The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
Changing legislative norms in an era of conflict
English Summary
The Brookings report, "Changing Legislative Norms in an Era of Conflict," argues that traditional norms of courtesy and reciprocity within Congress are significantly declining due to increased partisan polarization. Evidence suggests a shift towards more confrontational tactics and a reduced willingness to compromise, driven by factors like social media and heightened ideological divisions. This erosion of established legislative practices threatens Congressional effectiveness and potentially destabilizes democratic processes. Policymakers should anticipate continued gridlock and consider strategies to foster greater bipartisan dialogue and institutional reform.
中文摘要
布魯金斯報告《衝突時代議會規範的變遷》認為，由於黨派日益加劇的極化，國會傳統的禮貌和互惠規範正在顯著衰退。 證據表明，越來越多的對抗性戰術和妥協意願降低，這受到社交媒體和意識形態分歧等因素的推動。 這種既定立法實踐的侵蝕威脅到國會的有效性，並可能導致民主過程的不穩定。 政策制定者應預期持續的僵局，並考慮推動更廣泛的兩黨對話和制度改革的策略。
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