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.
Can America and South Korea strengthen ties amid economic frictions?
English Summary
Despite persistent economic frictions, such as tariffs and digital trade disputes, the strategic alliance between the U.S. and South Korea remains robust, shifting its focus from traditional security ties to deep industrial cooperation. This collaboration is primarily driven by mutual interests in securing advanced supply chains for critical technologies like AI chips, semiconductors, and data centers. The key evidence points to massive proposed partnerships that position South Korea as a core manufacturing hub complementing American innovation leadership. Policymakers should therefore prioritize leveraging these aligned technological and economic interests—such as shipbuilding and high-tech manufacturing—to deepen the alliance and ensure regional supply chain resilience.
中文摘要
儘管持續存在關稅和數位貿易爭端等經濟摩擦，美國與韓國之間的戰略聯盟仍保持穩固，其重點正從傳統安全關係轉向深層的產業合作。這種協作主要源於雙方在確保關鍵技術（如AI晶片、半導體和資料中心）先進供應鏈方面的共同利益。關鍵證據顯示，已提出大規模的夥伴關係，將韓國定位為補充美國創新領導力的核心製造樞紐。因此，政策制定者應優先發揮利用這些一致的科技與經濟利益——例如造船業和高科技製造業——來深化聯盟，並確保區域供應鏈韌性。
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