Global Security Environment

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Overview

RAND analyses help policymakers understand world political, military, and economic trends; the sources of potential regional conflict; and emerging threats to U.S. national security.

Organization

RAND research on the global security environment is conducted within each of RAND's national security research divisions and collaboratively across the RAND research community.

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Special Activities

Featured Findings

How Would a Nuclear-Armed Tehran Behave? — May 17, 2013

Satellite Image of Bushehr Light Water ReactorIran may feel more confident and gain a sense of prestige from a nuclear capability, but other factors, such as the regional geopolitical environment and Iran’s political, military, and economic capabilities, will have a greater bearing on Iranian calculations.

Libya Needs U.S. Help for Security — May 13, 2013

Libyans poured into the streets of Benghazi to celebrate the revolutionBy adopting a laissez-faire policy toward security in Libya after the war, the United States and its allies who helped the Libyan rebels topple Gadhafi share in the responsibility for the country’s current predicament, writes Christopher Chivvis.

Libya Needs U.S. Help for Security — May 13, 2013

Libyans poured into the streets of Benghazi to celebrate the revolutionBy adopting a laissez-faire policy toward security in Libya after the war, the United States and its allies who helped the Libyan rebels topple Gadhafi share in the responsibility for the country’s current predicament, writes Christopher Chivvis.

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Related Publications

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Cover: Afghan Peace Talks

Afghan Peace Talks: A Primer — 2011

The objective of a negotiated peace in Afghanistan has been firmly embraced by most of the potential parties to a treaty. However, arriving at an agreement about the sequencing, timing, and prioritization of peace terms is likely to be difficult, given the divergence in the parties' interests and objectives. The U.S. objective in these negotiations should be a stable and peaceful Afghanistan that neither hosts nor collaborates with terrorists.

Cover: Art Sales as Cultural Intelligence

Art Sales as Cultural Intelligence: Analysis of the Auction Market for African Tribal Art — 2011

This paper examines auction sales of African tribal art for the continent as a whole and by individual nations of origin.

Cover: Assessing the Effectiveness of the International Counterproliferation Program

Assessing the Effectiveness of the International Counterproliferation Program — 2011

To effectively confront the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the United States relies on the will and capacity of international partners for assistance. It requires international cooperation, including security cooperation programs to enhance partner capacity. Assessing the impact of these efforts is inherently difficult. This report demonstrates how one assessment framework can be applied to these programs.