This course examines the history of the Australian-American relationship since World War Two. It debunks some common misperceptions on the origins and nature of the relationship and the alliance. It looks at how World War Two, the early Cold War years, the Korean War, the ANZUS Treaty, the Vietnam War, the end of the Cold War, the conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, China’s assertiveness and the US pivot to Asia, have impacted on the evolution of the relationship. The history of the Australian-American relationship provides some context to the current questions about the purpose, relevance and future of the alliance. The course will also discuss how Australia will seek to maximise its national interests for the foreseeable future by continuing to 'manage' the tensions between its strategic relationship with the US and its economic relationship with China.

Your Tutor is Dr Daniel Fazio

Dr Daniel Fazio PhD, MA, BA (Hons) has been teaching at WEA since 2018.

Daniel is a Lecturer in History and Politics at the University of South Australia. His areas of expertise include the history of American and Australian foreign policy and politics, the history of the US-Australian relationship, US-Korean-Australian relations, and modern Korean history and politics. He teaches World and US History, and international and Australian politics.

Daniel has taught the history of American foreign policy, the American Civil War, America at War, Twentieth Century America, Nazi Germany, Russia/USSR 1917-53, History's Turning Points and Killing Fields, War and Society, and World History.

Daniel is also an experienced political activist, having worked on a number of federal, state and local government election campaigns.