Today, we know US president Barack Obama and German chancellor Angela Merkel as two of the world's most influential leaders, together at the center of some of our era's biggest controversies and most impressive advancements. But while their friendship has made headlines, few know the full story. Newly elected, Obama was keenly aware of the fractured relationship between the United States and Europe. And Merkel was suspicious of the charismatic newcomer. Faced with the challenges of globalization, the two often clashed over policy. Yet-as the first Black president and first female chancellor-they bonded over the belief that democracy could uplift not just individuals, but the world. This thoroughly researched book reveals, at times in-the leaders' own words, the trials of this complicated but inspiring partnership. A story of camaraderie at a global scale, Dear Barack demonstrates that political adversaries can establish bonds of respect-and even friendship-in service of the world. Book jacket.