5 foreign policy situations the White House didn't expect, from Israel, to Cuba and Ethiopia

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden took office promising to craft a “foreign policy for the middle class” that prioritizes the interests of everyday Americans while championing global engagement. Achieving that neat vision has been difficult in a world filled with unexpected challenges.

“The Biden foreign policy agenda will place America back at the head of the table, working with our allies and partners — to mobilize global action on global threats, especially those unique to our century," he promised during a speech in July 2019.

As a senator, Biden chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and has surrounded himself with seasoned foreign policy aides. He often frames his entire policy agenda through the lens of "democracy versus autocracy."