No American president has ever fallen heir to such a difficult diplomatic and economic situation as Barack Obama: two lengthy and unpopular military interventions, huge national debt, unemployment, etc. Yet in spite of a series of significant accomplishments in period of unprecedented crisis, the Democrat party suffered defeats at the midterm elections in 2010.

From the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to race issues, taking in reforms in Wall Street and immigration policy as well as relations with Europe, this book presents domestic and foreign policy during Obama's first term of office. More than a dozen specialists have studied his achievements over the last four years which may not have changed America, but have indisputably altered its image in the world.