featuring Dr Zack Cooper, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
  • Masterclass 2. Emerging technology and the defence industrial base
    12 August 2024
    Featuring Dr Cynthia Cook, Director, Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group and Senior Fellow, International Security Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies.
  • Masterclass 3. Lawmaking in democracies
    26 August 2024
    Featuring former Congresswoman and President-elect of the US Association of Former Members of Congress
  • Masterclass 4. Energy security and the alliance
    9 September 2024
    Featuring Erik M. Jacobs, Adjunct Fellow at the Global Taiwan Institute

This project is generously supported by a grant from the US State Department.