Donald Trump has promised to end foreign wars, but on whose terms and how is unclear.

When it comes to the Middle East, we can learn a lot from Trump’s approach to Israel during his first term as president. 

Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington DC on what the president-elect’s return means for the prospects of peace and Israel’s ambitions.  

He discusses the potential annexation of the West Bank and highlights the significant support Trump has shown for Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. 

Hussein Ibish also explores the views of key figures like David Friedman and Mike Huckabee in shaping US-Israel relations.

Featured: 

Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

Key Topics:

• Donald Trump foreign policy
• Israel annexation West Bank
• Greater Israel
• US-Israel relations
• Middle East peace prospects
• Mike Huckabee ambassador
• Palestinian statehood

He writes pretty decent cookbooks, but Jamie Oliver’s sidestep into writing children’s novels hasn’t gone so well. 

The celebrity chef has had to halt sales of his latest book ‘Billy and the Epic Escape’ around the world over its portrayal of first nations Australians. 

One chapter features an Aboriginal girl with mystical powers living in foster care, who's abducted from her home in central Australia.

Today, Wiradjuri writer, poet and academic, Jeanine Leane, on what Jamie Oliver got so wrong.

Jeanine Leane criticises the book for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misrepresenting Aboriginal culture. 

She emphasises the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for proper consultation with First Nations communities.

Leane talks about the ongoing issue of cultural appropriation and the lasting damage it can cause. 

She also discusses the role of sensitivity readers in preventing misrepresentations. 

Featured: 

Jeanine Leane, writer and poet and Associate Professor in Creative Writing at the University of Melbourne

Key Topics:

• Jamie Oliver children’s book controversy
• Cultural appropriation in literature
• Sensitivity reading
• Aboriginal representation in media
• Stolen Generations
• Misrepresentation of Indigenous cultures
• Role of sensitivity readers

With Donald Trump back in the White House early next year, there’s a real possibility he’ll ignite a trade war with Beijing. 

Given Australia does so much trade with China, that could have big consequences for our economy.

Today, we explore what could be in store for inflation, interest rates and our wider economy once Trump’s back in charge. 

Economist Susan Stone explains that tariffs generally end up costing consumers and businesses more, and could lead to significant job losses. 

She highlights that Australia’s high-tech exports to the U.S. might be impacted, and stresses the importance of finding new markets for these goods. 

Dr. Stone also discusses the potential ripple effects on Australia’s economy if Trump’s policies slow down China, Japan, and Korea, our top trading partners. 

She says retaliatory tariffs from other countries could further disrupt global trade.

Featured: 

Dr Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at the University of South Australia

Key Topics:

• Donald Trump trade policies
• U.S.-China trade war
• Australian economy
• Inflation and interest rates
• Tariffs 
• High-tech exports
• Trade with China, Japan, and Korea

The government wants to ban under 16s from social media saying it’s harming children and parents need support. 

It’s a move that has the support of the federal opposition and many parents, but does an outright ban risk cutting off important support and sources of information for young people? 

Today, we explore some alternative ideas to help make social media safer with a cyber safety expert and an advocate for better mental health for young people. 

Kriti Gupta emphasises the importance of educating youth on safe internet use rather than imposing a blanket ban. 

She argues that social media can be a crucial tool for maintaining friendships and developmental skills. 

Susan McLean highlights the challenges of enforcing such a ban and stresses the need for comprehensive education and parental involvement. 

She says many young people rely on social media for community and support, especially those who are socially isolated or neurodivergent. 

Both guests agree that while there are risks, a more nuanced approach is necessary to protect and educate young users.

Featured: 

Kriti Gupta, youth mental health advocate with ALLKND

Susan McLean, Cyber Safety Solutions

Key Topics:

• Social media ban for under 16s
• Youth mental health
• Cyber safety education
• Parenting
• Age verification
• Government policies on social media use

Elon Musk played a huge role in Donald Trump’s campaign, throwing at least $130 million at it. 

But what role will the richest man in the world really play when Trump steps into the White House next year?

Today, political scientist Geoff Kabaservice from the Niskanen Centre in Washington DC on the people Trump will need if he wants to rule like a dictator, even for one day. 

Geoff Kabaservice discusses the unpredictability of Trump’s promises and the potential for significant disruptions if he follows through on his more extreme proposals. 

He highlights the importance of loyalists in Trump’s administration, contrasting it with the previous term where establishment figures curbed Trump’s instincts. 

Kabaservice also touches on the controversial roles of Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., emphasising the uncertainty surrounding their influence. 

Featured: 

Geoff Kabaservice, Vice President for political studies at the Niskanen Centre

Key Topics:

• Elon Musk’s financial support for Trump
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr
• US Politics
• Donald Trump
• White House

Donald Trump won the election, so what should we expect once he’s in the oval office next year?

Kim Hoggard, a former staffer during the Reagan and George H W Bush administrations, says presidents can feel ‘unleashed’ during their second term. 

Today, she explains why voters chose to ignore all of Trump’s flaws and embrace his populist pitch. 

She says Trump’s victory is a fundamental shift for America, driven by voters prioritising economic concerns. 

Kim Hoggard also discusses Trump's policies, including mass deportations and sweeping tariffs, that could reshape America’s future. 

She warns that Trump’s second term could bring significant ideological shifts and increased authoritarian tendencies.

Featured:

Kim Hoggard, a former staffer during Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations

Key Topics:

• Donald Trump election victory
• Populist politics in America
• Economic concerns 
• Illegal immigration
• Presidential power

In this update from Washington DC, Matt Bevan, host of If You’re Listening: America’s Last Election, brings you an update on all the events from overnight Australian time. 

In a spectacular comeback, Donald Trump has won the US election to become the 47th President of the United States. 

Matt is joined on the ground by Emma Shortis from The Australia Institute to explain where the Democrats went wrong and the Republicans went right - and what a more emboldened Trump with the support of the House, the Senate and the Supreme Court means for America. 

Featured: 

Emma Shortis, director of the international and security affairs program at The Australia Institute

This is a Wednesday evening update on the US election. 

Donald Trump is in a strong position as vote counting continues, he’s already won some swing states and is ahead in others. 

ABC global affairs editor John Lyons joins Sam from Washington DC with the latest on the vote count.

Featured: 

John Lyons, ABC global affairs editor

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have made their final pitches to the American people and voting is finally underway in the United States after a tumultuous campaign. 

So, when the polls close, how long will it take for the votes to be counted and a winner to be declared? 

Today, the ABC’s US election analyst Casey Briggs explains how it could unfold, when to pay attention and what to watch out for. 

Featured: 

Casey Briggs, ABC US election analyst

With just hours until election day starts in America, we’ll just have to wait and see whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris will win the presidency. 

The opinion polls have been inconclusive, with the Democratic and Republican candidates neck and neck in the US states expected to be key. 

Today, the ABC’s North America correspondents Barbara Miller and Carrington Clarke join me from Pennsylvania. 

They’ve been travelling across the United States throughout this brutal campaign, meeting dozens of voters and they’ll explain what’s behind Trump’s enduring popularity. 

Featured: 

Barbara Miller, ABC North America correspondent

Carrington Clarke, ABC North America correspondent

Big interest rate rises since May 2022 have finally seen house prices begin to drop in our most populous cities. 

In the latest Corelogic data for October, Sydney home prices fell 0.1% in a month, while Melbourne was 0.2% down. 

It’s still a mixed picture across the country, with national home values up 6% for the year, 1.9% down in Melbourne, 3.7% up in Sydney and a massive 22.6% rise in Perth. 

With home price rises slowing in some cities, how long will that slump continue and what happens when interest rates begin to fall?

Today, the ABC’s Chief Business Correspondent Ian Verrender explains why home buyers should not get too excited about falls.  

He says that despite slight declines, prices remain near record levels in many areas. 

Ian Verrender discusses the impact of population growth on housing demand and the challenges of affordability due to stagnant wages and rising costs. 

He also says that any future interest rate cuts could quickly reignite demand, potentially pushing prices higher again. 

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent

Key Topics:

• Interest rates
• House price trends
• Corelogic data
• Housing affordability
• Population growth
• Housing supply and demand
• Sydney and Melbourne housing markets
• Perth housing market