The Obama era in the eyes of the world: From high hopes back to normalcy

The candidacy of Barack Obama created high hopes and major expectations overseas. His electoral victory in 2008 promised the return of a benevolent US. He being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize was the ultimate expression of the world’s anticipation. Such high expectations had to be disappointed, and they were. However, it is remarkable that Obama frustrated many but maintained his overall popularity worldwide until the end of his two four-year terms. The disillusionment, disappointment, and frustration over Obama’s foreign policy and global leadership remained largely sympathetic. It was, in a way, a “benevolent disappointment” which characterizes the world views of the Obama era.