What is Driving Trump's Turn to Putin? And What Does it Mean for the World?

Drinks with Associate Professor William Partlett

Hosted by Professor Vin Massaro

For decades, particularly since the end of the Cold War, the United States has upheld a system of global rules, institutions, and alliances aimed at promoting democracy, human rights, and economic prosperity - often referred to as liberal internationalism. This approach is rooted in the belief that democracy and good governance thrive within structured norms and institutions. However, Donald Trump and his supporters reject this framework, viewing it as corrupt and detrimental to American interests. Instead, Trump advocates a foreign policy where the President wields economic and military power unilaterally, without constraints from international institutions or longstanding diplomatic norms. His worldview aligns closely with that of Vladimir Putin, who has opposed liberal internationalism for decades and favours a centralised executive authority with minimal checks and balances.

This ideological convergence between Trump and Putin will shape global affairs in the coming years, though it does not imply a formal alliance, as both leaders will continue to prioritise their national interests. The US is likely to be less committed to traditional allies, particularly in Europe, and more transactional in its international engagements. For Australia, this shift demands a strategic recalibration, with a strong focus on personal diplomacy to reaffirm the importance of the US-Australia alliance. Given America's strategic rivalry with China, Australia may find it easier to make its case than Europe or Ukraine, but ongoing engagement will be crucial in navigating this evolving geopolitical landscape.

Joining us to discuss this complex, timely and vitally important issue is William Partlett, Associate Professor at Melbourne Law School.

William writes and teaches in the field of public law. Before coming to Melbourne, Professor Partlett was an Assistant Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Columbia University Law School, and a Fellow at The Brookings Institution. Professor Partlett holds a JD from Stanford Law School as well as a DPhil in Soviet History and MPhil in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Oxford (where he was a Clarendon Scholar). He also holds a Bachelor's degree in International Affairs and Public Policy from Princeton University and speaks Russian.

William's most recent book, Why the Russian Constitution Matters: The Constitutional Dark Arts, is available on Amazon.

This is bound to be a fascinating conversation, so don't delay and book your spot today!