Hi there. We are now approaching the end of our course. We wanted to give you a new, fresh and thought provoking interpretation of the 20th century with the personal biographies and political achievements of the three Rs as our guide. We will now consider their legacies and continuing influence on our world today. First, let's consider Theodore. A bold, energetic president. He understood the power of a prominent public image, high visibility, and media popularity for achieving his political goals. Did he set the standard for all subsequent presidents, and for modern political leaders in general? World leaders increasingly rely on a prominent public imagine, regularly presented through the media to generate the consensus they need to implement their political agendas. TR also championed a number of reforms both at home and abroad. For instance, he placed a great emphasis on civic nationalism, calling citizens to participate actively in the democratic system. Perhaps those among you who have been involved in a political or social cause recognize a similar sense of civic activism. In addition, TR believed in the power of international law and diplomacy. On many occasions, he stressed the value of negotiations and arbitration, and considered international organizations to be crucial for maintaining peace and world order. This approach has had a lasting impact. Recently, the European Union and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which is located here in the Hague, have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize precisely because of the role they play in fostering multilateral diplomacy and conflict resolution. Can you think of other contemporary examples? Let's switch our focus to Franklin. He followed in TR's footsteps in two important ways. Firstly, he continued the reform agenda with the New Deal, which changed the responsibilities and accountability of the government to meet social needs. This significant step was his answer to the extreme conditions of the Great Depression. And FDR felt it was the government's moral obligation to act. Do you think that this position is still applicable today? Of course, positions on this are polarized. But many still are polled to claim that government should be the provider of essential public services. Only in this way could FDR realize his all-encompassing idea of freedom. Which included freedom from want and from fear. Secondly, FDR continued TR's belief in conflict resolution by creating what he hoped would be an effective system of collective security with the United Nations. Although, the UN has not turned out as everyone hoped. We should not forget that many agencies connected to the UN contribute daily to running essential services for refugees, environmental protection, trade and development, communications, education and culture, children, health and human rights. Without these efforts, many people would be far worse off than they are today. FDR's legacy continues in today's politics. When elected, President Obama was often compared to FDR, because both of them faced severe economic and financial crises. FDR's rationale for a governmental response to ensure basic needs laid behind the introduction of a new health insurance program by Obama, also known as Obamacare. Similar kinds of demands for Social Security have been behind other recent popular protest movements around the world, from Tunisia to Spain, from Brazil to Greece. In many ways, they were also asking for a more substantial response from their governments. Finally, let's consider Eleanor. She was a first lady who refused to be confined by formal rules, and who instead, used her position to advance the causes she believed in. Since ER, every first lady has promoted a social cause, such as environmental protection, education, healthcare, the problems of drug abuse or food safety. This kind of social activism once forbidden in American politics has now become widely accepted and even requested by the public. Furthermore ER was a public intellectual whose main aim was to improve her fellow citizens awareness of domestic and world affairs. She saw this as the essential foundation for a properly working democracy and an enduring international peace. In her view, mutual understanding created the basis for social justice and mutual development. This is very similar to what the United Nations is trying to do. Especially through its high commission for refugees and UNESCO, its educational, scientific and cultural organization. Do you think ER was right? That it is precisely a lack of understanding that lies behind many of the conflicts in the world today? ER's defense of human dignity and plea for human solidarity is surely badly needed in current day circumstances, as she reminded us in 1939, those of us who have anything to spare should feel the call of suffering humanity all over the world. These are, of course, just a few examples of a continuing Rooseveltian legacy in our contemporary world. Both widely admired and criticized in their own time and since. The three Rs were campaigners, communicators, reformers, innovators, and mobilizers. They set standards for political activism which are still relevant for us today. They were strenuous defenders of democracy and promoters of a progressive role for the United States in world affairs. Finally, they taught us that personal engagement with social and political issues to make the world a better place is an essential part of being a modern citizen. Now we are at the end of our journey and we'd like you to think about a few final questions. How Rooseveltian is the world we live in today? Should it be more Rooseveltian? And how Rooseveltian are you? I hope you enjoyed the course. And thanks for participating in the Rooseveltian Century.