美国政策被“忠诚”绑架

Core Viewpoint - The traditional role of think tanks in the U.S. is being transformed into a tool for political loyalty under the influence of Trump, leading to a decline in their independence and professionalism [1][3][8] Group 1: Traditional Think Tanks - Traditional think tanks like Brookings Institution and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace are losing their credibility and independence, being labeled as liberal or establishment by the Trump camp [1][3] - Funding cuts, staff layoffs, and restricted access to the White House have diminished the ability of these institutions to engage in open dialogue [1][3] Group 2: Emerging Conservative Think Tanks - New conservative think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation (HF) and America First Policy Institute (AFPI) are thriving by selecting personnel loyal to Trump, creating a closed-loop talent supply system [3][4] - HF's "2025 Plan," a comprehensive 922-page document, outlines 313 policy goals that reflect a loyalty-driven approach to governance, prioritizing political allegiance over professional expertise [3][4] Group 3: Impact of Populism - The Trump administration's preference for loyalists has reshaped the operational mechanisms of think tanks, with policy advisors required to pass a "MAGA values test" [4][6] - The Republican Party is undergoing a "Trumpification" process, simplifying complex issues and politicizing global topics, which has led to a narrow focus on perceived enemies and crises [6][8] Group 4: U.S.-China Relations - Conservative think tanks are amplifying the "China threat" narrative, exaggerating military developments and promoting negative media coverage, which has led to a one-sided public discourse [6][8] - The shift towards loyalty over expertise has resulted in a more aggressive U.S. strategy towards China, with rational analysis being replaced by emotional decision-making [6][8] Group 5: Structural Revolution in Think Tanks - The U.S. think tank ecosystem is undergoing a structural revolution, with political loyalty replacing professional analysis as the primary driver of policy [8] - This transformation positions think tanks not just as policy providers but as accelerators of populist politics, raising concerns about the future of U.S.-China relations and global stability [8]