(Kristin Groener/Streetattack.com)

For Which It Stands: Introduction to the series

By C.M. Sennott - GlobalPost
Published: January 11, 2009 17:41 ET
Updated: March 26, 2009 17:53 ET

GlobalPost is proud to offer this special report, "… For Which It Stands." From every corner of the world, more than 40 GlobalPost correspondents and columnists have contributed nearly 50 stories built around a single question: What does the idea of America mean to the world? This guide will help you navigate the series, which begins with our launch and runs through President Barack Obama's swearing in as president — an event billed as the first global inauguration. We will add to the series in the first 100 days of the Obama presidency, what he has called a "chance to reboot America's image around the world." During this time, we want to know what you think America means to the world, and also what the world means to America. To post commments register here. To submit your own brief essay to share on the site send an e-mail to editors @ globalpost.com.

 


 
headline description Commerce:
Obama's economic dream team

Can the new president channel Miles Davis?
headline description Environment:
Change desperately needed

Obama has room to improve America's green reputation
headline description Wheels:
The good, the bad and the auto

Why America "is" the car
headline description Washington:
From the Hill to Foggy Bottom

How will Hillary Clinton's legacy shape her diplomacy
headline description Sports:
Going for Olympic gold

Can Obama bring it home to Chicago?
headline description NGOs:
How generous is the U.S.?

Not as generous as most of its people think
headline description Worldview:
HDS Greenway

Why Obama should look to the lessons of Woodrow Wilson
headline description Worldview:
Deborah Amos

What America owes Iraq's refugees
headline description Worldview:
Seamus Murphy

Seeing America, Kennedy to Obama
headline description Worldview:
David Marash

China is experiencing the same consumerism the U.S. did in the 1950s
headline description Worldview:
Michael Moran

Seven foreign policy challenges

Comments:

9 Comments.

Login or Register to post comments

Posted by beezer on January 11, 2009 20:14 ET

This guide will help you navigate the series, which begins with our launch and runs through President Barack Obama's swearing in as president — an event billed as the first global inauguration. We will add to the series in the first 100 days of the Obama presidency, what he has called a "chance to reboot America's image around the world."

A "global inauguration?" Terrific. The first piece, right out of the box, and it's an Obama heals-the-world-love-fest. I thought this was going to be a re-thought news site for out of work foreign correspondents and journalists. It's already looking to be Reuters-lite. I'll check back in a week and see if any game changing journalism is being conducted or if it's the same stuff that led to your job loss.

Posted by chuckago on January 12, 2009 13:28 ET

This is the true test. To know that we have been successful climbing out of our recent malaise we need to look from the inside out and the outside in. If this series can be part of our world mirror it will be a key ingredient to our path back to greatness.

Great job so far. Can't wait to read more!

PS Let's hope that before Obama reboots our image he has changed the operating system.

Posted by Riley from Harvard on January 11, 2009 21:18 ET

This is a great idea. How do I submit my essay about what America means to the world?
Riley

Posted by Mess With Texas on January 12, 2009 12:05 ET

Great visual!

I'm very excited to see how this special report pans out and it's great to know you have correspondents from all over the globe contributing.

Posted by Lauren Parlin on January 12, 2009 20:49 ET

Congratulations Charlie! Global Post is now first on my bookmarks bar.

Posted by donl on January 13, 2009 16:30 ET

Actually I don't care what rest of the world thinks of us! We saved their collected hides three times in the last century (WW1,WW2,Cold War) and the first time we could have used some help (War on Terror) they refuse to help and instead critize us as being the bad guys. Well, tell you what, lets bring ALL our troops home, secure our borders completely and let Asia take care of Asia, Europe take care of Europe and United States will take care of the United States and the rest of the world can take a leap!

Posted by mikey on January 21, 2009 13:23 ET

You are a GOD!!!!!!

Posted by Daveed on April 3, 2009 17:55 ET

I realize that I'm late in commenting, but as a new reader of Global Post I was moved to comment. The G20 was featured on Rachel Maddow's CNBC show last night and it's obvious that our new President not only by the amount of nations that attended, but by the substance of his speech gives me new hope for our image in the world community. I especially got a kick out of the President of India asking for an autograph for his daughter who is a big Obama supporter. Is it too early to say maybe world terrorism will be firmly addressed by more countries by the nature of Obama's sincerity? Keep up the good work Sir Charles Sennott and all at Global Post.

Posted by lollipops123 on April 12, 2009 08:35 ET

Hi Charlie! This is you neice! I think it is so cool that you did this! Good job! Can't wait to see you soon!
You are the best! Email me back if you can...
Katie

Recent on America and the World:

Design within reach

Daniel Grushkin - NGOs - November 5, 2009 17:36 ET

Cameron Sinclair founded Architecture for Humanity to bring thoughtful design to the world’s neediest.

In memory of a well-traveled dog

C.M. Sennott - Worldview - November 1, 2009 10:06 ET

She vacationed in Brittany and braved the second intifada. She enjoyed French croissants and dined on bangers and mash. Maggie was quite a dog.

War weary Europeans test their leaders' resolve

Mort Rosenblum - Worldview - October 27, 2009 08:47 ET

In several countries contributing troops to the Afghanistan war effort, holding onto public support is half the battle.

Canadian health care — it's their right

Sandro Contenta - Canada - October 21, 2009 10:19 ET

In contrast to the US, where health care is a commodity, Canada has, so far, treated it like a human right.

India: The next Detroit?

Saritha Rai - India - October 16, 2009 15:17 ET

Automakers worldwide ramp up production on the subcontinent.

Welcome to the new Bollywood

Jason Overdorf - India - October 16, 2009 14:49 ET

Bollywood movies are suddenly starting to make sense. Hello Hollywood?

Spain strives for American appreciation

Michael Moffett - Spain - October 13, 2009 17:42 ET

Will Prime Minister Zapatero's visit to the White House give Spain a nudge on the international stage?

Planet Health Care

Thomas Mucha - Commerce - October 10, 2009 11:19 ET

As debate rages in Washington, the answers are out there. You just need to know where to look.

Why this face frightens the average Thai

Patrick Winn - Thailand - October 10, 2009 09:05 ET

Thais have a fear of illegal immigrants that parallels that of Americans. The UN wants to change that.

Special Report: Health care in Taiwan

Jonathan Adams - China and its neighbors - October 9, 2009 10:17 ET

What can the U.S. learn from one of the world's best systems? Plenty.

2016 Olympics: Three funerals and a party

Thomas Mucha - Commerce - October 4, 2009 09:13 ET

Rio rocks. Chicago, Madrid and Tokyo mope.

The 2016 Olympics: The betting odds

Mark Starr - Sports - October 4, 2009 09:12 ET

President Obama is headed to Copenhagen. Will it matter?

Opinion: With all eyes on Iran, North Korea could get away with nuclear murder

Tom Fenton - Worldview - October 1, 2009 09:11 ET

Lest we forget: Pyongyang already has the bomb, and is probably more knowledgeable than Iran on how to use it.

Analysis: Obama strikes a tough tone on Iran

C.M. Sennott - Worldview - September 30, 2009 18:50 ET

But the diplomacy needed to get Iran to halt its nuclear program will require more than tone.

Scientist reveals India nuke test fizzled

Jason Overdorf - India - September 30, 2009 08:12 ET

A top scientist's claim that India's 1998 nuclear test was a failure poses a big threat to Obama's nonproliferation plans.

Analysis: Al Qaeda on its way out?

C.M. Sennott - Worldview - September 30, 2009 07:18 ET

Al Qaeda, like all extremist movements, will inevitably implode. Now is the beginning of its decline.

US skier looks for his second chance

Mark Starr - Sports - September 27, 2009 11:20 ET

Bode Miller snubbed the 2006 Games in Turin, but has now set his sights on winning back America's hearts in Vancouver 2010.

Analysis: Curtain closes on the G20, but will it close on "money-making games"?

Cindy Skrzycki - Commerce - September 26, 2009 15:58 ET

World leaders can agree on a new set of economic prerogatives, but they're only as strong as the rules underlying them.

G20 to act as global economy caretakers

Cindy Skrzycki - Commerce - September 25, 2009 07:59 ET

Russian president dishes on the sidelines of the G20 summit as leaders finalize agreements on the world economy and reforming bank regulations.

Analysis: The real work of the G20 begins at home

Cindy Skrzycki - Commerce - September 24, 2009 08:32 ET

World leaders are likely to find fault with America's sluggish financial reform.