The article argues that the post-Cold War era of U.S. unipolarity, established by the perceived invincibility demonstrated during the Gulf War, has ended. This decline is driven by globalization and technological diffusion, which have democratized advanced military capabilities, allowing regional actors to challenge major powers. Consequently, policymakers must prepare for a more volatile international order marked by frequent crises, heightened costs for securing global trade chokepoints, and reduced predictability from American power. The new rules dictate that great powers can no longer effortlessly impose their will through force.
Peace Through Leverage in Gaza
English Summary
The article outlines a comprehensive, two-phased peace plan for Gaza, arguing that lasting stability requires significant international leverage. Phase Two mandates a complex transition involving the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian governing authority, the deployment of an international stabilization force, and the disarmament of Hamas. This plan also includes the reconstruction of Gaza and the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces. The success of this multi-faceted approach is presented as the critical determinant for achieving a sustainable end to the conflict and restoring regional order.
中文摘要
本文概述了一份涵蓋兩階段的加沙和平計畫,主張持久的穩定需要重大的國際槓桿作用。第二階段要求進行一項複雜的過渡,包括建立一個技術官僚式的巴勒斯坦治理機構、部署一個國際穩定部隊,以及解除哈馬斯(Hamas)的武裝。該計畫亦包含加沙的重建和以色列國防軍的撤離。文章提出,這種多層面的方法能否成功,是實現衝突可持續終結和恢復區域秩序的關鍵決定因素。
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