Thread by @ASPI_org

We are live at the #ASPIConference2021 dinner, as @Brendan_ASPI is joined by @zdaniel, @Kieran_Gilbert, @AndrewBGreene & @camstewarttheoz for a journalist-based discussion on politics & defence during an election year

Stay tuned for the highlights

In @Brendan_ASPI's opening remarks for this session, he notes that 'given the recent unpredictable turmoil in Washington D.C., it would be irresponsible of Australia not to comment on the recent state of affairs of our ally' #ASPIConference2021

@zdaniel says ‘Donald Trump was very adept at mobilising public sentiment…The only thing that caused Trump to lose control of the narrative & the election is the pandemic... Trump very cleverly won the 2016 election & he is still very much a political player’ #ASPIConference2021

.@zdaniel outlines the elements of ‘Trump-ism’ that have been exported to Australia. Focusing on ‘fake news’, Daniel references accusations of ‘fake news’ towards her own work, and the role of social media

@camstewarttheoz remarks how Australia’s action and discussion on China’s foreign interference encouraged the USA to become ‘more hawkish on China’ #ASPIConference2021

@camstewarttheoz notes that the US’ allies around the world saw a ‘dint in the armour’ of America. They realised they cannot always rely on the US, depending on who is in charge. Australia, due to management and luck, largely avoided this issue

Reflecting on a question he posed to President Trump, @Kieran_Gilbert notes Trump’s transactional nature; conversely, he regards President Biden's approach to issues with principle: 'A return to normality with President Biden... A return with someone who values alliances'.

Talking about the upcoming Australian election, @AndrewBGreene agrees with @Kieran_Gilbert that PM Scott Morrison is the most likely winner. 'If you want to go to a Covid election, this is the year to do it; every incumbent that has gone to election has managed to do it.'

That marks the end of Day 1 of our #ASPIConference2021!

Stay tuned as we will continue to provide commentary tomorrow - be sure to read our previous session threads to see what panellists have said about 🇦🇺's strategic environment & implementing the Defence Strategic Update