USSC Briefing Room cover art

USSC Briefing Room

USSC Briefing Room

By: United States Studies Centre
Listen for free

About this listen

 The USSC Briefing Room is a podcast from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. It gives you a seat at the table for a briefing on the latest US news and foreign policy. Co-hosts Mari Koeck, Jared Mondschein and Victoria Cooper talk to experts to cover what you need to know and what's beneath the surface of the news.United States Studies Centre Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Convenience, choice or necessity? Examining the case for striking Iran

    Convenience, choice or necessity? Examining the case for striking Iran
    Mar 8 2026

    In this episode USSC CEO Dr Michael Green and USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein sat down with USSC Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck on Friday, 6 March 2026 to discuss the latest on the war with Iran.

    What led the United States to attack Iran now? How does this compare to the Iraq War and actions of prior administrations? How are US allies responding?

    Mike draws on his experience in the White House during the Iraq War and Jared addresses broader Middle East dynamics to unpack this issue and what it means for US allies and partners.
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Is AUKUS Pillar II a solution in need of a problem?

    Is AUKUS Pillar II a solution in need of a problem?
    Feb 23 2026

    The Trump administration recently completed its AUKUS review, including a directive from President Trump to proceed “full steam ahead” on AUKUS Pillar I. But even after securing the Trump stamp of approval, there has been comparatively little information on how the review handled Pillar II and experts have raised concerns about the growing scope of advanced capabilities it now includes.

    Is AUKUS Pillar II fit for purpose? Which advanced capabilities can deliver the best return on investment in the near term? Is AUKUS Pillar II a “solution in need of a problem”?

    USSC Non-Resident Fellow Sophie Mayo and USSC Research Fellow Tom Corben joined USSC Director of Impact and Engagement Mari Koeck on the podcast to discuss these questions.

    Both experts have recently published on AUKUS Pillar II:

    • Impact and effort: A menu of AI and autonomy options for AUKUS Pillar II – Sophie Mayo
    • AUKUS Pillar II under pressure – Tom Corben

    Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

    Produced by: Elliott Brennan

    Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • Mike Green and Lavina Lee on Iran, Venezuela, Greenland and Carney’s speech

    Mike Green and Lavina Lee on Iran, Venezuela, Greenland and Carney’s speech
    Feb 9 2026

    Are we seeing a rupture or a transition in 2026? USSC CEO Dr Michael Green and USSC Director of Foreign Policy and Defence Dr Lavina Lee sat down with host Mari Koeck to discuss what the geopolitical developments in Iran, Venezuela and Greenland mean for alliances and middle powers.

    Can NATO survive the Greenland pressure? What is the end game with Venezuela and Iran? How should middle powers like Canada and Australia respond?

    Tune in to hear Mike and Lavina’s candid assessments of US foreign intervention and the response by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

    Subscribe to the USSC Briefing Room on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

    Produced by: Elliott Brennan

    Music by Dan Phillipson, licensed through PremiumBeat
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.