美媒：中国真该谢谢特朗普，美国这下搞不好要成“香蕉共和国”了

Core Viewpoint - Janet Yellen warns that the U.S. democracy is in "deadly danger," likening its potential future to that of a "banana republic," a term typically used to describe politically unstable countries with economies controlled by external forces or internal oligarchs [1][4]. Group 1: Political and Economic Stability - Yellen emphasizes that the influx of global capital into the U.S. is driven by the certainty provided by a stable political system, which includes the rule of law, policy coherence, and equal treatment under the law [4]. - She observes that this foundational stability is being replaced by impulsive and discontent-driven personal will, particularly criticizing the actions of former President Trump [5]. Group 2: Fear in Business and Academia - Yellen notes that fear has silenced U.S. CEOs, who worry about being targeted if they cross invisible lines, leading to a chilling effect that extends to universities and research institutions [5][7]. - The White House's threats to cut federal funding for "politically incorrect" universities contribute to a hostile environment for foreign-born scientists and students, jeopardizing U.S. leadership in cutting-edge technology [7]. Group 3: Independence of the Federal Reserve - Yellen warns that the independence of the Federal Reserve is at risk, as Trump has criticized the Fed and attempted to influence its decisions, which could lead to a collapse of the firewall between monetary and fiscal policy [8][12]. - She highlights that if the President demands the Fed to finance government deficits, it would mirror the situation in "banana republics," leading to currency collapse and hyperinflation [8][12]. Group 4: Economic Indicators and Risks - Despite the current AI investment boom, Yellen believes it masks underlying economic risks that may not be immediately visible in consumer prices but will manifest in the value of the dollar [9][11]. - Since the announcement of new tariffs in April, the dollar has depreciated by 4% against a basket of major currencies, indicating a lack of confidence among global investors [11]. Group 5: Long-term Implications - Yellen's concerns reflect a broader issue of institutional decay that could take decades to unfold, potentially undermining the U.S.'s ability to attract global capital and talent [12][13]. - The erosion of institutional integrity could represent a strategic advantage for U.S. competitors, as the country risks dismantling its core assets that have historically supported its global dominance [12][13].