The current crisis the grows in this sense

Should he expect change more or less marked the foreign policy of the United States with Barack Obama

I think that the Americans chose Barack Obama because he was more than able to liquidate the legacy of George w. Bush. The black question played no role in this election. It is in Europe that we gloss on it. In foreign policy, he said of the innovative things the campaign, including feature issues.

But more on close of the election, more it shown prudent. And when he addressed large pro-Israel lobbies, it is even aligned on the policy of the outgoing administration. I do not think that either the substance of his thought, but we know nothing.

Barack Obama is a man clearly exceptional intelligence, like Bill Clinton. It has a perception of the complexity of the outside world that the Americans do not have a general rule. It is not simplistic. This represents a considerable change from George w. Bush.

He said promising things. He mentioned in particular a re-engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On the Iran, on several occasions, he said that should not be prohibited from speaking, not naive at all on the conditions of a discussion. However, on the Afghanistan, he simply said the need to strengthen the US military presence, without referring to a redefinition of the strategy and organization, which is worrying. And on the Russia, he held close comments to those of the current administration and John McCain.

Barack Obama carries promises, opportunities, but also of uncertainties. It is to keep the hands-free.

What should be the attitude of Europeans to it

The Europeans have an exceptional opportunity to be seized. Traditionally, between two administrations, when people are not named, when all is not yet arrested, there is always a window to discuss. This year, it is still more open. There is a true rejection of the foreign policy of George w. Bush.

That of the next team is not yet clearly drawn. And she want to appear as more multilateralist, even if it shouldn't be too many illusions about it. There is a period of a few months until the spring during which Europeans need to organize to get some ideas.

What do you mean concretely

There was already one or two meetings in which the Europeans focused on this issue. It must continue. Whether it's from the Eurogroup, that Nicolas Sarkozy has revived, which is also very good. Twenty-seven or, if this works. Or from a France-Germany-Britain alliance. The Europeans must get agreement between them on the big issues of international policy and tell the Americans they want to discuss. If they just find wonderful that the United States have elected a black, they will be off-topic. Barack Obama forward, will decide. It will not come moaning then, if they are not happy.

Barack Obama seems poorly Europe. Is - this worrying

Even if it is only a superficial knowledge of Europe, it is not simplistic. It is a chance. Europe is not a problem, a threat or a solution for the United States. They don't care. If Europeans applaud the election of Barack Obama, it will lose in the concert of world praise. They groan, they claim, this is not going very far. On the other hand, if they organize themselves to define common positions, as I suggested and as Nicolas Sarkozy seeks to do so at the moment, then, they may have a very fruitful discussion with the Americans.

Will America be more multilateralist with Barack Obama

No dominant power is really multilateralist. If it is to be more gentle with people, their call to consult, to be available, the future American administration will change. But those who believe that it will decide collectively things with the other nations are likely to be disappointed. Barack Obama will behave like Bill Clinton: first, it will prefer to agree with friends and allies of America, but in a second time, if needed, when needed, he decides alone.

Will the new US administration be protectionist

It is possible. The current crisis the grows in this sense. Barack Obama voted against all the recent free trade agreements. It surely say that the emergency is not revive a grand process of trade liberalization. We have to revive the economy, but not as deregulation of recent decades necessarily. The US will not close so far. It would be untenable and absurd. But they will try to avoid that the remaining industrial fabric is leached by Asian competition.

Will the wave of anti-Americanism that has overwhelmed the world in recent years reflow

The world became anti-American. And not the France specially, as is sometimes said. Overnight, the image of the United States has won 20 points. But some countries will still find their heavy hegemony. And others say: "There will be good", especially in the Arab world.