ECIA Briefing – 13 October 2008

The election of the 44th President of the United States was overwhelming and revolutionary. Indeed, Barack Obama represents for many Americans an innovative reaction to the social and economic immobility of the country, in other words, he has embodied the American need of change. In this paper, the author provides an analysis of Obama’s factors of strengths and the challenges he will have to face both at national and international level. As enlightened by the author, during his first mandate President-elect Obama will concentrate on domestic economic issues, preventing the recession from becoming a depression. In truth, Obama’s essential challenge will consist in balancing the protection of American citizens’ interests with international policies aimed at an open and integrated international system, especially concerning critical issues such as environment and energy sources, international trade and terrorism.

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