US President Donald Trump has been a dominant figure in global news since his inauguration in January and his executive orders continue to generate significant media interest. Professor Baogang He published a thought-provoking opinion piece in The Age, where he shared his perspective on US-China relations under Trump’s administration. Additionally, Associate Professor Zim Nwokora provided his expert predictions about Trump’s inauguration and the first 100 days of his presidency during an insightful interview with ABC Victoria Statewide Drive.  

Further adding to the discourse, ADI Director Professor Fethi Mansouri discussed the implications of a potential second term for Trump in an interview with SBS News. He also explored whether Trump might adopt a different approach following European support for Ukraine in an interview with SBS Arabic.  

Australia’s gun problem has been a growing concern, with recent data revealing that the number of firearms in private hands has significantly increased since the Port Arthur massacre. Professor David Bright brought attention to this issue through his new book, Illicit Firearms Markets and Organised Crime: Global, Regional, and Local Perspectives. Leveraging new data from The Australia Institute, Professor Bright’s expertise was highlighted in several high-profile media appearances. He was interviewed on ABC’s nationally aired PM program and also spoke on ABC Afternoons with Bridgitte Duclos. Additionally, his insights informed a follow-up story in the Herald Sun, which was widely syndicated across interstate News Corp mastheads and featured in The Geelong Advertiser. This extensive media engagement underscored the importance of Professor Bright’s research and its relevance to Australia’s ongoing gun problem. 

With overseas conflicts fuelling domestic tensions in Australia, ADI experts have been frequently sought after to provide their analysis on breaking news. The New Orleans terror attack in January put violent extremism in the spotlight, with Professor Greg Barton, Dr Mia Martin-Hobbs and Associate Professor Josh Roose offering their insights into the media. 

Associate Professor Josh Roose described the New Orleans terror attack as a ‘wake-up call’ in The Australian. Dr Mia Martin-Hobbs discussed the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas Tesla explosion as examples of the US military’s violent extremism problem in The Conversation.  

The rise in antisemitic attacks has also prompted significant media coverage. Lydia Khalil provided analysis on ABC News and ABC Perth, while Associate Professor Matteo Vergani explored the dark theory of foreign actors behind antisemitic crimes. Associate Professor Josh Roose questioned why Sydney’s antisemitic attacks have not been labelled terrorism and Professor Michele Grossman discussed the review of mixed ideology attackers on ABC Radio National. Professor Greg Barton explained the origins of radicalisation on 2GB Sydney and Professor Ihsan Yilmaz highlighted why some Muslims in Melbourne’s CBD don’t feel safe praying in public on ABC News. Associate Professor Vergani also examined the recent surge in antisemitic attacks in Sydney on ABC News.  

The upcoming Australian federal election has seen a surge in media interest, with ADI researchers providing critical insights into various influencing factors. Dr Luke Heemsbergen highlighted the potential impact of a Chinese app, Rednote, on the election in battleground seats in an article for the Australian Financial Review. Fan Yang also discussed how Rednote could shape the election in the same publication. Associate Professor Zim Nwokora analysed how Labor navigated the caretaker period amid a looming health crisis. 

Over the first quarter, ADI researchers made significant contributions to The Conversation, a platform known for its impactful and widely-read articles.  

One notable piece of research by Professors David Lowe, Andrew Singleton and Associate Professor Joanna Cruickshank examined the shifting public opinion regarding Australia Day. Their findings, which attracted 49,376 reads, highlight that while support for changing the date has softened, it remains strong among young people. 

Professor Matthew Ricketson’s analysis of the legal implications for Murdoch’s media empire following their apology to Prince Harry garnered 39,971 reads. His article delves into the broader consequences for the embattled media giant, providing a comprehensive overview of the situation. 

Associate Professor Danielle Chubb’s article on the impact of US funding cuts on human rights in North Korea was read 20,396 times. She discusses how these cuts could empower the North Korean dictatorship and worsen the human rights situation, offering a critical perspective on international policy. 

Dr Ali Mamouri’s piece on the future of Syria amid ongoing violence and fragmentation reached 10,086 readers. His analysis questions whether the country can remain united after such devastating conflict, providing a deep dive into the complexities of the region’s political and social landscape. 

As the year progresses, ADI researchers will undoubtedly continue to shape important discussions and influence public understanding through their impactful media presence.