The election of Barack Obama as president of the United States in November 2008 was an instantaneous historic event. Regardless of his legacy as chief executive, President Obama will forever be remembered as the first African-American president. Barack Obama is now serving his second term as president, so this seems a good time for an initial survey of his successes, failures, and challenges. Governing in a society ripe with ideological and partisan polarization, the Obama Administration has been surrounded by controversy, much of it manufactured by his opponents but salient nonetheless.

The Historical Dictionary of the Barack Obama Administration covers the history of his life and his presidency through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and a bibliography. The dictionary section has over 200 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, including the president, his advisors, his family, his opponents, and his critics, as well as members of Congress, military leaders, and international leaders. This book is a vital access point for students, researchers, and anyone interested in the presidency of Barack Obama.