Panel Discussion

"Obama and his Policy of Change. Two Analyses"

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama stood on the steps of the US Capitol in Washington DC, and took his oath as the 44th President of the United States of America. His inauguration was awaited with great anticipation as it would tell something about what his policy will look like during the next four years.

Barack Obama's election had been followed with an exceptional amount of interest outside America as well. Many Europeans hoped and still do so that Obama's demand for political change and his faith in the innovative power of American society will have a positive impact on Europe as well.

Obama entered office under an extremely tough set of conditions however, facing the economic recession, major challenges for security policy and the need to take immedate action all over the world to counteract climate change.

This panel discussion explored the special significance forAmerican society of the election of the first black president and tried to determine what effects his agenda of change might have on transatlantic relations.

 

Featuring Dr. Rolf Mützenich, Member of the German Bundestag and
Dr. John C. Hulsman,  Expert on Foreign Policy and Political Counsel

Moderator: Arnd Henze, WDR-TV.