The U.S. foreign policy under Marco Rubio is perceived as imposing unilateral demands on its allies, leading to diplomatic tensions.

The traditional “family photo” to open the G20 has been abruptly cancelled by Marco Rubio after a host of countries – including Australia, the UK and EU nations – refused to appear beside the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/31/us-cancels-g20-family-photo-after-australia-uk-and-others-refuse-to-appear-with-russia?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&utm_medium=d_social

The US should have known this would happen, so did Rubio think he could force (erstwhile) allies to follow US directives? — ‘The traditional “family photo” to open the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting has been abruptly cancelled in the US after a host of nations – including Australia and the UK – refused to appear beside the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, pulled the plug after several European officials, the UK and Australia made it known they would boycott or walk out of the snapshot that often kicks off such international gatherings. Rubio still opened the talks in Atlanta with an appeal for unity on the issues that threaten international security and trade. “We are in a critical moment,” Rubio told his colleagues. “We are facing a series of interconnected economic and geopolitical crises.” About one-third of countries at the talks made it known they would not appear beside any Russian representatives.’ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/31/us-cancels-g20-family-photo-after-australia-uk-and-others-refuse-to-appear-with-russia