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.
The World Cup Is a Chance for North America to Overcome Its Frictions
English Summary
The World Cup provides a unique diplomatic opportunity for North American co-hosts (US, Canada, Mexico) to overcome deep historical and political frictions. Despite ongoing economic tensions and border disputes, the region maintains profound integration, evidenced by $1 trillion in annual cross-border trade and large trans-national populations. The shared cultural experience of major global events can transcend nationalistic divides, allowing leaders to refocus on common ground. Policymakers should leverage such moments to promote cooperation and build social bridges, mitigating geopolitical disputes that threaten continental stability.
中文摘要
世界盃為北美共同主辦國（美國、加拿大、墨西哥）提供了一個獨特的外交契機，使其能夠克服深層的歷史和政治摩擦。儘管當前存在經濟緊張局勢和邊界爭議，但該地區仍保持著深刻的整合性，體現在每年一兆美元的跨境貿易額以及龐大的跨國人口結構上。大型全球盛事的共同文化體驗有潛力超越民族主義分歧，讓領導人能夠重新聚焦於共同利益。政策制定者應當利用此類時刻來推動合作並建立社會橋樑，從而緩解威脅大陸穩定的地緣政治爭議。
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