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.
US at 250: Interest vs. principle – the debate about America’s values
English Summary
The Chatham House analysis identifies a renewed and critical debate within US foreign policy regarding the balance between upholding universal principles and pursuing immediate national interests. This tension is fueled by changing global conditions and domestic skepticism, forcing Washington to re-evaluate its foundational role in international institutions. Strategically, policymakers must reconcile their commitment to ideals with pragmatic self-interest, effectively balancing military power, diplomacy, and economic influence to sustain alliances and maintain global leadership.
中文摘要
查塔姆學會的分析指出，美國外交政策內部正出現一場重新浮現且至關重要的辯論：如何在維護普遍原則與追求即時國家利益之間取得平衡。這種張力源於全球條件的變遷和國內懷疑情緒，迫使華盛頓重新評估其在國際機構中的基礎性角色。從戰略角度來看，政策制定者必須協調其對理想的承諾與務實的自身利益，有效地平衡軍事力量、外交手段和經濟影響力，以維持聯盟並鞏固全球領導地位。
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