Trump nixes Xi summit as Iran war escalates

Far from winding down, tit-for-tat threats on civilian energy infrastructure suggest the US-Israel war on Iran may enter a new spiral of violence.

On this episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Angus Blackman discuss the war on Iran and how American sanctions are creating a humanitarian crisis in Cuba, before Professor James Laurenceson joins the show to talk about the impact of the conflict on China and the postponed Trump-Xi summit.

This episode was recorded on Friday 20 and Monday 23 March.

Guest: James Laurenceson, Professor and Director, Australia-China Relations Institute, University of Technology Sydney // @j-laurenceson

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

Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, Podcasts, the Australia Institute // @angusrb

Show notes:

Shorter America This Week: History sighs, repeats itself; Surprise: Trump doesn't need allies; A bloodthirsty White House by Emma Shortis, The Point (March 2026)

The attacks on Iran hurt us all by Allan Behm, The Point (March 2026)

Israel planning massive ground invasion of Lebanon, officials say by Barak Ravid, Axios (March 2026)

UN chief suggests both sides may be committing war crimes in US-Israel conflict with Iran by Anne McElvoy, Politico (March 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.

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