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.
No limits? Testing the China-Russia relationship
English Summary
The China-Russia partnership is a highly consequential geopolitical alignment driven by a shared goal of countering U.S. hegemony and reshaping the international order into a multipolar system. While not a formal alliance, this relationship is strengthened by Russia's increasing economic reliance on China following Western sanctions, which allows Beijing to leverage its influence. Policymakers should note that while the partnership projects deep solidarity (as seen in high-level summits), it remains complex and limited by mutual mistrust and competing strategic interests. This enduring alignment poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests and requires continued diplomatic vigilance.
中文摘要
中俄夥伴關係是一項具有重大地緣政治意義的結合，其核心目標是共同對抗美國霸權，並將國際秩序重塑為多極體系。儘管這並非正式的軍事聯盟，但隨著西方制裁導致俄羅斯日益依賴中國經濟，雙方關係不斷強化，使北京能夠利用其影響力。政策制定者應注意，雖然該夥伴關係展現出深厚的團結（如高層峰會所示），但它仍然複雜，並受限於彼此的相互不信任和競爭性的戰略利益。這種持久的聯盟對美國的利益構成了重大挑戰，需要持續的外交警惕。
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