United States of America

Campaign funding in the U.S. follows a number of rules that are complex and often bypassed. These rules have been upset by recent judicial decisions, and the 2012 electoral campaign has seen the rise of unlimited donations. The impact on the democratic process is potentially important and prospects for a short-term remedy remain limited.

The Democratic Party relies today on very different segments of the U.S. electorate, making it impossible for a Democratic President to sustain long-term public support. In the context of the current campaign, Prof. Nicol Rae provides an analysis of the Party's electoral strategy, since 2008 and beyond 2012.

As confirmed by the 2010 Census, Hispanics have become the largest and most dynamic ethnic minority in the United States. While still facing many difficulties, this rather diverse group is undergoing important changes in terms of political representation, economic situation and cultural recognition. It should play a growing role on the national scene in coming years.

Opposing environment protection policies has become a posture de rigueur for U.S. radical conservatives, especially in view of the 2012 campaign. This theme finds itself at the crossroads of several currents of American conservatism: a distrust of scientific elites, trust in the Manifest Destiny of the country, the defense of U.S. states and citizens against Washington and of the country as a whole against the rest of the World.

California enjoys a strong economy, backed by a strong immigration. Traditionally, this strength was reinforced by consistent investments from Sacramento, allowing for infrastructure development and education policies. In past decades, however, the idea that the state should do less has taken hold. Reforms have brought about a constant tightening of the state budget and public services. The less affluent citizens are left aside and the "social contract" of the Golden state is imperiled.

Larry J. Sabato, Professor of Politics at the University of Virginia, provides us with solid historical references and tools of analysis to understand midterms in general and those of 2010 in particular.

He points to the damaging effect of Tea Party candidacies on the Republican victory in the Senate, and on the impact of Republican gains on the 2011 redistricting process. But the bad economy seems to have been the key issue for 2010 voters - it may be key as well in the 2012 presidential election.

One month after the midterm elections, it was time to step back and reflect upon the state of affairs at the time and future direction of President Obama’s Administration and deal with which campaign promises might be achieved in the remaining years and how the political parties would rally for the 2012 elections. 

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).