WASHINGTON – A military coup in Myanmar and a mass crackdown on dissidents in Russia are presenting early tests for the Biden administration as it tries to reestablish American primacy as a worldwide pro-democracy leader.
After investing decades of time, energy and money into promoting democracy in both Myanmar and Russia, the U.S. now faces challenges in each that could affect the global balance of power, with the Myanmar turmoil potentially strengthening China's hand.
What links the two is that during the campaign, the Biden team talked about support for democracy being a North Star — a guiding point for democracy."
Biden's aides have rejected suggestions that the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol fueled by Trump will hurt U.S. influence in the long run.
“The United States removed sanctions on Burma over the past decade based on progress toward democracy," Biden said.