The Mar-a-Lago model: how Trump is trying to dominate global governance

The ‘president of peace’ is at it again: threatening Iran again and boasting that his ‘board of peace’ will look over the United Nations. On this episode of After America, Allan Behm joins Dr Emma Shortis to discuss the potential consequences if the United States again strikes Iran, the first meeting of Trump’s grotesque ‘board of peace’, and the striking similarities between a(nother) shamefully racist week in Australian politics and Trump administration rhetoric and policies. This discussion was recorded on Friday 20 February 2026. The latest Vantage Point essay, What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping. Guest: Allan Behm, Advisor, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis Show notes: Shorter America this week: Will he or won't he on Iran; The Trump doctrine?; On climate, he absolutely will; The only thing more powerful than hate is love by Emma Shortis, The Point (February 2026) The Wrap: Trump's America is a warning, and Australia keeps treating it like a guide, by Emma Shortis, The Point (February 2026) How to foster global lawlessness: Destroy the UN and its agencies by Allan Behm, The Point (January 2026) Talk us through AUKUS by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (February 2023) 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 [email protected] Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.