• Research
  • Emissary
  • About
  • Experts
Carnegie Global logoCarnegie lettermark logo
DemocracyIran
  • Donate
{
  "authors": [
    "Robert Kagan"
  ],
  "type": "legacyinthemedia",
  "centerAffiliationAll": "",
  "centers": [
    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
  ],
  "collections": [],
  "englishNewsletterAll": "",
  "nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
  "primaryCenter": "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
  "programAffiliation": "",
  "programs": [],
  "projects": [],
  "regions": [
    "North America",
    "United States"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Foreign Policy"
  ]
}

Source: Getty

In The Media

A Defining Moment In American History

In addition to being a turning point for American society, Barack Obama’s election as president also brings the country great opportunity on the global stage. Joining three other historians to discuss the recent election, Robert Kagan highlights Obama’s popularity abroad and expresses hope that the president-elect can use this to his advantage in the foreign policy realm.

Link Copied
By Robert Kagan
Published on Nov 5, 2008

Barack Obama’s election as president marks a turning point for the United States, not only domestically but also internationally.  Joining three other historians to discuss the recent election, Robert Kagan notes that the racial divide has long been “the great stain in American history.”  Our country has now taken a crucial step toward overcoming that divide, a step which would be unlikely in most other countries, even those which admire Obama.

Obama’s widespread popularity abroad also brings the United States great opportunity on the global stage.  Obama appears poised to become the world’s most popular leader, a level of esteem that no U.S. president has enjoyed since Woodrow Wilson.  As Wilson did, Obama realizes that America can be a force for good in the world, and must seize the chance to leverage his popularity in the foreign policy realm.  The nation and the world must be reasonable in their expectations for the president-elect, as he will face a daunting array of challenges, but this in nonetheless an extraordinary opportunity for the United States to provide strong leadership on the global stage.

Click here to listen to the full interview.

About the Author

Robert Kagan

Former Senior Associate

Kagan, author of the recent book, The Return of History and the End of Dreams (Knopf 2008), writes a monthly column on world affairs for the Washington Post and is a contributing editor at both the Weekly Standard and the New Republic.

    Recent Work

  • In The Media
    Why Egypt Has To Be The U.S. Priority In The Middle East

      Michele Dunne, Robert Kagan

  • Commentary
    U.S. Policy Toward Egypt—A Primer on the Upcoming Elections

      Robert Kagan, Michele Dunne

Robert Kagan
Former Senior Associate
Robert Kagan
Foreign PolicyNorth AmericaUnited States

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

  • Commentary
    Carnegie Politika
    Iran War Fallout Gifts Putin Diplomatic Victory at ASEAN Summit

    Russia looks set to reap economic benefits from closer ties with Southeast Asian countries that are keen to find reliable energy suppliers and diversify trade ties.

      • Alexander Gabuev

      Alexander Gabuev

  • Commentary
    Strategic Europe
    The Trump-Shaped Hole in the European Security Strategy

    There is an elephant in the room when it comes to the EU’s upcoming security strategy: Donald Trump. Unless European leaders acknowledge the depth of the transatlantic crisis, true autonomy will remain out of reach.

      Stefan Lehne

  • Commentary
    Carnegie Politika
    Simmering U.S.-Iran Conflict Is Moscow’s Ideal Outcome

    Ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East allows Moscow to both increase its influence in Tehran and continue to enjoy the financial windfall of higher oil prices.

      Nikita Smagin

  • Article
    A Kenya Technology Prosperity Deal Could Help Washington Secure Durable AI Partnerships with Africa

    To carry out its global AI agenda, Washington will need strategic relationships with emerging markets in Africa, starting with Kenya.

      Jane Munga

  • Paper
    A Grand Strategy for Europe’s Clean Industrial Future

    Europe’s industrial supply chains leave it vulnerable to global shocks. The EU needs a pragmatic green industrial strategy that balances durable partnerships and bolsters homegrown clean tech without sacrificing low-carbon ambition.

      Milo McBride, Pauline Gerard

Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Carnegie global logo, stacked
1779 Massachusetts Avenue NWWashington, DC, 20036-2103Phone: 202 483 7600
  • Research
  • Emissary
  • About
  • Experts
  • Donate
  • Programs
  • Events
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Contact
  • Annual Reports
  • Careers
  • Privacy
  • For Media
  • Government Resources
Get more news and analysis from
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
© 2026 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. All rights reserved.