How hopes for Myanmar's democracy faded and why leadership is needed (again)

During Derek Mitchell’s tenure as U.S. ambassador to Myanmar, the country saw a fragile but significant democratic opening after years of military dictatorship. The release of political prisoners, liberalization of civil society, and landmark elections in 2015 under iconic leader Aung San Suu Kyi were celebrated by the U.S. and its partners. This progress was seen as a test of Barack Obama’s foreign policy promise to engage with countries willing to open up, and a bipartisan effort was made to support Myanmar’s transition towards democracy.

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