Obama: Hope and Change, but for Whom?

Obama: Hope and Change, but for Whom?

Series: Global Ethics Corner
From: Carnegie Council
Length: 00:01:28

How will President Obama deal with the hopes and fears of people abroad? Will his priority be the interests of the United States or will the welfare of those beyond America’s borders also count? Read the full description.

Piece Audio

Playing: Obama: Hope and Change, but for Whom?
From: Carnegie Council

Globalethicscorner_logo1_small Created and managed by Carnegie Council Senior Program Director and Senior Fellow William Vocke, Global Ethics Corner is a weekly 90-second segment devoted to newsworthy ethical issues.

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Piece Description

Created and managed by Carnegie Council Senior Program Director and Senior Fellow William Vocke, Global Ethics Corner is a weekly 90-second segment devoted to newsworthy ethical issues.

Transcript

Election Day is over, and Americans made a remarkable choice. Few doubt the historic significance of an African American president. Many welcome the chance that this change means more social justice and less war.

People abroad are no less hopeful; governments and citizens are offering encouragement and support.

But how will President Obama deal with the hopes and fears of people abroad? Will his priority be the interests of the United States or will the welfare of those beyond America's borders also count?

European observers warn that Obama may not fulfill their high expectations, that he must eventually put country first.

What if American trade policy becomes restrictive to save American jobs? This harms other country's economies. What if the administration asks Europeans for more troops in Afghanistan? This strains their domestic politics.