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.
The Coming Taiwan Crisis
English Summary
While Beijing has temporarily reduced large-scale military coercion, the article argues that the most critical period for a Taiwan crisis will be after the 2028 US and Taiwan elections. Xi Jinping's current strategy hinges on exploiting perceived US disinterest and hoping for a pro-Beijing outcome in Taipei. For the US, the primary policy implication is to solidify its commitment to Taiwan by approving arms sales and deepening economic ties, thereby countering Beijing's narrative of inevitable separation. This proactive diplomatic and military support is crucial for preparing for the anticipated, more turbulent cross-strait dynamic following 2028.
中文摘要
儘管北京暫時減少了大規模的軍事施壓，本文認為，台海危機最關鍵的時期將是在2028年美國和台灣的選舉之後。習近平目前的策略是依賴利用外界對美國不感興趣的認知，並期盼台北能產生親北京的結果。對於美國而言，主要的政策意涵是透過批准軍售和深化經濟聯繫，來鞏固其對台灣的承諾，從而反駁北京關於「必然分離」的敘事。這種積極的外交和軍事支持，對於為2028年之後預期會更動盪的兩岸局勢做好準備至關重要。
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