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Emma Shortis

Emma Shortis

Research Fellow, RMIT University
I’m a historian and writer focused on the history and politics of the United States. I use my expertise in history to interpret and explain what is happening in America today, and what it means for Australia, in a compassionate and accessible way. In a conversation dominated by the same voices, I offer a fresh perspective on the United States grounded in moral questions about how we might imagine a post-American future.

My first book, Our Exceptional Friend: Australia’s Fatal Alliance with the United States, was published by Hardie Grant in August 2021. I also co-host RMIT’s popular history podcast, Barely Gettin’ By, with my friend Dr Chloe Ward.

I’m a regular guest on ABC radio and television and programs like Triple RRR’s Uncommon Sense. I’ve appeared on ABC’s The Drum, Channel 9’s Today Show, and ABC podcasts like Russia, If You’re Listening and The Signal. I write regularly for popular outlets including ABC News Online and the Sydney Morning Herald. In 2020, I was named RMIT’s Media Commentator of the year.

I’m currently a Research Fellow at RMIT. Before that, I spent a year in the United States as the Fox-Zucker International Fellow at Yale University, where I finished writing my PhD in History. My academic research focuses on the history of global climate policy and global environmental governance, and the role of the United States in the world.

In a largely uneventful and inconsequential US vice presidential debate, no one can claim victory

Oct 03, 2024 00:04 am UTC| Politics

Just like vice presidents themselves, in US politics, debates dont really matter until they do. The most recent debate (and likely the last of the 2024 election cycle) between aspiring vice presidents Senator JD Vance and...

Are you ready for it? What a Taylor Swift endorsement means for Kamala Harris

Sep 16, 2024 06:04 am UTC| Insights & Views Entertainment

As the US Presidential debate wrapped up on Wednesday, commentators and journalists regrouped and drew breath. But then, enter Taylor Swift. The pop superstar posted her endorsement of the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz...

Is America ready to elect a Black woman president?

Sep 09, 2024 08:16 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics

Its the big question that has loomed over Kamala Harris presidential campaign from the start: is the United States ready for a Black woman president? I get asked this almost every time I speak about American politics....

Global Geopolitics Series

How will US foreign policy affect Joe Biden’s chances of re-election in November?

Apr 22, 2024 03:28 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics

When big questions about American foreign policy collide with an election, its rarely good news for a sitting president. Like many leaders before him, US President Joe Biden has had some of these questions thrust on...

US Election Series

Who will Trump pick as his running mate?

Apr 01, 2024 03:45 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics

Being second in line for leadership of the most powerful country in the world is not an easy job. But for Mike Pence, vice president under Donald Trump, things were even harder than usual. As insurrectionists descended...

Some truths are self-evident: Joe Biden is too old. But who could possibly replace him?

Feb 21, 2024 10:57 am UTC| Insights & Views Politics

It is possible, in politics as in life, for several things to be true at once. It is true that Donald Trump and his plans for a second presidential administration represent an existential threat to American...

US under Trump Series

Donald Trump faces half a billion dollars of debt and several court cases. But that may not stop him from becoming president again

Feb 20, 2024 11:13 am UTC| Politics

The verdicts keep coming. On Friday US time, the three-month hearing focused on Donald Trumps business dealings in New York came to an end. Trump was ordered to pay back more than $US350 million (A$537 million), plus...

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Economy

Is It Still a Good Time to Invest in China's Market? HSBC's Analysis on FTSE China A50 Rally

Chinese policymakers have recently unveiled various monetary, fiscal, and equity market stimulus measures, leading to a significant surge in the FTSE China A50 index. The market jumped by 28% in just two weeks, causing...

JPMorgan Analysts Forecast Bitcoin and Gold Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions and U.S. Election

JPMorgan analysts project that rising geopolitical tensions and the upcoming U.S. election will drive a surge in demand for Bitcoin and gold. This shift comes as investors look for alternatives to safeguard their assets...

Chinese Property Bonds Rally as Investors See Revival Amid Government Stimulus

Chinese Property Bonds Gain Investor Confidence with Government Stimulus Chinese and global institutional investors are revisiting Chinese property bonds, banking on an improved market outlook as the Chinese government...

Global Stocks Slump Amid Middle East Tensions and Oil Price Surge

Global stocks fell on Thursday as major equity markets across the U.S., Europe, and Asia reported losses. The decline was influenced by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and an oil price surge, overshadowing...

U.S. Dock Workers Strike Ends with Tentative Wage Deal, Avoiding Major Supply Chain Disruptions

U.S. Dock Workers Strike Ends After Tentative Agreement Reached The U.S. dock workers strike has officially ended following a tentative agreement between dock workers and port operators, putting a stop to a crippling...

Politics

Donald Trump's Pal Elon Musk Slams Kamala Harris Win: 'A Disaster for Civilization'

Elon Musk has voiced serious concerns about Kamala Harris potentially winning the upcoming presidential election, calling it not only bad for America but warning that it could spell disaster for the future of civilization...

Donald Trump Set for Landslide Victory: ‘Commanding Lead in Key States – This Could Be Unstoppable'

Donald Trump appears to be positioned for a sweeping victory in the upcoming presidential election, as new polling data suggests the former president holds a commanding lead in several crucial battleground states....

Donald Trump Refuses 60 Minutes Interview Over Lack of Apology for Hunter Biden Laptop Story

In a bold move, former President Donald Trump announced that he is refusing to sit down for an interview with 60 Minutes until he receives an apology for the networks previous claims regarding Hunter Bidens infamous...

Biden-Harris Admin Warns FEMA May Run Out of Funds Amid Hurricane Season After Billions Sent Overseas

In a shocking development, the Biden-Harris administration announced that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) may not have enough resources to make it through the rest of hurricane season. This warning comes on the...

Science

SpaceX and T-Mobile Begin Testing Starlink Cellular Satellite Service Ahead of 2025 Launch

SpaceX and T-Mobile have reportedly initiated tests for their highly anticipated Starlink Cellular satellite service. Speculation emerged after users noticed satellite activity on their phones, fueling excitement ahead of...

SpaceX Pauses Falcon 9 Launches After Anomaly During Crew 9 Mission Investigation

SpaceX has suspended all Falcon 9 launches after an anomaly occurred with the rockets second stage during the Crew 9 mission for NASA. The second stage failed to land as planned, prompting an investigation and delaying...

Tesla’s $25K Compact Car Could Drive Bigger Stock Gains Than Robotaxi, Analyst Predicts

As anticipation builds for Teslas Robotaxi, some analysts believe the companys upcoming $25,000 compact car will have a more significant impact on its stock. Gary Black of The Future Fund argues that entering the...

Starlink Reaches 4 Million Customers Globally as SpaceX Expands Operations and Services

SpaceXs Starlink has officially surpassed 4 million customers across more than 100 countries. This milestone was announced by SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell, who also outlined plans for expanding Starlinks satellite network...

Technology

Bitcoin to Reach $120K in October as Analyst Predicts Explosive Wave 5 Breakout

Bitcoin may hit a new all-time high in October, with predictions of a wave 5 breakout driving prices to as much as $120,000. Market experts warn of volatility, but the outlook remains bullish. Wave 5 Breakout Predicted...

Toyota Delays First U.S.-Made EV Until 2026 Despite $1.3B Kentucky Plant Renovation

Toyota has delayed the production of its first U.S.-made electric vehicle to 2026, despite investing $1.3 billion to renovate its Kentucky plant. The leading automaker initially planned to launch the three-row electric SUV...

Tesla’s Latest Cybertruck Recall Quietly Unveils How Many Have Been Manufactured So Far

Tesla has issued another recall for its Cybertruck due to a rearview camera glitch. This recall, though, gives insight into the number of Cybertrucks manufactured since November 2023, with the company revealing 27,185...

Mark Cuban Warns Every Meme Coin Is "A Rug Pull in the Works," Likens Trading to Musical Chairs

Mark Cuban has warned that every single meme coin is a rug pull in the works, cautioning traders about the dangers of these speculative assets. He likened the chaotic nature of meme coin trading to a game of musical...
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