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 Gulf’s China Problem
English Summary
The ongoing instability in the Gulf, exacerbated by the Iran war, is prompting Arab states to reassess their reliance on major external powers. While frustrated with the US for failing to guarantee regional safety after initiating conflict, these nations are also disillusioned with China's role. Beijing’s perceived 'wait-and-see' approach and reluctance to leverage influence over Tehran suggest that China cannot be counted on as a reliable security partner in times of crisis. Consequently, Gulf states are accelerating their push for strategic autonomy, reducing dependence on traditional great power guarantees.
中文摘要
海灣地區持續的不穩定局勢，尤其因伊朗戰爭的影響加劇，正促使阿拉伯國家重新評估其對主要外部大國的依賴程度。這些國家一方面對美國在發起衝突後未能確保區域安全感到失望；另一方面，他們也對中國的角色產生了幻滅感。北京被認為採取了『觀望』態度，且不願利用影響力來處理德黑蘭問題，這暗示著中國在危機時期無法作為可靠的安全夥伴。因此，海灣國家正在加速推動實現戰略自主性，減少對傳統大國擔保的依賴。
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