This report uses the record of the US president's speeches and remarks to explore what might be called the 'Obama doctrine' —a set of interconnected views about US leadership, the use of military force, and the future of US primacy in the 21st century.

For over sixty years, Australia has done well out of a US-led world.  Our strategic interests would be well served by Obama’s successfully rebuilding US primacy.  More serious questions might well arise for us if Obama doesn’t succeed.

Image: 'G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh', International Monetary Fund / flickr