No US president or, for that matter, any other world leader in recent memory has carried more expectations than Barack Obama. So much so, it is quite scary, except perhaps to the decidedly cool and unflappable man himself. Can any one man really live up to such expectations from a wide range of people, not to mention countries?

Hours before he assumes office, I thought it mighe be useful to understand the global expectations, and have therefore broken them down into four categories.

First is the internal aspiration of Americans and includes such things as a comprehensive healthcare policy, education reform etc.

Second is the economy. Nothing can matter more today in this globalized world, both to the Americans and others. The entire world economy is reeling. It is clear the crisis was triggered by the US and its so-called sub-prime loans. Naturally, the rest of the world looks up to the US leader to set things right, and do it quickly.

Third, the global expectations of a more liberal America, or at least something the world can stop loathing. Eight years of Bush has made the US appear as the Axis of Evil, rather than Iran, Iraq and North Korea, for whom Bush coined the term. Under Bush, more Muslims and more people of colour have turned against the US, mainly because of his foreign policy. Even within, Bush rule has changed the liberal face of the country. I hope it is not forever, and that a charismatic leader like Obama can undo the damage.

Last is the issue of race. Being the first black man in the White House, he is expected by many to make giant strides against racism in the country. Why, many would like him to eliminate it. But black leaders have, in many ways, been their own worst enemies, and other black leaders can be a formidable enemy too. For example, look at Jesse Jackson and his troubled relationship with Obama.

Of the four challenges he faces, the racial issue might be the most challenging to Obama. Still, Obama can be a role model for the wider world, especially for India, if he can show a new way to deal with historical ostracism. His election was enough to raise comparisons with Mayawati, however absurd that might be. But what if he can inspire some other Dalit to lead the nation in the future?