Many Europeans are unaware of Obama's commitment to secondary school reform. The US administration introduced administrative methods inspired by the private sector to combat poor test results in public middle and high schools with large minority populations. This approach is consistent with previous policies and should resonate with French observers. 

The emergence of a feminist thought in the 18th century gave rise to steady and regular exchanges between French philosophers and American activists. They illustrate in a very particular sector the wealth of the relation between both countries. This dialogue continues on renewed bases today: both in universities (with the exploration of the concept of gender) and in the militant world (with the defense of precise and limited causes).

The growing use of the internet by citizens (blogs, social networks, on-line donations, etc...) certainly impacts the way politics are done in the United States. However, the internet may not be as democratizing a political tool as it seems. The author, François Vergniolle de Chantal, is a lecturer at the University of Burgundy and the co-editor-in-chief of the review Politique Américaine.

Since the beginning of 2009, conservatism in America has morphed into a spontaneous and decentralized form called the Tea Party Movement. Anne-Lorraine Bujon, a distinguished commentator on U.S. policy and society, analyses this new phase in American history.

Congress and the Administration have launched a series of space policy reviews in 2009, regarding in particular Nasa's exploration policy, the loosening of ITAR regulations and space security. On each of these issues, the U.S. government may adopt more international-leaning policies in 2010.