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.
China and Climate: China’s New Coal Development Plan
English Summary
Despite China's stated goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, its new Five Year Plan for coal development indicates that coal will remain a foundational element of its energy mix. The plan notably avoids setting a definitive phase-out date, instead opting to peak coal consumption between 2026 and 2030, while reaffirming coal's role as a dependable source. This strategic emphasis on energy security and reliable domestic supply suggests that China is prioritizing stable energy access over rapid decarbonization. Consequently, the plan signals a potential slowdown in the pace of global climate action, complicating efforts by international partners to curb emissions.
中文摘要
儘管中國宣稱目標是在 2030 年達到碳排放峰值，並在 2060 年實現碳中和，但其新的煤炭發展五年規劃卻顯示煤炭仍將是其能源結構的基礎組成部分。該規劃特別避免設定明確的淘汰日期，而是選擇將煤炭消耗量在 2026 年至 2030 年間達到峰值，同時重申了煤炭作為可靠能源的地位。這種對能源安全和穩定國內供應的戰略強調，表明中國將穩定能源供應置於快速脫碳化之上。因此，該規劃預示全球氣候行動的步伐可能放緩，使國際夥伴遏制排放的努力面臨複雜挑戰。
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