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Justin Bergman

Justin Bergman

The Conversation

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Why hasn’t the US military used force to secure the Strait of Hormuz?

There are 4 reasons why the US may be reluctant to risk such a massive operation.

27.03.2026 10

The Conversation

Justin Bergman

The Making of an Autocrat: podcast out now

There’s a recipe for autocracy: six steps tried and tested by some of the world’s most notorious leaders. How many has Donald Trump ticked off?

15.01.2026 50

The Conversation

Justin Bergman

The military is the last safeguard of democracy; is Donald Trump bending it to his will?

Once a leader compels the military to follow an illegal order, it often leads to soldiers being used to target domestic opponents.

06.01.2026 70

The Conversation

Justin Bergman

Autocrats have long lists of political enemies. This is how Donald Trump has tried to silence his

The list of people Donald Trump has punished or threatened to punish since returning to office is long. It includes the likes of James Comey, Letitia...

04.01.2026 10

The Conversation

Justin Bergman

Donald Trump loathes the courts. He’s following the autocrat playbook to sideline them

Several cases before the court will be pivotal in determining how much power Trump is able to accrue – and what he’ll be able to do with it.

01.01.2026 10

The Conversation

Justin Bergman

All autocrats require an ‘architect’. Meet the man pulling the strings for Donald Trump

And why are these loyal figures behind the scenes so vital to a would-be autocrat?

30.12.2025 20

The Conversation

Justin Bergman

Like strongmen the world over, Donald Trump’s power grab required a crisis – and a scapegoat

How would-be autocrats manufacture a crisis to portray themselves as a saviour and expand their powers.

30.12.2025 10

The Conversation

Justin Bergman

Donald Trump’s first step to becoming a would-be autocrat – hijacking a party

When a would-be autocrat dominates a party like Trump has with the Republicans, it gives him a legitimate vehicle to ram through a democracy.

28.12.2025 20

The Conversation

Justin Bergman

Q&A with Kylie Moore-Gilbert : this is why Iran is instigating terrorism in Australia

Iran has a well-established pattern of targeting dissidents and Jewish institutions. It’s now arrived on Australian shores.

27.08.2025 10

The Conversation

Justin Bergman

Should Australia increase its defence spending? We asked 5 experts

Australia currently spends 2% of GDP on defence. Donald Trump wants it to be 3%. What is the magic number? We asked five experts

24.03.2025 20

The Conversation

Justin Bergman