Will the midterm trouncing push the Trump administration towards a deal with Iran?

On this episode of After America, Sina Toossi, analyst of US-Iran relations and American foreign policy towards the Middle East, joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the US-Israel war on Iran, the dramatic geopolitical realignments underway in the Middle East, and whether the midterms make an end to the conflict more likely.

This episode was recorded on Thursday 12 November Australian time.

Guest: Sina Toossi, Senior Non-Resident Fellow, Center for International Policy // @sinatoossi

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Show notes:

US voters have rejected Trump's version of America. Is Australia ready to seize the moment? by Emma Shortis, The Point (November 2026)

Shorter America: Looks like woke’s back on the menu; Choosin’ Texas; Global implications by Emma Shortis, The Point (October 2026)

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Support After America & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/3QRFNjB

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this bonus mini-episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis reflects on the Democrats’ historic midterms success, what now for the Trump administration, and what it might mean for the Australia-US relationship.

This episode was recorded on Friday 6 November.

Join Emma and Don Watson at our first-ever After America live show on Tuesday 1 December at the Celtic Club in Melbourne.

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer – Podcasts, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB

Show notes:

Shorter America: Looks like woke’s back on the menu; Choosin’ Texas; Global implications by Emma Shortis, The Point (October 2026)

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Support After America & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/3QRFNjB

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The midterms are finally upon us. On Tuesday US time, Americans will vote in a new Congress – and deliver a verdict on two years of the second Trump administration.

On this episode of After America, If You’re Listening host Matt Bevan joins Dr Emma Shortis to preview the midterms and examine the election results in Israel. In both countries, these could be the most important elections in generations – so what will the fallout be?

This episode was recorded on Friday 30 October.

Join Emma and Don Watson at our first-ever After America live show on Tuesday 1 December at the Celtic Club in Melbourne.

Guest: Matt Bevan, host of If You’re Listening, Australian Broadcasting Corporation // @mattbevan

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Show notes:

If You’re Listening Live Midterms Broadcast, 3pm AEDT (Melbourne Cup +24-ish), Wednesday 4 November

Shorter America: Races to watch; The Trump effect; Global implications by Emma Shortis, The Point (October 2026)

Israel’s October 7 inquiry hinges on this election, If You're Listening on YouTube (October 2026)

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Support After America & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/3QRFNjB

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.