An international network of researchers, journalists and diplomats have joined forces to study the impact of Barack Obama – America’s first African American President.
The network will be based at The University of Manchester and led by Manchester’s Professor Inderjeet Parmar and Dr Mark Ledwidge along with Professor Kevern Verney from Edge Hill University.
Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), it is probably the only project of its kind outside the United States, and brings together experts from Britain, Europe and America.
They will analyse the challenges facing the President and the significance of his policies, publishing the results of their research on a dedicated website.
The AHRC Obama Research Network, will also organise symposia and seminars and stage an international conference just after the next presidential election in 2012.
These events will take place at the universities of Edge Hill, Warwick, and Manchester, the London School of Economics, and the Roosevelt Study Center in the Netherlands.
Professor Parmar said: “The election of Barack Obama in November 2008 will for many years remain a key moment in the history of the United States.
“After Obama won, his euphoric supporters believed he would bring an end to the unpopular policies of George W. Bush’s Republican administration.
“But the President faces huge domestic and foreign policy challenges, including the worst economic crisis since the 1930s and two costly unresolved foreign wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Race too remains a divisive issue with African Americans and other ethnic minority groups continuing to suffer acute socio-economic deprivation, high crime levels and racial prejudice.
“The success or failure of the Obama administration in addressing these problems will have profound implications not just for the citizens of the United States but also for governments and peoples around the world.”
For more details visit University of Manchester website
Notes for Editors
Media Contact: Jake Gilmore, AHRC Communications Manager; T: 0797 099 4586,
E: j.gilmore@ahrc.ac.uk
Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC): Each year the AHRC provides approximately £112 million from the Government to support research and postgraduate study in the arts and humanities, from languages and law, archaeology and English literature to design and creative and performing arts. In any one year, the AHRC makes approximately 700 research awards and around 1,350 postgraduate awards. Awards are made after a rigorous peer review process, to ensure that only applications of the highest quality are funded. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of the UK.