The contest between Senators Barack Obama and John McCain for the presidency of the United States is being followed intently around the world. How much exactly, in terms of U.S. foreign policy, is at stake? Many commentators are emphasising the similarities of the two candidates’ foreign policies, and it is certainly true that the menu of options available to the next president will be limited by the flawed legacy of President George W. Bush. However, Obama and McCain would choose very differently from that menu. The foreign policy differences between the two candidates are striking. In terms of the goals that they would pursue, the strains of idealism are much stronger in McCain’s makeup, although Obama would hardly govern as a classic realist either. Regarding the means they would employ, McCain would be, on balance, more unilateral, state-centric and hawkish than his Democratic rival. If Obama offers hope, McCain offers glory. Temperamentally, Obama is deliberate and conciliatory whereas McCain is bold and unpredictable. The election of either man would shift international perceptions of America, but Obama would shift them more.