On Monday, 4 May, the School of Politics & International Relations hosted a panel discussion analysing President Donald Trump’s first year of his second term in retrospect. 

Guest speaker Professor David Smith from the US Studies Centre (Sydney) joined ANU experts Professor Ben Goldsmith, Associate Professor Jana von Stein and Dr Charles Miller, and provided insight to the wider community on key developments since President Trump's return to power.

There was a very good turnout for this event, which could have been extended given the audience's interest. Among the issues covered, we highlight: 

• The erosion of democracy, especially constraints on the executive, undermining of the rule of law, and problems with the US electoral process.
• How the US cannot be described as a liberal democracy anymore, but as a competitive authoritarian system, instead.
• The fine line for US allies to walk between acting as if America is their ally, but planning for a reality in which that cannot be counted on.
• From an internationalist perspective, there is a tendency against Trump’s foreign policy, which makes the country vulnerable and at risk of isolation.
• Major US defence build-up hard to explain other than for great power competition.
• Approval of US leadership has reduced since 2021, whilst China leadership is increasing (Worldwide and in Australia).
• Global public has become more certain of its views about the US & China over the last decade
• The first year of Trump’s 2nd term has incurred substantial damage to the US image.