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Welcome to the Homeland Security and Defense Center

The Homeland Security and Defense Center conducts analysis to prepare and protect communities and critical infrastructure from natural disasters and terrorism. Center projects examine a wide range of risk management problems including coastal and border security, emergency preparedness and response, defense support to civil authorities, transportation security, domestic intelligence programs, technology acquisition, and related topics.

Center clients include the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, and other organizations charged with security and disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

The Homeland Security and Defense Center is a joint center of the RAND National Security Research Division and RAND Justice, Infrastructure, and Environment.

Recent Publications and Blog Posts

  • United States immigration map

    What Are the Potential Impacts of State-Level Immigration Policies?

    Mar 8, 2016

    The expanding role of U.S. states in immigration policy raises questions about the consequences of state-level action. A cost-benefit framework identifies the economic and fiscal impacts of state-level immigration policies and how different stakeholders would be affected.

  • Department of Homeland Security researchers work at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls, April 28, 2010

    A Framework for Programming and Budgeting for Cybersecurity

    Jan 20, 2016

    When defending an organization, cybersecurity professionals must choose from a large set of defensive measures while operating with a limited set of resources. What is the menu of actions for defending against an attack? And how can defenders navigate the selection process?

  • Boys help members of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent unload parcels of medical and humanitarian aid in Damascus, Syria, July 23, 2015

    A Peace Plan for Syria

    Dec 17, 2015

    The best chance for peace in Syria is for external parties to persuade stakeholders to accept a ceasefire, with further negotiations on a political settlement to follow later. The alternative is the indefinite continuation or even escalation of a devastating war.

  • Passengers walk through an airport security check

    How Multi-Layered Aviation Security Protects Against Adaptive Attackers

    Nov 24, 2015

    Layered security is key to modern aviation security, but the pieces of a multi-layered defense system may not combine as straightforwardly as expected. When considering the behavior of an adaptive attacker, assessing the effectiveness of layered security becomes even more complex.

  • Prisoner wearing handcuffs in a courtroom

    What's Next on the Convicted Terrorist's Timeline?

    Nov 4, 2015

    As inmates near the end of their sentences for terrorism-related offenses, and with some individuals already freed, it's time to explore what considerations may be necessary.

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