"Chaotic cruelty": Trump administration escalating violence at home and abroad

From Minnesota to Greenland, the Trump administration is bulldozing guardrails meant to protect human life and dignity.


On this episode of After America, Professor Elizabeth N Saunders from Columbia University joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the “chaotic cruelty” of the Trump administration, its escalation of hostilities over Greenland and whether it will strike Iran.


This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 13 January (AEDT) 2026.


A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage (https://australiainstitute.org.au/sto...) is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ to get $5 off.


Guest: Elizabeth N Sauders, Professor of Political Science, Columbia University // @profsaunders (https://bsky.app/profile/profsaunders...)


Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis (https://bsky.app/profile/emmashortis....)


Show notes:


‘What happens now in Venezuela – and the world?’ (https://goodauthority.org/news/what-h...) by Elizabeth N Saunders, Good Authority (January 2026)


‘Imperial President at Home, Emperor Abroad’ (https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united...) by Elizabeth Saunders, Foreign Affairs (June 2025)


‘Reluctance to look at US with "clear eyes" becoming increasingly untenable: US expert’ (https://thepoint.com.au/news/260113-r...) by Tegan George, The Point (January 2026)


After America: Australia and the new world order (https://australiainstitute.org.au/sto...) by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)


Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions


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