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.
High Tariffs Are Not Just Bad Economics but Bad Politics, Too
English Summary
The article argues that high, sweeping tariffs are proving to be a political liability rather than an economic boon, contradicting the conventional belief that protectionism is electorally successful. Key evidence shows that while tariffs are highly salient to voters, the majority of Americans disapprove of them, primarily blaming them for increased costs of living and inflation. Furthermore, the data suggests that tariffs have failed to deliver on their promise of bringing back manufacturing jobs, and the political backlash is evident in campaign messaging and spending. Policymakers should recognize that relying on tariffs as a signature policy risks significant political backlash and undermines sound trade strategy.
中文摘要
本文提出，高額且全面性的關稅並非經濟利好，而更是一種政治負擔，這與「保護主義在選舉中能取得成功」的傳統觀點相悖。關鍵證據顯示，儘管關稅對選民具有高度關注度，但大多數美國人對其持不贊成態度，主要歸咎於關稅導致生活成本和通貨膨脹的增加。此外，數據表明關稅未能兌現帶回製造業就業的承諾，政治反彈在競選訊息和支出中顯而易見。政策制定者應認識到，將依賴關稅作為標誌性政策，不僅有導致重大政治反噬的風險，也將損害穩健的貿易戰略。
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