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.
US-China competition: Policy priorities from Capitol Hill
English Summary
This Brookings report, based on a discussion with Senators Shaheen and Tillis, argues that the United States needs to proactively strengthen its domestic capabilities and refine its statecraft to maintain a strategic advantage over China. The core reasoning centers on the perceived risk of the U.S. falling behind China in critical areas like technology and military power, necessitating a renewed focus on bolstering U.S. foundations and strategic tools. Policy recommendations will likely prioritize investments in domestic innovation and a more assertive approach to international relations. Consequently, the U.S. should pursue a multi-faceted strategy encompassing both strengthening its internal power and actively shaping the geopolitical landscape.
中文摘要
這份布魯金斯報告，根據參議員沙欣（Shaheen）和蒂利斯（Tillis）的討論結果，認為美國需要積極加強國內能力並精進其外交策略，以維持在中國面前的戰略優勢。其核心論點基於美國可能在關鍵領域，如科技和軍事力量方面落後於中國的擔憂，因此需要重新專注於鞏固美國的基礎和戰略工具。政策建議很可能優先投資於國內創新，並採取更強硬的國際關係態度。因此，美國應推動多方面的戰略，涵蓋加強其內部實力以及積極塑造地緣政治格局。
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