Barack Obama: Patching Up a Cracked Legacy

President Obama paid a farewell trip to two continents in an anxious attempt to convince America’s worldwide allies that his successor will not dump his landmark initiatives and will still stand by most of the US’ commitments.

The first leg of Obama’s tour took him to Greece and Germany, where he sought to convince his hosts that Trump will retain the anti-Russian sanctions, NATO’s eastern forward-operating deployments and the controversial missile defense infrastructure.

European leaders didn’t seem too convinced, however, since they’re totally unsure of what Trump will do once in office and have reportedly be brainstorming contingency options. The last part of Obama’s travels will take him to Peru for the yearly APEC Summit, where he will have the equally daunting task of reassuring the US’ Asian allies that Trump won’t completely dismantle the TPP and will still take a firm line against China.

For going on his last-ever foreign tour as President of the US, and having  the unenviable task of trying to convince his partners that Trump won’t undo his legacy, Barack Obama is our MAN IN THE NEWS this week.

Igor Pellicciari, Professor, Higher School of Economics, Luigi G. Zingales, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Paolo Salom, political observer, Corriere della Sera (Milan) commented on the topic.

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