The article argues that the Federal Reserve's recent rate hike decision, while justifiable on inflation grounds, highlights a critical lack of an underlying, transparent policy framework. The core problem is that the Fed's decisions appear discretionary, leading to market uncertainty because the committee's judgment, rather than clear data, dictates policy shifts. The author proposes that the Fed adopt a formal monetary policy rule—an algebraic formula linking the target rate to indicators like inflation and unemployment—to replace subjective guidance. Implementing such a rule would provide market predictability, enhance transparency, and shield the Fed from political attacks by making deviations from the standard easily quantifiable.
India, the United States, and Democratic Values in the International Order
English Summary
The article argues that the U.S.-India partnership should shift its focus from judging each country's domestic democratic performance to jointly championing democratic norms within the global international order. While strategic convergence (especially concerning China) remains the primary driver, the U.S. must recognize that India's engagement is rooted in self-interest and multialignment, not ideology. Policy should therefore guide the U.S. to work with India's efforts to democratize global governance structures, particularly in technology and security architecture. This approach allows the U.S. to leverage India's unique position to build a democratic alternative to authoritarian models without creating bilateral friction.
中文摘要
本文論述美印夥伴關係應將重點從評斷各自國家的國內民主表現，轉向共同倡導和推動全球國際秩序中的民主規範。雖然戰略趨同（特別是針對中國）仍是主要驅動力，但美國必須認識到，印度參與的基礎是其自身利益和多邊結盟，而非單一意識形態。因此，政策應引導美國與印度合作，共同努力民主化全球治理結構，尤其是在技術和安全架構領域。此種方法使美國能夠利用印度的獨特地位，在不產生雙邊摩擦的前提下，建立一個民主的替代模式，以對抗威權主義模式。
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