Obama's vision deserves support

In the depths of its financial malaise, the US was understandably introspective, seemingly oblivious to the world's problems as it struggled to deal with its own. President Barack Obama made clear early in his sixth State of the Union address yesterday that his country had recovered and was ready to resume its place at the helm of global leadership. Declaring that "tonight, we turn the page", he vowed to spearhead fights against Muslim extremism, climate change, poverty and cyberterrorism. No nation is better placed to lead the charge.

Obama would outwardly not appear to be in a position to be so confident. Both houses of Congress are firmly in the control of the opposition Republicans, ensuring an uphill legislative struggle. But in appealing to lawmakers to work with him in his final two years in office, he reminded everyone of his achievements: the robust economic recovery, fiscal reform and an energy revolution. That puts him in a better position to give attention to matters beyond American shores.

Although the focus was on domestic issues, he also spoke of the need for a different international approach, a "smarter kind of American leadership" that made use of its military power, diplomatic skills and ability to bring nations together. A way forward would certainly be shown towards poverty with what he called "middle-class economics", which aims to lessen the gap between the rich and poor. A new Oxfam report highlights the global extent of the problem, showing the divide widening with the top 80 richest people having the same wealth as the poorest 50 per cent of the population.

Republicans do not support Obama's strategy: he wants to increase taxes for the rich and lower them for the middle class and lift the minimum wage. Regardless of how successful he will be, though, he has highlighted an issue that many governments are struggling with and offered a way forward. It is this sort of leadership that is critical to defeating Islamist fighters, pushing a climate change deal at the UN summit in Paris in December and finding ways to block the threats posed by cyberterrorists. Success, for Obama and the world, lies in cooperation.