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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

Israeli Strikes Kill 29 in Gaza as Conflict Intensifies in Jabalia

Israeli Military Strikes in Gaza: 29 Palestinians Killed Amid Escalation in Jabalia Gaza, October 13, 2024 Ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday have resulted in the deaths of at least 29 Palestinians,...

Hilton Hotel Workers Strike in Seattle: Demands for Fair Wages and Better Conditions

In Seattle, more than 100 Hilton hotel workers have walked off the job, demanding fair wages, balanced workloads, and the reversal of staffing cuts made during the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike, led by the Unite Here...

China Announces Financial Stimulus, But Investors Await More Details

Chinas much-anticipated financial stimulus announcement on Saturday aimed to revive its slowing economy, but investors were left wanting more concrete details. While Finance Minister Lan Foan reiterated Beijings commitment...

Kamala Harris Releases Health Report, Highlights Transparency in Presidential Campaign

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, released a letter from her physician on Saturday, confirming her robust health and fitness for high office. This move contrasts sharply with her Republican...

Politics

Donald Trump’s Bombshell: ‘I’m Going on Joe Rogan’s Show – It’s Going to Be Huge'

Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will be appearing on Joe Rogans popular podcast, a move that is already sparking intense speculation and anticipation across political and media circles. The upcoming...

Republicans Now Lead in Voter Registration: ‘First Time in North Carolina’s History – The Democrats Are in Trouble'

For the first time in North Carolinas presidential election history, Republicans have surpassed Democrats in active voter registration. According to data shared by political analyst Michael Pruser, the Republican Party has...

Jim Cramer Doubles Down: ‘I Don’t See How Donald Trump Wins’ the 2024 Election – Shocking Prediction from the Mad Money Host

Jim Cramer, the host of Mad Money and a financial pundit known for his bold, and sometimes inaccurate, predictions, has thrown another controversial opinion into the political arena. In a recent segment, Cramer confidently...

Medal of Honor Recipients Endorse Donald Trump: ‘He’s the Leader America Desperately Needs’

In a powerful show of support, fifteen Medal of Honor recipients have officially endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election. These decorated veterans, who represent some of the highest honors in the military,...

Science

FAA Clears SpaceX Falcon 9 for Launches After Resolving Starlink and NASA Mission Mishaps

The FAA has authorized SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket to resume routine launches following an investigation into three mishaps, including a second-stage engine failure and a failed booster landing during Starlink and NASA...

SpaceX Gears Up for Starship Flight 5 Launch, With Key Preparations Underway in Texas

SpaceX is finalizing preparations for Starship Flight 5, scheduled for October 13. Teams were seen installing the flight termination system, a key pre-launch step, indicating imminent launch activity. Local authorities in...

SpaceX Prepares for Starship Flight 5, Tower Catch Planned After Successful Tank Tests

After successful tank tests, SpaceX is gearing up for Starship Flight 5 in Texas. The company confirmed plans for the first-ever Super Heavy booster tower catch, pending regulatory approval. The flight marks a key...

SpaceX Activates Starlink Texting for T-Mobile in Florida as Hurricane Milton Approaches

SpaceX has activated Starlink texting for T-Mobile customers in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton. This service allows users to send messages, including emergency texts to 911, using Starlinks satellite network, ensuring...

Technology

2025 Apple Vision Pro: Cheaper Price, Powerful AI—But What's the Catch?

Apple is reportedly gearing up to unveil a significantly cheaper Vision Pro VR headset in the second half of 2025. The new model is expected to feature a plastic chassis, an M5 chipset, and generative AI integration,...

Tesla’s $79,990 Cybertruck Struggles to Attract Buyers, Reservation List Clears Out in 9 Days

Teslas Cybertruck reservation list for U.S. buyers ran out in just nine days after delivery invites began, yet demand for the $79,990 non-Foundation Series appears weaker than expected, sparking questions about the...

Shiba Inu Whales Flee: 1 Trillion SHIB Sold Off as Price Struggles—Is a Crash Coming?

Shiba Inu is facing growing uncertainty as whales offload 1 trillion SHIB in a massive sell-off. With whales retreating and SHIB struggling to break resistance, the market is bracing for potential downward pressure on the...

$1,000 XRP? Experts Say SEC's ETF Approval Could Ignite Unprecedented Price Surge

Financial analysts suggest that XRP could experience an unprecedented price surge to $1,000 following SEC approval of XRP ETFs. The anticipation of institutional funds entering the market is sparking excitement among...
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