Abstract

Obama's electoral victory was a welcomed development in Germany and across Western Europe. It raised expectations of change in the American foreign policy and the transatlantic relations. One should not, however, overestimate the power of change of leadership in the US, while other parameters determining American foreign policy and the transatlantic relations remain equal. Since the end of the Cold War there has been no change in the international relations on the structural level. Foreign policy challenges that Obama administration faces are not much different from those dealt with by the previous administration. Also, with the end of the East-West confrontation, Europe has lost its privileged position in the American foreign policy. Obama's approach to European Union is very pragmatic and will largely depend on its willingness and ability to support the United States in tackling a host of issues, such as the war in Afghanistan, the future of NATO, Russia, Iran, the economic crisis, and the climate change. Germany, given its central position within the EU and economic weight both in Europe and worldwide, has a vital role to play in shaping transatlantic relations, but it needs to participate actively in dealing with these challenges.

Introduction

“Change we can believe in” was the slogan of Barack Obama's presidential campaign. His electoral victory raised hope not only in America, but also in Europe. In Germany, in particular, there were great expectations of putting behind the stormy times of the Bush era.