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.
What comes next: The consequences of the 2026 midterm elections
English Summary
The Brookings analysis posits that the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections will fundamentally reshape the political landscape and policy trajectory of Washington. The results are expected to reflect the nation's overall mood, the influence of independent voters, and the effects of mid-decade redistricting. Key policy debates will center on issues of public corruption, affordability, and foreign policy. Strategically, the election's consequences are significant, as they will not only determine immediate legislative priorities but also set the foundational stage for the 2028 presidential contest.
中文摘要
布魯金斯（Brookings）的分析指出，2026年中期選舉的結果將從根本上重塑華盛頓的政治格局和政策走向。預計這些結果將反映出全國的整體情緒、無黨派選民的影響力，以及中期重新劃區的效應。主要的政策辯論將圍繞公眾腐敗、生活可負擔性以及外交政策等議題展開。從戰略角度來看，此次選舉的影響至關重要，它不僅將決定眼前的立法優先事項，更將為2028年總統大選奠定基礎。
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