Why U.S. Isolation of Burma Might Not Serve Democracy

The latest challenge to American policy in Asia is the harassment of the democratic opposition in Burma by the ruling military regime.

The issue is likely to be one of the most contentious items on the agenda when foreign ministers of the Association of South East Asian Nations, or ASEAN, hold talks with their counterparts from the United States, Canada, Australia and the European Union in Jakarta after their annual meeting that starts this weekend.

The U.S. Congress is now considering legislation that would extend steps previously taken by the United States to isolate the Burmese economy. The most extreme version of this extension would have America declare an embargo on all trade with Burma and all investment there.

The Clinton administration clearly has reservations about such a move, especially given the likelihood that Burma's neighbors in Asia will refuse to take similar steps. These neighbors prefer to continue a policy of "constructive engagement" by using economic ties and political influence to nudge Burma toward greater openness.

So, as Congress considers the legislation, the question that must be asked is this: What is the chance that the proposed United States quarantining of Burma will succeed in democratizing the country?

Some may argue that the answer to this question is irrelevant, that the only thing that counts is the expression of American outrage, regardless of efficacy. If that is so, Congress should acknowledge that it is more important for America to feel good than do good.