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.
Is China Leaving the United States Behind?
English Summary
Beijing views the current U.S. policy toward China as a moment of strategic flux and opportunity, capitalizing on perceived inconsistency in Washington's approach. China is actively shifting from a reactive to an offensive posture, using economic tools like rare-earth controls and exerting pressure on U.S. allies to strengthen its global standing. Furthermore, the U.S.'s increased focus on the Western Hemisphere and Latin America is interpreted by Beijing as a strategic distraction, allowing China to dedicate greater resources and attention to the Indo-Pacific. Policymakers must recognize that this enduring rivalry persists despite short-term policy shifts, requiring a nuanced strategy that addresses China's proactive regional ambitions.
中文摘要
北京將當前美國對華政策視為一個戰略轉折點與機遇，並正利用華盛頓政策中被觀察到的不一致性。中國正積極從被動轉向主動的姿態，運用稀土管制等經濟工具，並對美國盟友施加壓力，以鞏固其全球地位。此外，美國日益關注西半球和拉丁美洲，被北京解讀為一種戰略分心，使中國得以將更多資源和注意力集中於印太地區。政策制定者必須認識到，儘管短期政策有所調整，這種持久的競爭依然存在，這要求制定一種細膩的策略，以應對中國積極的區域野心。
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