The Burn Bag Podcast
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The Burn Bag Podcast
Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull on Trump, China, AUKUS, & Why Australia Can’t Depend on America
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Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joins The Burn Bag for a candid conversation about Donald Trump, China, AUKUS, Taiwan, and the future of America’s alliances.
Having dealt directly with both President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Turnbull offers a rare perspective on how U.S. leadership is viewed from abroad. He explains why he believes allies can no longer assume America will return to the foreign policy consensus of the past—and why countries like Australia need greater strategic autonomy.
Turnbull also delivers a sharp critique of AUKUS, arguing that Australia could spend billions on a submarine deal that ultimately leaves it with no submarines. He discusses what a U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan could mean for Australia, how Canberra should manage its relationship with Beijing, and why China may benefit from declining trust in the United States.
The conversation also explores AI and technological dependence, the changing global order, and what future American leaders would need to do to rebuild credibility with U.S. allies and partners.
Topics: Donald Trump • Malcolm Turnbull • Australia • AUKUS • China • Xi Jinping • Taiwan • U.S.-Australia Alliance • U.S.-China Relations • AI • Indo-Pacific • American Foreign Policy
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