Part 12/18:
The global community’s reaction has been swift but fraught with complexities. Western nations, led by the United States and the UK, have condemned the coup and announced sanctions targeting military-owned enterprises and officials. The U.S. has indicated readiness to work with allies to impose further consequences but faces limitations given Myanmar’s economic ties to China and Russia.
President Joe Biden's administration appears to be in a balancing act—struggling to formulate an effective response that pressures the military without exacerbating economic hardships for ordinary Myanmar citizens. Analysts, including CNA's experts, posit that sanctions alone might not be sufficient and could inadvertently harm the population more than the generals.