From tariffs to artificial intelligence, one word best sums up 2025: disruption.

President Donald Trump’s first 100 days featured norm-breaking policies at breakneck pace, often to be overturned days or weeks later. At the same time, the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have entered new eras with high-level negotiations, on-again off-again fighting and a new world order forming in real time to adapt to a changing strategic landscape. The 2024 trend of turfing incumbents has given way to foreign elections that many perceive to be a referendum on US politics.

What is the future of the United States’ role in the world? How can governments and businesses plan in the midst of constant change? How should allies and partners approach security challenges in 2025 and beyond?

These are the questions we tackled with international experts across government, business and academia at SISF 2025. They shared their insights on the discussions happening in Washington, Canberra and Tokyo, and what they meant for US allies and partners around the world.

Watch all sessions on YouTube

Program

Fireside conversation with Dr Kurt Campbell

Dr Kurt Campbell — Former US Deputy Secretary of State; Chairman and Co-Founder, The Asia Group
In conversation with Dr Michael Green — Chief Executive Officer, United States Studies Centre

Panel discussion | America abroad, America at home: How much has changed?

Moderator: Jared Mondschein — Director of Research, United States Studies Centre
Lisa Curtis — Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program, Center for a New American Security
Dr Mira Rapp-Hooper — Partner, The Asia Group
Dr Kori Schake — Senior Fellow and Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute
Clay Lowery — Executive Vice President for Research and Policy, Institute of International Finance

Keynote address from Avril Haines

Avril Haines — Former Director of National Intelligence (live by video link)
In conversation with Dr Michael Green — Chief Executive Officer, United States Studies Centre

Panel discussion | Is China winning in the Indo-Pacific?

Moderator: Matthew Knott — Foreign Affairs and National Security Correspondent, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age
General David Berger (Ret’d) — Former Commandant, US Marine Corps
Dr Mira Rapp-Hooper — Partner, The Asia Group
Bilahari Kausikan — Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore
Professor Nobukatsu Kanehara — Executive Director, Sasakawa Peace Foundation

Panel discussion | Are US alliances fit for purpose? AUKUS, the Quad, and the future of security cooperation

Moderator: Cameron Stewart — Chief International Correspondent, The Australian
Dr Lavina Lee — Director, Foreign Policy and Defence, United States Studies Centre
Lisa Curtis — Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program, Center for a New American Security
Professor Peter Dean — Senior Adviser for Defence Strategy, United States Studies Centre

Keynote address from HE the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd

HE the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC — Australia’s Ambassador to the United States (pre-recorded video)

Panel discussion | Navigating disruption in trade and finance

Moderator: John Kehoe — Economics Editor, The Australian Financial Review
Dr John Kunkel — Senior Economics Adviser, United States Studies Centre
Bilahari Kausikan — Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore
Jo Masters — Chief Economist, Barrenjoey Capital Partners
Ziad Haider — Partner, Global Director of Geopolitics, McKinsey & Company

Panel discussion | Leading on economic security: AI and critical minerals

Moderator: Hayley Channer — Director, Economic Security, United States Studies Centre
Dr Jeffrey Wilson — Director of Research and Economics, Australian Industry Group
Yoshiaki Wada — Former Representative (2016–24), Japanese House of Representatives
Olivia Shen — Director, Strategic Technologies, United States Studies Centre

Keynote address from General David Berger (Ret’d)

General David Berger (Ret’d) — Former Commandant, US Marine Corps

Panel discussion | Can allies shape US strategy?

Moderator: Dr Michael Green — Chief Executive Officer, United States Studies Centre
Dr Kori Schake — Senior Fellow and Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute
General David Berger (Ret’d) — Former Commandant, US Marine Corps
Takashi Yamashita — Member, Japanese House of Representatives
The Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO — Chairman, United States Studies Centre

Closing remarks

The Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO — Chairman, United States Studies Centre

The speakers

Speakers included former senior officials from the White House, National Security Council and US military, as well as leading voices from prominent think tanks — bringing unparalleled expertise in foreign policy, defence and Indo-Pacific strategy.