United States Studies Centre

There are few better ways to mark 20 years than in the company of the people who helped make them possible.

This week we were honoured to welcome The Hon John Howard AC OM to celebrate two decades of the United States Studies Centre — reflecting on where we've come from, and why the work ahead matters more than ever.

To our guests, our colleagues past and present, and the many people across government, academia, and public life who have shaped the Centre, we thank you.

———

Analysis of America.
Insight for Australia.
Solutions for the Alliance.

Visit ussc.edu.au to learn more about our history and mission.

From Ukraine to the Red Sea to the war in Iran, recent conflicts have exposed a stark reality: advanced militaries are burning through missiles faster than they can replace them.

In a new brief for the Centre, Dr Tom Karako argues Australia and the United States are entering a new “missile age” — one that will demand deeper industrial cooperation, stronger missile defences and faster technology sharing.

The paper examines:

• The implications of the US “Golden Dome” missile defence initiative
• Why Guam has become central to Indo-Pacific deterrence
• The growing strain on US missile stockpiles
• How Cold War-era export controls are slowing allied cooperation

What does this mean for the future of the alliance — and for Australia’s role in the Indo-Pacific?

____

Read Dr Karako's full insights → https://www.ussc.edu.au/us-australia-relations-and-the-future-of-missilery-long-range-strike-missile-defence-and-export-controls

Space has become an increasingly contested strategic domain — and one with growing implications for Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

This week, we were fortunate to host General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the United States Space Force (USSF).

Established in 2019, the Space Force is the newest branch of the US Armed Forces. It was created in recognition that space has become a critical operational domain, increasingly shaped by strategic competition, technological advancement and the need to protect vital space-based infrastructure.

As Chief, General Saltzman leads the organisation, training and equipping of the Space Force — a central pillar of the evolving national security strategy.

Our discussion explored the growing strategic importance of space, the changing security environment in the Indo-Pacific, and the role emerging technologies will play in the future of defence and deterrence.

We thank General Saltzman for joining us and sharing his insights on the future of space security and US strategic priorities.

____

Read more about General Saltzman →
https://www.spaceforce.mil/biographies/display/article/2329659/b-chance-saltzman/

Learn more about the United States Space Force →
https://www.spaceforce.mil/

Earlier this month, we were pleased to host US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of the Australia–US alliance, strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific, Australia’s National Defence Strategy, and the evolving trajectory of AUKUS cooperation.

The discussion underscored the increasing importance of close Australia–US coordination on defence policy, critical and emerging technologies, and shared regional security challenges.

Earlier this month, we were pleased to host US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael G. DeSombre for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of the Australia–US alliance, strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific, Australia’s National Defence Strategy, and the evolving trajectory of AUKUS cooperation.

The discussion underscored the increasing importance of close Australia–US coordination on defence policy, critical and emerging technologies, and shared regional security challenges.

New analysis highlights a significant shift in US-China leader-level engagement before the Trump-Xi summit.
📊 Key data points:
- Average annual interactions have declined from 5.6 (2000s) to just 2.5 this decade
- Approximately 75% of leader engagements since 2020 have occurred by phone rather than in person
- Many of the ~90 formal communication channels established during earlier periods remain dormant

These trends point to a relationship with fewer touchpoints, reduced institutional depth, and increasing reliance on ad hoc engagement.

Explore the full “by the numbers” breakdown:
https://www.ussc.edu.au/expectations-for-the-trump-xi-summit

Calling all teachers 📢 📢 📢

Join us at 4:30pm on 26 May for our first teacher professional development webinar of 2026: How is US political polarisation impacting Australian life?

Did you know the United States Studies Centre is a NESA-recognised professional development provider? Teachers can self-log participation as professional development.

Register to hear from Associate Professor David Smith and Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe in conversation with Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck as they discuss what is driving political polarisation, why it has intensified, and how it is changing elections and everyday civic debate in Australia.

Register here 👇

Teacher Professional Development Series | How is US political polarisation impacting Australian life? This webinar will examine what is driving political polarisation, why it has intensified, and how it is changing elections and everyday civic debate.

100 EPISODES! 🎉 🎉 🎉

Today we published the 100th episode of the USSC Briefing Room! Thanks for joining us on this journey. This episode is a discussion with USSC CEO Dr Michael Green about what we learned from Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's visit to Australia.

https://www.ussc.edu.au/podcasts/ussc-briefing-room/signals-not-spectacle-dr-michael-green-on-takaichi-s-visit-to-australia

Congratulations to our newest cohort of American Studies graduates!

On Friday, we celebrated the graduation of nine American Studies students. It is a joy to get to know our students over the course of their studies and it is always a highlight for the academic team to connect with students in the of Sydney and mark their achievement.

A special surprise for everyone was when Associate Professor David Smith filled in at the last minute to deliver a stirring occasional address.

To explore where American Studies can take you, learn more here. 👇 👇 👇
https://www.ussc.edu.au/study