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 Limits of Russian Power
English Summary
The article argues that Russia's global influence and status as a 'protean power' have been severely curtailed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Prior to the conflict, Russia maintained extensive ties with major global players, including China and Europe, and held few significant enemies. However, the invasion immediately transformed key partners, notably the United States and Europe, into direct adversaries. This loss of international support and the alienation of major economies fundamentally limits Russia's ability to project power or sustain its previous geopolitical standing, signaling a major strategic decline.
中文摘要
本文論述，自從俄羅斯於2022年入侵烏克蘭以來，其全球影響力及其作為「多面權力」（protean power）的地位已遭受嚴重削弱。在衝突發生之前，俄羅斯與包括中國和歐洲在內的許多全球主要參與者維持著廣泛的聯繫，且缺乏重大的敵對勢力。然而，這次入侵立即將關鍵夥伴，特別是美國和歐洲，轉變為直接的對手。這種國際支持的流失，以及與主要經濟體的疏遠，從根本上限制了俄羅斯投射力量或維持其先前地緣政治地位的能力，這預示著其正經歷一次重大的戰略衰退。
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