Other Regional Research

RAND engages in significant research in the regions of Latin America and Africa. RAND's Latin America work began during the Cold War era with in-depth analysis of U.S.-Cuban relations and has expanded to include issues related to health, education, economics, demographics, and political reform. RAND's work covering Africa encompasses many critical issues related to health, education, and political reform in the developing world.

What's Next? Egyptian Elections — May 15, 2012

RAND expert Jeffrey Martini speaks on the upcoming Egyptian presidential election and offers insights on the various presidential candidates, Egyptian and global reactions to the candidates, and the possible implications of an undefined constitution for the candidate that will be elected.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Conditional Cash Transfers as a Development Mechanism — May 3, 2012

Conditional cash transfer programs (CCTs) are seen as particularly effective in low- and middle-income countries, but relatively little is known about the interface between the supply of services and program administration and specific human development outcomes. RAND Europe is assessing the effectiveness of CCTs, through a two-year grant from UK Economic Social Research Council and Department for International Development.

Could the Strengthening of Health Systems in Africa Improve Industrial Development? — May 1, 2012

The performance of health systems is a key determinant of the inclusiveness of economic growth. With Kenya and Tanzania as case studies, RAND Europe is exploring whether potential synergies between industrial development and health systems can contribute to faster and more inclusive growth.

Book Review: 'Why Nations Fail,' by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson — Apr 20, 2012

"Why Nations Fail" is a sweeping attempt to explain the gut-wrenching poverty that leaves 1.29 billion people in the developing world struggling to live on less than $1.25 a day. You might expect it to be a bleak, numbing read. It's not. It's bracing, garrulous, wildly ambitious and ultimately hopeful, writes Warren Bass.

Cairo's Candidate Shuffle — Apr 19, 2012

Just as before the disqualifications, the fundamental decision voters face is about the scope and nature of the change Egypt will undergo in the coming years. And there are still candidates representing almost every position on that spectrum, writes Jeffrey Martini.

Understanding Crime Entry and Exit Among Brazilian Youth — Apr 6, 2012

Rio de Janeiro has one of the highest youth homicide rates in Brazil, especially among black males. Understanding why Brazilian youth leave gangs, and what policies may discourage their initial entry, may help to reduce the crime and homicide rate.

Using Health IT to Improve HIV/AIDS Care in Uganda — Mar 24, 2012

Missed appointments compromise the ability to plan for and deliver quality care. By implementing Electronic Medical Records and same day patient tracing, researchers were able to reduce missed appointments and increase efficiency in an community-based care clinic.

Bringing Libya Under Control — Feb 24, 2012

While NATO countries and allies like Jordan and Qatar have started to train and equip the security forces, there is more that outsiders can do to help, writes Frederic Wehrey.