In conversation

What Trump’s Second Term Means for Australia | Bruce Wolpe

Australia’s best-informed commentator on US politics provides a blueprint for Australia for Trump’s second term.

Leading expert and US and Australian politics insider Bruce Wolpe reveals the many ways in which Australia has already been damaged by Donald Trump. Seeping into Australia from above and below, Trumpism has contaminated public debate, emboldened local political and religious extremists, diminished Australia’s economy and international relations—and much more.

Wolpe predicts America’s democracy won’t survive a second Trump term. The implications for Australia and for the world are shocking. He explains how Australia can draw on its strengths to protect its democracy, economy and society from Trumpism, and where Australia is vulnerable and needs to build guardrails. He warns Australia might also face an existential question about ties with its most important ally.

Bruce Wolpe is a Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. He worked with the Democrats in the US Congress during President Barack Obama’s first term, he was a senior advisor for Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and he was a senior executive at Fairfax Media 1998 – 2009. He is author of The Committee, and Lobbying Congress.

Wolpe will be in conversation with Sabra Lane, the presenter of flagship ABC Radio Current Affairs program AM. She has been a journalist more than 20 years, filling roles from TV reporting to being a chief of staff, executive producer of a national TV program and chief political correspondent for ABC Radio current affairs.

Join Bruce and Sabra at the Afterword Cafe.