The inaugural Lowy Interview, featuring US President Joe Biden’s National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

During all the moments that have defined US foreign policy over the past four years — from Afghanistan to Ukraine, from meetings of the Quad to the formation of AUKUS, from October 7 to the fall of Bashar al-Assad — Jake Sullivan has been at President Biden’s elbow.

In an extended interview at the White House in Washington, DC, the Lowy Institute’s Executive Director, Dr Michael Fullilove AM, spoke with Mr Sullivan about America’s relations with the world under President Biden’s administration, and what comes next.

Dr Fullilove and Mr Sullivan discussed the monumental events in Syria, Iran’s annus horribilis, Russia’s recent setbacks and the war in Ukraine.

Closer to home, Mr Sullivan reflected on his “strategic channel” with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Beijing’s growing alignment with Russia, Iran and North Korea, the “Biden doctrine” in foreign policy — and how AUKUS will fare under President Donald Trump.

On a more personal note, Dr Fullilove spoke with Mr Sullivan about imposter syndrome, Midwestern niceness — and the merits of Australian Rules football.