Politics In Depth

Obama’s Honeymoon

February 03, 2009

The American president is very popular abroad, for now.

Abstract: Mario Canseco - Barely two weeks have passed since Barack Obama took the oath of office—twice—and the positive feelings towards the administration of the first African American president in the history of the United States are palpable. The first poll of his tenure sees Obama garnering twice the support of George W. Bush in his last days in office, an expected development considering the significance of his victory.

Mario Canseco - Barely two weeks have passed since Barack Obama took the oath of office—twice—and the positive feelings towards the administration of the first African American president in the history of the United States are palpable. The first poll of his tenure sees Obama garnering twice the support of George W. Bush in his last days in office, an expected development considering the significance of his victory.

There has been no shortage of public opinion surveys showing that the world is already embracing the new White House dweller. Canadians are more likely to place their full confidence in Obama than in their prime minister on several bilateral issues. Australians believe the combination of a Labor prime minister and a Democratic president will be better for their country than a Liberal in Canberra and a Republican in Washington.

In the area that some members of the previous administration referred to as "Old Europe", positive feelings are also pervasive. Britons expect a friendlier relationship between the two countries. The French think Obama will improve the lives of Americans and enhance peace in the world. Germans are hoping for an Obama-like politician to emerge in an election year.

Obama’s popularity around the world is the result of two components, one of which—party adherence—has been present in candidates that were considerably less captivating. The surveys that showed Obama leading Republican John McCain in several countries last year are no different than those conducted in 2004, when a majority of countries—with some notable exceptions such as the Philippines—expressed a preference for Democrat John Kerry over George W. Bush.

The other component is a combination of poise and charisma. The numbers show that Obama, as a candidate, charmed people all over the world. In the summer of 2007, he was a distant second as respondents in several countries pondered eight U.S. presidential hopefuls. Now, following wall-to-wall television coverage of his poignant speeches, he seems to be regarded as a saviour.

But, what exactly will he save people from? Respondents outside the United States discuss the American presidency almost solely within the context of foreign policy, and the possible ramifications of an Obama presidency are bound to inspire respondents. The world just witnessed eight years of a doctrine that led to rendition, Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib. The assumption, at this early stage, is that the U.S. will change its ways. There is a pledge to remove combat troops from Iraq, and a mandate to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility within a year.

Aside from the military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Obama made a point of discussing other global challenges during his campaign, such as fighting disease and stopping genocide. At this stage, there are many topics that must be clearly defined, such as the future of the proposed missile defence system in Poland and the Czech Republic. Obama’s rhetoric also led to the impression that America would be ready to take real action in Darfur, and develop an anti-AIDS policy devoid of moral undertones. The world will be watching to see if these pledges are kept.

Still, the dream scenario for Obama’s first term was outlined before the magnitude of the economic crisis was evident for all Americans. Obama’s statements as president have now always featured a hint of realism, designed to let Americans know that the grand promises of the campaign may have to wait until a second term.

Even before Obama was sworn in, seven-in-ten Americans called for their president to focus on domestic issues. With the economy in shambles, Americans will not be paying as much attention to what happens outside their borders.

However, the process of domestic economic recovery might lead to measures that affect trade and bilateral cooperation. Canada and the European Union (EU) are already crying foul at certain "Buy American" policies included in the latest economic recovery package. If the recession ends up being longer in some countries because of protectionist policies, Obama’s numbers abroad will not be as rosy as they are right now.