The USA: Has It Ruined Democracy Forever? with Don Watson

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We are thrilled to have Sean O’Beirne introducing a discussion between Don Watson and Dr Emma Shortis about the United States of America. 

Don Watson is the author of many acclaimed books. His latest work, The Shortest History of the United States of America, tells the extraordinary story of the United States, a nation that contains multitudes. Full of character and humour and told with great learning and insight, it’s a perfect introduction to America, past and present.

Dr Emma Shortis is director of the Australia Institute’s international and security affairs program and a historian, focused on the history and politics of the United States and its role in the world. Her latest work, After America, draws on her longstanding research on America's place in the world. Now that the people of the United States have elected Donald Trump as their president, how will his presidency affect Australia? More importantly, will Australia be able to act in its own interests, or will it simply defer to Trump's idea of America?

Sean O'Beirne is an author, bookseller and critic.