At the end of his worst fortnight in foreign policy so far, Anthony Albanese now faces what could be his most important.

And both two-week periods present lessons for him and his Government in the importance of expectation management.

First, his vaunted $500 million security agreement with Vanuatu fell through.

Then his landmark military pact with PNG was embarrassingly delayed.

Albanese went to the Pacific with Australians expecting to sign two significant agreements.

He returned with none.

Now, he heads to the US where he might or might not meet Donald Trump at a time when Australian foreign policy is in direct conflict with America’s on the Middle East, climate change, support for international bodies and the rather large matter of free trade.

But after over-hyping expectations o

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