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.
War at arm’s length: How America can build effective partners through military assistance
English Summary
Despite a reputation marred by costly failures in the past, the Brookings analysis argues that military assistance remains a critical and effective tool for achieving U.S. national security goals. The authors provide a systematic framework for understanding how the U.S. can leverage partner militaries to achieve strategic objectives 'at arm's length.' The core finding is that while the tool is misunderstood, its effective use can deliver significant benefits for both the United States and its allies. Policymakers must therefore refine their approach to military aid to overcome historical pitfalls and maximize the stability and security of partner nations.
中文摘要
儘管過去的昂貴失敗給其聲譽帶來污點，布魯金斯智庫的分析仍指出，軍事援助對於實現美國的國家安全目標，仍然是一種關鍵且有效的工具。作者提供了一個系統性框架，用以理解美國如何能夠「保持距離」地利用夥伴國的軍力來達成戰略目標。核心發現是，雖然此工具常被誤解，但若能有效運用，它能為美國及其盟友帶來顯著的益處。因此，政策制定者必須完善其軍事援助的方法，以克服歷史上的失誤，從而最大化夥伴國的穩定與安全。
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