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.
Japan Can’t Go It Alone
English Summary
Japan's declaration that a Chinese assault on Taiwan could constitute an existential threat, potentially warranting a military response, has significantly escalated tensions with Beijing. China responded by implementing immediate countermeasures, including increased military exercises near Japan, halting seafood imports, and banning dual-use goods exports. This escalating confrontation demonstrates that Japan's security posture is directly challenging China's interests, creating a volatile strategic environment. Consequently, the article suggests that Japan cannot manage this complex geopolitical and economic threat independently and must rely heavily on international alliances and partnerships for deterrence and stability.
中文摘要
日本宣稱中國對台灣的攻擊可能構成存亡威脅，並可能觸發軍事回應，此舉已顯著升級了與北京的緊張關係。中國隨即採取了即時反制措施，包括在接近日本地區增加軍事演習、暫停海產品進口，以及禁令出口兩用物資。這種不斷升級的對抗展示了日本的安全態勢直接挑戰了中國的利益，營造出一個高度不穩定的戰略環境。因此，本文提出，日本無法獨立應對這一複雜的地緣政治和經濟威脅，必須高度依賴國際聯盟和夥伴關係來實現威懾和穩定。
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