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.
Annual Review 2025–26
English Summary
The Annual Review highlights that amidst global turbulence, Chatham House successfully maintained its critical role in providing timely, independent analysis of international crises. Key evidence includes convening diverse high-level leaders—from African foreign ministers to presidents across Europe and the Middle East—and delivering expert commentary in major forums like parliaments and conferences. The overarching implication is that stable geopolitical understanding requires robust, multi-stakeholder platforms for dialogue; therefore, policymakers must continue leveraging independent think tanks and international convenings to navigate complex global challenges.
中文摘要
《年度綜述》指出，在全球動盪不安的背景下，劍橋智庫（Chatham House）成功維持了其提供及時、獨立國際危機分析的核心作用。關鍵證據包括召集多元高層領袖——從非洲外國部長到歐洲和中東的國家元首——並在議會和大型會議等主要論壇上發表專家評論。總體而言，這暗示著穩定的地緣政治理解需要強健、多方參與的對話平台；因此，政策制定者必須持續利用獨立智庫和國際匯集機制來應對複雜的全球挑戰。
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