The article argues that the Federal Reserve's recent rate hike decision, while justifiable on inflation grounds, highlights a critical lack of an underlying, transparent policy framework. The core problem is that the Fed's decisions appear discretionary, leading to market uncertainty because the committee's judgment, rather than clear data, dictates policy shifts. The author proposes that the Fed adopt a formal monetary policy rule—an algebraic formula linking the target rate to indicators like inflation and unemployment—to replace subjective guidance. Implementing such a rule would provide market predictability, enhance transparency, and shield the Fed from political attacks by making deviations from the standard easily quantifiable.
The Small Suffer What They Must?
English Summary
The article argues that smaller states are becoming disproportionate victims of a collapsing global order, as great powers increasingly erode international law through unilateral actions, tariffs, and geopolitical coercion. Key evidence includes the neutering of institutions like the WTO and the withdrawal of global public goods (e.g., development aid), leaving small nations vulnerable to economic barriers and instability. For policy, the text stresses that while smaller states must collaborate to reinforce international norms and strengthen their collective voice, great powers must commit to reforming existing institutions rather than undermining them for short-term strategic gains.
中文摘要
本文論述，隨著大國透過單邊行動、關稅壁壘和地緣政治強制等方式日益侵蝕國際法，小型國家正成為全球秩序瓦解下的不成比例的受害者。關鍵證據包括世界貿易組織（WTO）等機構功能被削弱，以及全球公共財（例如發展援助）的撤回，使得小國極易受到經濟壁壘和不穩定性的衝擊。在政策層面，文章強調，小型國家必須合作以強化國際規範並增強其集體發聲力；同時，大國方面則應致力於修復現有制度，而非為了短期戰略利益而破壞它們。
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