Obama’s Election and Change: Lessons for the World, Africa and US Foreign Policy: American Constitution, election of the first black American president and change in America, Africa and beyond

The election of the 44th US president was an unprecedented one. The majority of the American people endorsed Barack Obama’s message of change. Reverend King’s dream came true as Barack Obama was elected the first Black US president. Billions of people across the world fell into euphoria. Obama’s election gave them a sense of pride and hope while mixed feelings prevailed in the most conservative circles. Elections are now regularly held in many countries, including in Africa. Demands and expectations of change in domestic, foreign and international policies had never been so high in human history. This book reflects on American politics, Obama’s election and change he advocated. It examines the different steps of the American presidential election, the conditions for eligibility, the status, and the terms of office of the US president before highlighting the major political developments that paved the way for Obama’s historic election. Finally, it draws lessons for the rest of the world in general and for Africa in particular as well as for the US foreign policy, which also needs change.