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.
China and Russia’s strategic duo endures – but its limits are clear
English Summary
The China-Russia partnership is a durable strategic alignment, driven by shared opposition to Western dominance and a mutual goal of promoting a multipolar world. While geographically and ideologically bound, the relationship is defined by pragmatic utility rather than a full alliance. China maintains strategic caution, actively diversifying energy sources and preserving economic ties with the West to avoid over-reliance on Moscow. Consequently, the partnership remains asymmetrical, providing Russia with crucial geopolitical support while serving as a reliable counterweight for Beijing's broader global ambitions.
中文摘要
中俄夥伴關係是一種持久的戰略協同，其動力源於共同反對西方主導地位，並共同推動建立一個多極化的世界。儘管在地理和意識形態上存在緊密聯繫，但這段關係的定義是實用性的效用，而非全面的軍事同盟。中國保持著戰略上的謹慎態度，積極多元化能源來源，並維護與西方的經濟聯繫，以避免過度依賴莫斯科。因此，這項夥伴關係仍呈現不對稱性，一方面為俄羅斯提供了關鍵的地緣政治支持，另一方面也為北京更廣泛的全球雄心提供了可靠的制衡力量。
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