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, Chinas 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.