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.
Economic security and mega chokepoints: Japan’s strategic reset
English Summary
Facing global market shocks triggered by vulnerabilities in critical mineral and energy mega chokepoints, Japan is initiating a comprehensive economic security reset. This strategic pivot is driven by geopolitical risks, such as potential disruptions in rare earth supplies or energy flows through key straits. To buttress national resilience, the Takaichi administration plans to update its security legislation, establish a new national intelligence agency, and integrate defense promotion into its industrial policy. These measures signal a heightened focus on strategic autonomy and deepening economic security cooperation with allied nations, particularly the United States.
中文摘要
面對由關鍵礦物和能源巨型瓶頸點的脆弱性所引發的全球市場衝擊，日本正在啟動一場全面的經濟安全重塑。這一戰略轉向的驅動力來自地緣政治風險，例如稀土供應或關鍵海峽能源流動可能受到的中斷。為鞏固國家韌性，高市政權計劃更新其安全立法、設立新的國家情報機構，並將國防促進整合到其產業政策中。這些措施顯示出對戰略自主性的高度關注，並旨在深化與盟國，特別是美國的經濟安全合作。
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