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.
Can the United States Enable Post-Conflict Stability?
English Summary
The analysis argues that achieving post-conflict stability requires the United States to adopt a comprehensive, coordinated strategy that extends far beyond military intervention. Key evidence highlights that current U.S. efforts often fail due to a lack of institutional coordination across agencies and a failure to empower local civil society, which is essential for lasting democratic transition. Policy implications stress the need to rebuild multi-agency partnerships, develop clear economic 'off-ramps' from sanctions to responsible investment, and prioritize foundational elements like food, water, and civil society engagement during the planning stages.
中文摘要
本分析指出，要達成戰後穩定，美國必須採取一套全面且協調的策略，其範圍必須遠超軍事干預。關鍵證據顯示，當前美國的努力常因跨機構缺乏制度協調，以及未能賦予當地公民社會力量而受挫，而公民社會的賦權對於持久的民主轉型至關重要。政策意涵強調，有必要重建多機構夥伴關係，制定清晰的經濟「緩衝機制」（或稱「脫離途徑」），以從制裁過渡至負責任的投資；同時，在規劃階段應優先關注食物、水資源和公民社會參與等基礎要素。
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