Dear Barack is a thoroughly researched document of the parallel trajectories that led to Obama and Merkel meeting on the world stage and the trials, both personal and political, that they confronted in office. At times in the leaders’ own words, the book details such events as Merkel’s historic acceptance of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and the 2013 NSA spying scandal, demonstrating the highs and lows of this extraordinary alliance. Claudia Clark brilliantly captures a relationship that has had such significant impact on global politics in recent times. She goes beyond the mere professional bond between Obama and Merkel to reveal the enormous impact personality, charisma, and mutual respect have on political cooperation. A truly enlightening piece that not only details how the German-American relationship has been, but how fruitful it can be.Clark received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Public Policy from Michigan State University. At Michigan State, and holds an M.A. in Labor in Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois, a Masters in U.S. History with an emphasis on women’s history from San Jose State University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan with an emphasis in Community Organizing.
