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 Trump Said at the UN Was Important. What He Didn’t Was Important, Too.
English Summary
Despite President Trump's highly critical rhetoric regarding the United Nations, the article argues that the U.S. is not prepared to abandon the global body. The analysis notes that the U.S. maintained engagement by paying overdue dues and acknowledging collaborative successes, suggesting a continued, if reluctant, commitment to multilateralism. For policy, the report advises that the U.S. must develop a sustained strategy that complements UN efforts with initiatives in other forums (like the G20/G7). Furthermore, it stresses that the U.S. must recognize and utilize the UN's broader functions—such as development, regulatory affairs, and humanitarian response—beyond just peace and security.
中文摘要
儘管川普總統對聯合國發表了極具批判性的言論，本文仍指出美國尚未準備放棄這個全球性機構。分析指出，美國透過繳納拖欠的會費和承認合作的成功經驗，維持了參與度，這顯示出其對多邊主義仍抱持著持續的、儘管不情願的承諾。就政策建議而言，報告建議美國必須制定一套持續的戰略，使其能與聯合國的努力相輔相成，並在其他論壇（如G20/G7）推動相關倡議。此外，報告強調美國必須認識並利用聯合國更廣泛的功能——例如發展、監管事務和人道救援——而不能僅限於和平與安全領域。
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