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.
A New Collection of CFR Reports Explores the Future of U.S. Strategy in the Western Hemisphere
English Summary
The CFR argues that U.S. strategy in the Western Hemisphere must pivot from focusing narrowly on internal threats (like migration and crime) to embracing a broader, integrated economic and security partnership. The report posits that the U.S. must leverage the region's vast resources—including critical minerals, energy, and technological bases—to counter China’s growing influence and prevent the loss of economic ground. Policy recommendations center on establishing an "Economic Shield" by creating resilient, interconnected supply chains across Greater North America. Success hinges on the U.S. adopting a strategy of competitive attraction, treating regional partners as development and industrial allies rather than mere sources of raw materials.
中文摘要
美國外交關係理事會（CFR）主張，美國在西半球的戰略重點必須從過度關注內部威脅（如移民和犯罪）轉向建立更廣泛、整合性的經濟與安全夥伴關係。該報告提出，美國必須利用該地區豐富的資源——包括關鍵礦物、能源和技術基礎——來抵禦中國日益增長的影響力，並防止經濟領地的流失。政策建議的核心是建立「經濟防護罩」（Economic Shield），透過在北美大區建立具韌性、相互連結的供應鏈。其成功關鍵在於美國採取「競爭性吸引」（competitive attraction）的策略，將區域夥伴視為發展和產業盟友，而非僅是原材料的來源地。
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