Former Congressman Dave Brat Calls for Strategic US Engagement in Myanmar

Opinion piece argues that diplomatic engagement, not isolation, is key to American interests, regional stability, and economic security.

FORMER Congressman Dave Brat (R-VA) is calling for a shift in US policy towards Myanmar. In an opinion piece for The Washington Times titled Myanmar needs American engagement, Brat argues that diplomatic engagement, rather than isolation, advances American interests, regional stability, and long-term economic security.

“Diplomatic engagement with Myanmar is not an endorsement of its government,” Brat writes. “It is an investment in American influence, regional stability, and long-term economic security. Total disengagement has only created a power vacuum filled by America’s adversaries.

Examining recent shifts in US-Myanmar policy, Brat noted that President Trump has signalled a change in the United States’ approach towards the country:

“President Trump, however, has signalled a possible shift in that policy stance. First of all, diplomatic engagement with Myanmar is not an endorsement of the country’s government; it is merely an investment in American influence, regional stability and long-term economic security.

Furthermore, there is no counterproposal that will leave the US and Myanmar better off.” Brat pointed to President Trump’s National Security Strategy, “Flexible Realism”, as a framework for engagement with Myanmar.

“Flexible Realism - US policy will be realistic about what is possible and desirable to seek in its dealings with other nations. We seek good relations and peaceful commercial relations with the nations of the world without imposing on them democratic or other social change that differs widely from their traditions and histories. We recognize and affirm that there is nothing inconsistent or hypocritical in acting according to such a realistic assessment or in maintaining good relations with countries whose governing systems and societies differfrom ours, even as we push like-minded friends to uphold our shared norms, furthering our interests as we do so.”

In conclusion, Brat urged Congress to support strategic engagement with Myanmar, noting the US stands to gain critical resources and strengthen its position in the region.

“Strategic engagement with Myanmar offers the United States a chance to strengthen our position against our adversaries, secure critical resources and promote stability in a geopolitically crucial region of the world. Because walking away at this crucial moment would be strategically unsound, Congress should back President Trump on this strategic recalibration because American interests demand it.”

Read More: Myanmar needs American engagement | The Washington Times (Opinion) By Dave Brat, 12 January 2026

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