In November 2008 Barack Obama was elected as President of the United States after a campaign that promised change and renewal. Many in the United States - and Europe - hoped for a new beginning. But what has been achieved? The nineteen essays in this book provide a timely assessment of the 'Obama Effect' in transatlantic relations during the first years of his administration. Ranging from Obama's importance within US domestic politics to his impact on specific policy areas (national security, international law, the environment) and regions (Middle East, South Asia), the book combines perspectives from the United States and across the European continent to present a unique multi-layered assessment of Obama's political influence and the current state of play within US-European relations.