Since the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden, there have been debates about the priorities of the new administration during its tenure.

In January 2021, the U.S. experienced multiple crises including a global pandemic, emerging economic recession and deepening social and political polarization. Additionally, it was also in the midst of a period of turbulence in its relations with countries around the world.

There was a trade war with China, cyberattacks and election interference rumors in regard to Russia and most significantly, there was a crisis of confidence and trust in relations with allies.

While the international community was curious about Biden's priorities, the Biden administration was also curious about U.S. public opinion. Especially in foreign policy, despite its ambitious foreign policy agenda, the administration was not willing to engage in a file that would not be approved by the domestic public.

Losing the support of the public in regard to a foreign policy matter would not only weaken the administration internationally but would also create a significant point of opposition in a highly polarized society.

Foreign policy hardship

Because of that, the members of the administration made sure that the public would endorse all of its foreign policy actions. In his first-ever remarks to State Department staff, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that he will take into account the interests and wellbeing of the American people in every step of the foreign policy decision-making process.

Blinken said: "The American people are watching the U.S., too. They want to see that we’re safeguarding their wellbeing, that we care about their interests, that our foreign policy is about them and their lives. We will do right by them – by pursuing a foreign policy that delivers real benefits to American families, protects their safety, advances their opportunities, honors their values, and leaves their children and grandchildren a healthier and more peaceful world."

Later in several other speeches and documents, this issue was raised by the Biden administration.

The question is what do Americans expect from the administration in terms of foreign policy? Over the last several months, different institutions and public opinion companies conducted surveys about the priorities of the American people in regard to foreign policy agenda items.

In March 2021, Pew Research Center announced the outcome of its survey about the top foreign policy priorities of the American people. According to this research, the top 10 foreign policy priorities of the American people include: