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.
NATO in Ankara: Is Europe ready for a Russian attack?
English Summary
The Chatham House analysis suggests that while NATO remains crucial, its unity and purpose are being tested by persistent geopolitical tensions, highlighted by controversial remarks at the recent Ankara summit. The central concern is whether Russia will pivot to test Article Five protections should the conflict in Ukraine de-escalate. Key evidence points to strained trans-Atlantic cohesion and questions regarding individual member states' readiness, such as Britain’s defense posture. Strategically, the findings imply that NATO members must urgently reassess their collective defense capabilities and deepen internal cooperation to deter potential Russian aggression and maintain alliance resilience.
中文摘要
查塔姆學會的分析指出，儘管北約（NATO）仍至關重要，但其統一性和宗旨正受到持續地緣政治緊張局勢的考驗，近期在安卡拉峰會上的爭議性言論便為例證。核心擔憂是，如果烏克蘭衝突降級，俄羅斯是否會轉而試探《第五條》的保護機制。關鍵證據指向跨大西洋協調的緊張關係，以及各成員國（例如英國）自身防禦態勢的準備程度存疑。從戰略角度來看，研究結果暗示北約成員國必須緊急重新評估其集體防禦能力，並深化內部合作，以威懾潛在的俄羅斯侵略行為，維持聯盟的韌性。
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