Australia gambles on AUKUS as Trump rides Iran merry-go-round

Despite the global upheaval caused by the Trump administration, the Australian government is trying to plough on with AUKUS as if Biden was still in charge.

On this episode of After America, Guardian Australia journalist Ben Doherty joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the likelihood of the Australia ever receiving a nuclear-powered submarine, the “dangerously undemocratic” secrecy around key elements of the AUKUS agreement, and Australia’s significantly changed strategic environment.

This episode was recorded on Friday 22 May.

You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.

Guest: Ben Doherty, Senior Reporter, Guardian Australia

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Show notes:

Aukus nuclear submarine base would ‘place a massive target on our backs’, NSW labour union warns by Krishani Dhanji & Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia (May 2026)

As Aukus spending and delays blow out, will Australia’s nuclear submarines ever materialise? by Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia (May 2026)

Shorter America: Ivy League brain; These men; Shared fates, shared future by Emma Shortis, The Point (May 2026)

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)

WEBINAR | Submarine Dreams: understanding Australia’s commitment to AUKUS, the Australia Institute (October 2026)

Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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