Trump insurrection undermines US international interests

Concerns are growing that some US foes may seek to take advantage, geopolitically, of what has become a chaotic transition.

Published Fri, Jan 8, 2021 · 05:50 AM

Donald Trump

SUPPORTERS of US President Donald Trump stormed the US Congress on Wednesday, seeking to overturn November's presidential election result. While the insurrection is - rightly - a cause of grave concern within Washington, the international implications could be profoundly important too for President-elect Joe Biden's foreign agenda.

The scenes in Washington, broadcast endlessly around the world, have been witnessed by US allies and adversaries alike. It is US allies that have, so far, expressed most public concern at Wednesday's debacle and the wider antics of Mr Trump.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has condemned the "disgraceful scenes in US Congress". The United States stands for democracy around the world, he …