Charles Kupchan on what Obama may mean for the rest of the world, throw away threat to bomb Pakistan not withstanding, in Reset Dialogues on Civilization:
How do you explain the fact that Obama seems to be the favourite of the “rest of the world”?
Part of it is that he would represent a new vision of the United States, one which is very multicultural and multiethnic. At a time in global politics in which globalization and migration are raising concerns about multiethnicity and social cohesion people would see Obama’s election as a sign of progress on that front. And also there is a widespread discontent with President Bush and its two terms in the White House and there is a belief – whether justified or not – that Obama would constitute the most significant change from the Bush years.
Do you agree with this belief?
I do. I think that Obama’s background and Obama’s instincts are likely to result in a more distinct foreign policy and form of government than that which would be brought forward by Hillary Clinton. I also think that he would be more successful in trying to bring together what remains of a much divided country.