Question

in what ways did the obama administration diverge from the policies of other recent administrations? in what ways was it similar?

Answer 1

President Obamas' administration diverged from policies of previous administrations by a theme of change around the repudiation of the foreign policy of his predecessor, President, George W. Bush. 
President Obamas Grand strategy plan, a collection of policies and plans used by U.S leadership to mobilize and deploy the country resources to achieve national goals. The Obama administration plan spelt out in the 2010 National Security Strategic (NSS) was similar to George W. Bush 2006 NSS. They both emphasized on American leadership.