Challenges and Issues with the Further Aging of U.S. Air Force Aircraft: Policy Options for Effective Life-Cycle Management of Resources — Apr. 17, 2009
Over the next 20 years, the further aging of already-old aircraft will introduce challenges and issues for aircraft operators, including the U.S. Air Force. This report identifies those challenges and issues and explores policy options for addressing them in ways that can contribute to effective life-cycle management of resources.
Full Document
An Examination of the Relationship Between Usage and Operating-and-Support Costs of U.S. Air Force Aircraft — Apr. 10, 2009
Systematically examining the empirical relationship between multiple U.S. Air Force systems' expenditures, flying hours, and fleet sizes, this research suggests a more sophisticated way to think about Air Force costs than is currently used.
Full Document
Going Local: The Key to Afghanistan — Aug. 10, 2009
The U.S. strategy in Afghanistan stability is building a strong central government. This notion fails to grasp the local nature of Afghan politics according to this commentary by Seth G. Jones for The Wall Street Journal.
Commentary
Economic Costs of Major Oil Supply Disruption Pose Risk to U.S. National Security — May 12, 2009
While on a net basis the United States imports nearly 60 percent of the oil it consumes, this reliance on imported oil is not by itself a major national security threat, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.
News Release
Air Force Service Procurement: Approaches for Measurement and Management — May 1, 2009
Testimony presented, by Laura H. Baldwin, before the House Armed Services Committee Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform on April 23, 2009.
Testimony
Air Force Service Procurement: Approaches for Measurement and Management — Apr. 27, 2009
Testimony, by Laura H. Baldwin, presented before the House Armed Services Committee Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform on April 23, 2009.
Testimony
The Netherlands F-16 Comparative Analysis: An Evaluation of the Process — Apr. 27, 2009
Testimony presented, by Matt Bassford, before the Dutch Parliamentary Committee for Defence on April 6, 2009.
Testimony
The Department of Defense Can Improve Its Response to and Management of Anthrax Incidents — Apr 22, 2009
New Research Brief assesses the Department of Defense (DoD) response to three potential anthrax-related incidents at DoD facilities in March 2005 and recommends ways that DoD can improve its incident-response capabilities.
Research BriefFull Document
Ultimate exit strategy — Mar. 26, 2009
The upcoming high-level conference on Afghanistan at The Hague will involve all the parties who have a stake and an interest in Afghanistan. With the situation in that country growing more precarious by the day, those attending this meeting must think big per this commentary by James Dobbins for the International Herald Tribune .
Commentary
Sustaining Key Skills in the UK Naval Industry — Jul. 25, 2008
To preserve its ability to design, build, and support complex warships and submarines, the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) will need to preserve and sustain several key technical skills in the maritime domain.
Research Brief
New Approaches to Planning, Executing, and Assessing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations - May 8, 2008
The U.S. Air Force has greatly increased the number of operational surveillance sensors and its ability to process data from these sensors. However, along with the increased number of sensors comes an increase in the complexity of the tasking of these assets.
Research Brief
Give Them Sabbaticals - May 7, 2008
The Army’s Training With Industry program, though not tied to officer retention, could serve as the basis for an expanded effort to provide unique training in the diverse civilian world. In this commentary by Laura Miller, for USA Today, a new outlook on training could help prepare officers for the future military interactions and improve retention.
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Coordination Could Breed Control in Iraq - Apr. 10, 2008
Teamwork and coordination are vital for success in all sorts of activities on the athletic field, in business, in government and in war. Yet too often, the different branches of the U.S. military and the U.S. government in Iraq have failed to effectively coordinate their activities with each other and with their Iraqi counterparts. Be assured that better coordination alone won’t solve America’s problems in Iraq and guarantee victory. But without it, achieving victory will be much harder regardless of the number of troops the U.S. maintains, because successes achieved by one arm of the U.S. effort is too often undone by another.
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RAND Study Offers Ways to Help North Korea Peacefully Modernize Its Political, Economic Structure - Mar. 10, 2008
An unprecedented joint report, based on a 2½-year-long collaboration between RAND and five international research institutions, recommends a new approach for North Korea to create fundamental, but peaceful, change in it’s archaic political, economic and security systems.
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Stealing the Sword - Limiting Terrorist Use of Advanced Conventional Weapons — Nov. 14, 2007
Advanced conventional weapons could provide terrorists with a new and qualitatively different weapon capability. This report focuses on understanding how terrorist groups make technology choices and consequently how the United States can discourage their adoption of advanced conventional weapons.
Full Document News Release
The Knowledge Matrix Approach to Intelligence Fusion — Sep. 24, 2007
As the U.S. military transforms to an information-based force, it will need to collect, combine, and utilize intelligence. The process known as fusion will help determine whether this intelligence is used in the most beneficial manner. Fusion is the process of combining pieces of information to produce higher-quality information. This report describes one approach to capturing the fusion process in a constructive simulation.
Full Document
Is Weapon System Cost Growth Increasing? A Quantitative Assessment of Completed and Ongoing Programs — Sep. 7, 2007
In recent decades, there have been numerous attempts to rein in the cost growth of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition programs. This report suggest that development cost growth over the past three decades has remained high and without any significant improvement.
Full Document Research Brief
U.S. Air Force Procurement Methods Require Workforce Tranformation — Feb. 23, 2005
The U.S. Air Force is adopting commercial "best practices" to change the way it purchases goods and services, with the goals of reducing costs and improving performance. Air Force personnel require additional training to develop the skills necessary to implement these commercial practices.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
Refined Health Status System Aids VA Budget Allocation — Feb. 21, 2005
A quantitative analysis of the factors influencing patient and facility costs led the Veterans Health Administration to adopt more precise categories for patients' health status and to modify regional allocations to better treat patients.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
Assessing Technology's Effects on Military Decisionmaking — Dec. 1, 2004
Advances in information gathering and sharing can improve military awareness and collaboration, but the effects of new technologies on military decisionmaking still need to be assessed.
Full Document
U.S. Strategy Should Avoid Inflating Iran's Role in Middle East Instability, Exploit Constraints on Iranian Power and Seek Areas of Engagement — May 19, 2009
Iran’s rise as a regional power presents a key foreign policy and security challenge to the United States, but its reach may be more limited than Western conventional wisdom suggests, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.
News Release
United States Should Tailor Its Russia Policy to Build on Shared Views and Interests — Apr. 2, 2009
The United States has an opportunity to improve relations with Russia and build on shared views and interests, rather than pursue coercive steps that may one day backfire, according to a RAND Corporation report issued today.
News Release Full Document
Going Local: The Key to Afghanistan — Aug. 10, 2009
The U.S. strategy in Afghanistan stability is building a strong central government. This notion fails to grasp the local nature of Afghan politics according to this commentary by Seth G. Jones for The Wall Street Journal.
Commentary
Timeline to Withdraw U.S. Troops from Iraq Is Feasible, but Combat Forces Are Needed for Elections — Jul. 28, 2009
The timetable set by President Obama to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq is feasible, however it is important that an adequate combat force is retained to ensure a peaceful election in January 2010.
News Release Full Document
Mullah Sprung from Gitmo Jail Now Leads Foe in Afghan Campaign — Jul. 10, 2009
Marines fighting in Southern Afghanistan are facing a familiar enemy, Mullah Zakir, a former Guantanamo Bay prisoner who now leads the resurging Taliban, however, this restructuring may present an opportunity, as discussed by Seth G. Jones in this commentary for the New York Post.
Commentary
On Dry Land - The Onshore Drivers of Piracy — Jul. 9, 2009
Although the international community has responded to the growing piracy problem off Somalia on the sea, Peter Chalk and Laurence Smallman argue in this commentary for Jane's Intelligence Review online that eradication of piracy will require actions on land as well.
Commentary
Russia and the Perils of Personal Diplomacy — Jul. 7, 2009
History predicts U.S.-Russia relations will require more than a personal bond of nations’ leaders, according to this commentary by F. Stephen Larrabee that appeared on NYTimes.com.
CommentaryMedia Advisory
Policing Pakistan — Jun. 30, 2009
The United States has spent some $12 billion trying to help Pakistan save itself, however most of the aid has gone to the Pakistan army, when the focus should be on the police force, according to this commentary by C. Christine Fair that appeared in Wall Street Journal Asia.
Commentary
Can Gitmo's Terrorists Be Rehabilitated? — Jun. 30, 2009
Whether Gitmo terrorists can be rehabilitated or not, U.S. must plan more strategic counterterrorism, as discussed by Aidan Kirby Winn in this commentary that appeared in The Christian Science Monitor.
Commentary
The PLA Navy's "New Historic Missions": Expanding Capabilities for a Re-emergent Maritime Power — Jun. 15, 2009
Testimony presented, by Cortez A. Cooper, before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on June 11, 2009.
Testimony
No Surprise in Failure To Deter N. Korea — June 2, 2009
North Korea's latest misbehavior highlights an uncomfortable truth: the failure of the United States and the international community to deter North Korean actions according to Bruce W. Bennett in his commentary that appeared in Chicago Tribune.
Commentary
Rethink Washington's 'War of Ideas' — June 2, 2009
The term "Global War on Terror" is out of favor in the government lexicon, and new drug czar Gil Kerlikowske wants to end the use of the phrase "War on Drugs." The words we use communicate certain things and also shape how we think about them, as discussed in this commentary by Christopher Paul for The Christian Science Monitor.
Commentary
U.S. Strategy Should Avoid Inflating Iran's Role in Middle East Instability, Exploit Constraints on Iranian Power and Seek Areas of Engagement — May 19, 2009
Iran’s rise as a regional power presents a key foreign policy and security challenge to the United States, but its reach may be more limited than Western conventional wisdom suggests, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.
News Release
Countering the Military's Latest Fad — May 18, 2009
The recent choice of top U.S. commander in Afghanistan reflects military's latest fad in warfare planning as discussed in this commentary, by Celeste Ward, for The Washington Post.
Commentary
Assessing Mexico's Narco-Violence — May 18, 2009
Drug-related violence in Mexico has more than doubled over the past 18 months, with a sharp increase in crimes that can only be understood as atrocities, since these are some of the same tactics used by al-Qaeda in Iraq according to Benjamin Bahney and Agnes Gereben Schaefer in this commentary for The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Commentary
Records From Coalition Provisional Authority Shed Light On Occupation Of Iraq — May 13, 2009
The record of the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein compares favorably to that of many other U.S. efforts at post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in the areas of economic development, rule of law, education, health and democratization, according to a study released today by the RAND Corporation.
News Release
From Strategy to Implementation: The Future of the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship — May 7, 2009
Testimony presented, by C. Christine Fair, before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on May 5, 2009.
Testimony
The Department of Defense Can Improve Its Response to and Management of Anthrax Incidents — Apr 22, 2009
New Research Brief assesses the Department of Defense (DoD) response to three potential anthrax-related incidents at DoD facilities in March 2005 and recommends ways that DoD can improve its incident-response capabilities.
Research BriefFull Document
South Asia's Taliban Problem: Multiple Threats From Multiple Groups — Apr. 15, 2009
For India, the development of a conducive environment on its western flank for groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad has already resulted in sophisticated terrorist attacks on Indian soil, most recently in Mumbai as discussed by Seth G. Jones for NYTimes.com.
Commentary
Afghanistan Is NATO's Most Important Challenge — Apr. 6, 2009
This week's NATO summit is not the most important moment on this year's trans-Atlantic calendar. That honor belonged to the Group of 20 (G20) summit that was just concluded in London as discussed in this commentary by Robert E. Hunter for RFERL.org, the website of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty.
Commentary
Ways to Improve U.S. Stability and Reconstruction Missions Are Outlined — Apr. 3, 2009
Recent stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq have underlined the need for the United States to shift the burden of these operations away from the Defense Department and onto other government agencies better suited to the work, according to a study released today by the RAND Corporation.
News Release Full Document
U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan — Apr. 2, 2009
Testimony presented by Seth G. Jones before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia on April 2, 2009.
Testimony
The Torture Debate, Redux — Apr 2, 2009
Former Vice President Dick Cheney has been insisting again that the coercive interrogation techniques used against terrorism detainees after 9/11 prevented attacks on the United States. More on this debate is the subject of this commentary by Brian Michael Jenkins for GlobalSecurity.org.
Commentary
Ultimate exit strategy — Mar. 26, 2009
The upcoming high-level conference on Afghanistan at The Hague will involve all the parties who have a stake and an interest in Afghanistan. With the situation in that country growing more precarious by the day, those attending this meeting must think big per this commentary by James Dobbins for the International Herald Tribune .
Commentary
Assessing Combat Exposure and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Troops and Estimating the Costs to Society: Implications from the RAND Invisible Wounds of War Study — Mar. 24, 2009
Testimony presented by Terri Taielian before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on March 24, 2009.
Testimony
In Afghanistan, It's Deadly at the Top — Feb. 23, 2009
Rather than perpetuating a love-hate-kill relationship with their leaders, Afghans need to develop respect for the laws and institutions of their new democracy, as discussed in this commentary by Cheryl Benard that appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
Commentary
Two RAND Researchers in the News for USIP Report on Afghanistan Security Weaknesses — Feb. 17, 2009
C. Christine Fair and Seth G. Jones are in the news for Securing Afghanistan, a report they've written for the United States Institute of Peace on weaknesses in the Afghan security environment. The authors largely attribute failed efforts to stabilize the country to a lack of oversight of international aid programs at work there.
Listen to Interview 
USIP News Release
Going the Distance — Feb. 15, 2009
The war in Afghanistan isn't doomed. We just need to rethink the insurgency. The U.S. can still turn things around in Afghanistan if it exploits insurgency's weaknesses, as stated in this commentary by Seth G. Jones for The Washington Post.
Commentary
Family Readiness and Coping During Deployments Key Issues for National Guard and Reserve — Feb 11, 2009
As the U.S. military continues to rely on the National Guard and Reserve for overseas deployments, making sure their families are adequately prepared for those missions is critical.
Full DocumentNews Release
United States, East Africa Allies Must Overcome Radical Islam to Reshape the Region's Security — Feb. 4, 2009
While al Qaeda is the primary terrorist/extremist threat in East Africa, the region suffers more broadly from a danger of radical Islamist groups and organizations that the United States and its allies must address to reshape the region's security environment.
News Release Full Document
Terrorists Can Think Strategically: Lessons Learned From the Mumbai Attacks — Jan. 28, 2009
In testimony presented before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Brian Michael Jenkins discusses the increasing use of terrorism as an effective strategic weapon.
Full Document
Mumbai Terrorist Attacks Show Rise of Strategic Terrorist Culture — Jan. 16, 2009
The Mumbai terrorist attacks in India suggest the possibility of an escalating terrorist campaign in South Asia and the rise of a strategic terrorist culture, according to a study issued today by the RAND Corporation.
News Release Full Document
The Obama Withdrawal From Iraq: How Fast? — Dec. 16, 2008
The debate over withdrawal of American forces from Iraq has effectively ended: Troops will begin withdrawing in early 2009.... What is not yet entirely clear is what type of residual American force may remain in Iraq, writes Brian Michael Jenkins.
Commentary
Piracy Needs Regional Answer — Nov. 26, 2008
The international community is at something of a loss as to how to respond to the increasingly audacious nature of piracy off the Horn of Africa, exemplified by the hijacking of the Saudi-owned supertanker Sirius Star and three other ships last week.
Commentary
While China's Regional Influence Grows, U.S. Remains Key Security and Economic Partner in East Asia — Nov. 17, 2008
A new study infers that America's key East Asian allies do not see China as a viable strategic alternative to the United States and that allied nations seek to broaden economic and diplomatic relations with both the United States and China.
News Release
Defeating Terrorist Groups — Nov. 12, 2008
Since 1997, the Defense Department and other federal agencies have been assigned agency-specific goals of spending a set percentage of contract dollars on goods and services with small businesses.
News Release
Changes Needed in Way the United States Conducts Military Interventions — Oct. 2, 2008
In preparing for possible future military interventions, the United States needs to shift substantial resources and integrate military-civilian efforts.
News Release Full Document
Defeating Terrorist Groups — Sep. 23, 2008
Testimony presented by Seth G. Jones before the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism and Unconventional Threats and Capabilities.
Full Document
Meeting America's Security Challenges Beyond Iraq: A Conference Report — Sep. 22, 2008
This conference discussed a list of security obligations that America faces, as well as future security issues likely to be problematic for any new administration, and discussed how the U.S. government and defense community should address these challenges.
Full Document
Smooth Presidential Transition Is Crucial To Early Foreign Policy and National Security Success — Sep. 8, 2008
The foreign policy success of incoming presidents, particularly in the early years of a presidency, is largely determined by how well the new administration learns from the successes and failures of the outgoing president, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.
News Release Full Document
Too Soon to Judge the Surge — Aug. 29, 2008
Most of the units involved in the surge have been withdrawn from Iraq, and troop levels are about what they were before the surge was announced. And if General Petraeus recommends, further troop cuts may be adopted this fall. The key question is whether levels of violence will remain low once those troops are gone.
Commentary 
National Security Research Area
Terrorism expert examines intelligence on al Qaida in "Will Terrorists Go Nuclear?" — Aug. 19, 2008
Offering insights into vital questions of national security, presidential decisionmaking, and terrorist motives, world-renowned terrorism expert Brian Michael Jenkins examines how terrorists think about nuclear weapons and nuclear terror.
Read More 
View the Video
Stop the ’War’ on Terror: Calling It a ’War’ Is a Boon to Terrorist Recruiters — Aug. 6, 2008
Military might against terrorist groups isn’t working. After studying the record of 648 terrorist groups between 1968 and 2006, military force has rarely been effective, as discussed in this commentary by Seth G. Jones and Martin C. Libicki for the Christian Science Monitor.
Commentary
A New Grand Strategy for the United States — Jul. 31, 2008
Testimony presented by Robert E. Hunter before the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on July 31, 2008.
Read Testimony
Colonel Cardinal's Iceberg Theory — Jul. 31, 2008
Colonel Chuck Cardinal, former director of the Pacific Command's inter-agency coordination group for counterterrorism, devised a novel overarching “Iceberg Theory”, which is the subject of this commentary by Dick Hoffman for The San Diego Union-Tribune .
Commentary
Sustaining Key Skills in the UK Naval Industry — Jul. 25, 2008
To preserve its ability to design, build, and support complex warships and submarines, the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) will need to preserve and sustain several key technical skills in the maritime domain.
Research Brief
Shortcomings in Planning for Post-Combat Period in Iraq Outlined - June 30, 2008
Efforts to adequately plan for the post-combat period in Iraq were thwarted by overly optimistic views held by top civilian leaders and a belief among military leaders that civilian authorities would be responsible for postwar operations, according to a report by RAND Corporation researchers.
News Release Full Document
Taliban's Sanctuary Bases in Pakistan Must Be Eliminated - Jun. 9, 2008
If Taliban sanctuary bases in Pakistan are not eliminated, the United States and its NATO allies will face crippling long-term consequences in their effort to stabilize and rebuild Afghanistan, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.
Full Document News Release
New Approaches to Planning, Executing, and Assessing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations - May 8, 2008
The U.S. Air Force has greatly increased the number of operational surveillance sensors and its ability to process data from these sensors. However, along with the increased number of sensors comes an increase in the complexity of the tasking of these assets.
Research Brief
Invisible Wounds of War - Apr. 17, 2008
he RAND Corporation conducted a comprehensive study of the mental health and cognitive needs of U.S. servicemembers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, the costs associated with mental health and cognitive conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and traumatic brain injury, and the care systems available to deliver treatment. The study is the first of its kind to consider mental health and cognitive problems associated with deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq from a broad societal perspective.
Read More
Coordination Could Breed Control in Iraq - Apr. 10, 2008
Teamwork and coordination are vital for success in all sorts of activities on the athletic field, in business, in government and in war. Yet too often, the different branches of the U.S. military and the U.S. government in Iraq have failed to effectively coordinate their activities with each other and with their Iraqi counterparts. Be assured that better coordination alone won’t solve America’s problems in Iraq and guarantee victory. But without it, achieving victory will be much harder regardless of the number of troops the U.S. maintains, because successes achieved by one arm of the U.S. effort is too often undone by another.
Read Commentary
The New Deterrence: Overwhelming and Searching Retaliation - Apr. 10, 2008
On February 8, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley announced that the United States had recently adopted "a new declaratory policy to help deter terrorists from using weapons of mass destruction against the United States, our friends, and allies", as discussed in this commentary by Elbridge Colby for Weekly Standard.
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America is Making a Difference in Eastern Afghanistan - Apr. 2, 2008
The United States has turned a corner in Afghanistan, as discussed by Seth G. Jones in this commentary for Globe and Mail . It has made some progress against the Taliban and other insurgent groups in eastern Afghanistan, and created a window of opportunity to spread this elsewhere.
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Human Resource Management and Army Recruiting - Analyses of Policy Options - Mar. 28, 2008
U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) is faced with the challenge of ensuring that the flow of qualified volunteers is adequate to meet future active-duty accession requirements. This report documents research methods, findings, and policy conclusions from a project analyzing human resource management options for improving recruiting production. It details research designed to develop new insights to help guide future recruiter management policies. The research involves econometric analyses of three large and rich datasets. The first analysis compares the career paths of enlisted personnel, including recruiters. The second analyzes individual recruiter characteristics and links those characteristics with their productivity, controlling for a variety of independent factors. Finally, the research focuses on station-level recruiting outcomes, paying close attention to the management options that can affect recruiter production and effort. This work will interest those involved in the day-to-day management of recruiting resources as well as researchers and analysts engaged in analyses of military enlistment behavior.
Full Document
A New National Strategy for Korea: North Korea Threats Require Deterrence, Reconciliation - Mar. 13, 2008
Over the last five years, the South Korean government has tried to downplay the military threat posed by North Korea. However North Korea still poses a serious military threat to South Korea as discussed by Bruce Bennett in this commentary for Korea Herald.
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Why We Need to Nail Osama — Feb. 28, 2007
The recent killing of Hezbollah’s Imad Mughniyah begs a larger question: How important is it to take out key terrorists such as Osama bin Laden? The costs and benefits of such action is the subject of this commentary by Elbridge Colby for the Washington Times.
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Nora Bensahel discusses counter insurgency in Iraq - Jan. 24, 2008
A group of former Sunni insurgents in Iraq joined forces to form, “The Awakening Council.” that has grown to about 70,000 members and has helped quell the violence. Nora Bensahel discusses with Katy Clark of PRI, The World that the group is now under attack by the current insurgents in Iraq.
Listen to the Interview
Preparing the Army for Stability Operations - Doctrinal and Interagency Issues — Nov. 27, 2007
A great deal of activity has been aimed at revising the approach for Stabilization, Security, Transition, and Reconstruction (SSTR) operations. In this document the authors provide a series of recommendations on how the Army can act to advance the interagency process for SSTR operations. They also provide specific recommendations for the Army to consider in revising its doctrine on SSTR operations.
Full Document
Assessing the Value of U.S. Army International Activities - Oct. 24, 2007
A number of important steps have been taken in recent years to improve the planning and management of Army International Activities (AIA). Still, a need remains, and is widely recognized, for a high-level assessment mechanism to allocate AIA resources more efficiently, execute AIA programs more effectively, and highlight the contributions of AIA to the National Military Strategy, the DoD Security Cooperation Guidance, and The Army Plan. This report presents a framework for assessing the value of the Army’s non-combat interactions with other militaries.
Full Document
The Counterinsurgency Fight: Think Globally, Lose Locally — April 27, 2007
Confronted with insurgents in several countries and a true global terror network operating in others, some people are tempted to incorrectly to view these opponents as a monolithic force, waging a global insurgency to destroy freedom. The reasons for this misconception and proposals for successful responses are the subject of this commentary by James T. Quinlivan and Bruce R. Nardulli for the Washington Post.
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The New Face of Naval Strike Warfare — Nov. 21, 2005
The combat leverage of U.S. carrier strike groups has improved qualitatively since Sept. 11, 2001, with carrier-based fighters conducting coordinated missions in areas of Afghanistan and Iraq well beyond coastal reaches. Future plans hold promise for further advancements.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
What Should the U.S. Army Look Like in 20 Years? — Aug. 25, 2005
Predicting the force needs of the Army is difficult in today's uncertain world. Alternative futures analysis offers a spectrum of different "future worlds" to help force developers meet the challenges of the next 20 years.
Full Document
Alleviating Air Force Workforce Shortages — Jun. 27, 2005
The U.S. Air Force faces a manpower shortage in many critical career fields. An overall force-management framework that focuses on high-level coordination and centralized planning is needed to diagnose workforce problems and implement solutions across the entire force.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
Understanding Stress Casualties in Urban Warfare — Jun. 17, 2005
Historically, combat stress casualties are not higher in city operations. Commanders still need the skills to treat and prevent stress casualties and understand their implications for urban warfare.
Full Document
Afghan Battle Needs Backing Of Local Power Base — Feb. 16, 2010
In a NPR Morning Edition interview, Afghanistan expert Seth G. Jones discusses how gaining support from tribal leaders is necessary for the success of the current U.S. and Afghan offensive against the Taliban in the town of Marjah.
Listen to the Audio
Improved U.S.-Turkish Relations Are Vital to Better Security in the Persian Gulf and Middle East — Feb. 3, 2010
The United States can take a major step in improving the security environment in the Middle East and Persian Gulf by giving new impetus to revitalizing its security partnership with Turkey, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.
News Release Full Document
Limited Options: Deterring North Korea and Iran — Aug. 18, 2009
The U.S. has used several strategies to stop or slow nuclear weapon development in Iran and North Korea, with little success. The result is that maintaining regional security will be much more difficult as discussed in this commentary by Lowell H. Schwartz for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.
Commentary
Going Local: The Key to Afghanistan — Aug. 10, 2009
The U.S. strategy in Afghanistan stability is building a strong central government. This notion fails to grasp the local nature of Afghan politics according to this commentary by Seth G. Jones for The Wall Street Journal.
Commentary
Timeline to Withdraw U.S. Troops from Iraq Is Feasible, but Combat Forces Are Needed for Elections — Jul. 28, 2009
The timetable set by President Obama to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq is feasible, however it is important that an adequate combat force is retained to ensure a peaceful election in January 2010.
News Release Full Document
Mullah Sprung from Gitmo Jail Now Leads Foe in Afghan Campaign — Jul. 10, 2009
Marines fighting in Southern Afghanistan are facing a familiar enemy, Mullah Zakir, a former Guantanamo Bay prisoner who now leads the resurging Taliban, however, this restructuring may present an opportunity, as discussed by Seth G. Jones in this commentary for the New York Post.
Commentary
On Dry Land - The Onshore Drivers of Piracy — Jul. 9, 2009
Although the international community has responded to the growing piracy problem off Somalia on the sea, Peter Chalk and Laurence Smallman argue in this commentary for Jane's Intelligence Review online that eradication of piracy will require actions on land as well.
Commentary
Russia and the Perils of Personal Diplomacy — Jul. 7, 2009
History predicts U.S.-Russia relations will require more than a personal bond of nations’ leaders, according to this commentary by F. Stephen Larrabee that appeared on NYTimes.com.
CommentaryMedia Advisory
Policing Pakistan — Jun. 30, 2009
The United States has spent some $12 billion trying to help Pakistan save itself, however most of the aid has gone to the Pakistan army, when the focus should be on the police force, according to this commentary by C. Christine Fair that appeared in Wall Street Journal Asia.
Commentary
Can Gitmo's Terrorists Be Rehabilitated? — Jun. 30, 2009
Whether Gitmo terrorists can be rehabilitated or not, U.S. must plan more strategic counterterrorism, as discussed by Aidan Kirby Winn in this commentary that appeared in The Christian Science Monitor.
Commentary
Iran's Real Winners: The Revolutionary Guards — Jun. 23, 2009
Despite huge protests, Iranian President Ahmadinejad has been re-elected. As discussed by Alireza Nader on rand.org the post-election crackdown on the demonstrators suggest that the Iranian political system is moving in a new and potentially dangerous direction.
Commentary
BRIC-à-Brac — Jun. 16, 2009
The leaders of the BRIC countries Brazil, Russia, India, and China hold their first stand-alone summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on Tuesday, June 16, but the timing of this meeting is hardly coincidental, as discussed by Andrew Weiss for ForeignPolicy.com .
Commentary
Getting Value from the U.S.-ROK Summit — Jun. 16, 2009
North Korea has been aggressively trying to upstage the summit between South Korea and U.S. President Barack Obama as discussed by Bruce W. Bennett in this commentary for The Korea Herald.
Commentary
The PLA Navy's "New Historic Missions": Expanding Capabilities for a Re-emergent Maritime Power — Jun. 15, 2009
Testimony presented, by Cortez A. Cooper, before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on June 11, 2009.
Testimony
Lebanon Vote Tilts to the West — Jun. 10, 2009
The result of the June 7 parliamentary elections in Lebanon is a boon for the U.S., but it would be well-advised to play for the long term in Lebanon with a pragmatic policy that deals with the reality of Hezbollah's political power while continuing to strengthen moderate forces and national institutions, write Aram Nerguizian and Ghassan Schbley.
Commentary
Living with the Outcome: Elections in Lebanon — June 5, 2009
The pro-Western alliance favored by the United States won Sunday's parliamentary elections in Lebanon. According to this commentary, by Ghassan Schbley, that appeared in The Washington Times, the result may be a boon for the Obama administration, but it also presents challenges.
Commentary
Living with the Outcome: Elections in Lebanon — June 5, 2009
The United States needs to play for the long term in Lebanon with a pragmatic policy that deals with the reality of Hezbollah's political power while continuing to strengthen moderate forces and national institutions, as discussed by Ghassan Schbley GlobalSecurity.org.
Commentary
No Surprise in Failure To Deter N. Korea — June 2, 2009
North Korea's latest misbehavior highlights an uncomfortable truth: the failure of the United States and the international community to deter North Korean actions according to Bruce W. Bennett in his commentary that appeared in Chicago Tribune.
Commentary
Rethink Washington's 'War of Ideas' — June 2, 2009
The term "Global War on Terror" is out of favor in the government lexicon, and new drug czar Gil Kerlikowske wants to end the use of the phrase "War on Drugs." The words we use communicate certain things and also shape how we think about them, as discussed in this commentary by Christopher Paul for The Christian Science Monitor.
Commentary
A Better Bargain for Aid to Pakistan — June 1, 2009
Since 2001, the United States has spent about $12 billion to help Pakistan. Yet Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared Pakistan a "mortal threat" to international security. Washington needs to strike a far better bargain for its billions, as stated in this commentary by C. Christine Fair for The Washington Post .
Commentary
U.S. Strategy Should Avoid Inflating Iran's Role in Middle East Instability, Exploit Constraints on Iranian Power and Seek Areas of Engagement — May 19, 2009
Iran’s rise as a regional power presents a key foreign policy and security challenge to the United States, but its reach may be more limited than Western conventional wisdom suggests, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.
News Release
Assessing Mexico's Narco-Violence — May 18, 2009
Drug-related violence in Mexico has more than doubled over the past 18 months, with a sharp increase in crimes that can only be understood as atrocities, since these are some of the same tactics used by al-Qaeda in Iraq according to Benjamin Bahney and Agnes Gereben Schaefer in this commentary for The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Commentary
Pakistan, Taliban and Global Security – Part II — May 13, 2009
The evolving situation in Pakistan imay be the most dangerous international situation since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, states Robert D. Blackwill in this commentary for YaleGlobal Online. The U.S. should consider working together with India and other nations on a common strategy to contain Pakistan's Wahabist extremism.
Commentary
Records From Coalition Provisional Authority Shed Light On Occupation Of Iraq — May 13, 2009
The record of the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein compares favorably to that of many other U.S. efforts at post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in the areas of economic development, rule of law, education, health and democratization, according to a study released today by the RAND Corporation.
News Release
Economic Costs of Major Oil Supply Disruption Pose Risk to U.S. National Security — May 12, 2009
While on a net basis the United States imports nearly 60 percent of the oil it consumes, this reliance on imported oil is not by itself a major national security threat, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.
News Release
NATO After the Summit: Rebuilding Consensus — May 7, 2009
Testimony presented, by Robert E. Hunter, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Subcommittee on European Affairs on May 6, 2009.
Testimony
From Strategy to Implementation: The Future of the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship — May 7, 2009
Testimony presented, by C. Christine Fair, before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on May 5, 2009.
Testimony
Opposing View: Keep Arms Off Ships — May 4, 2009
Does the provision of private security contractors provide a viable solution to the growing problem of piracy off the Horn of Africa? In this commentary, by Peter Chalk, for USA Today, employing security contractors poses problems on several fronts.
Commentary
Swine Flu: A Real Security Threat — Apr. 30, 2009
In the rush of constant news updates on swine flu, we must recognize that controlling the spread of this disease is not simply a health concern but also one of national security, as discussed by Melinda Moore in this commentary for the Baltimore Sun.
Commentary
European Union at Cross Purposes in Kosovo — Apr. 27, 2009
Standing on the Mitrovica bridge looking at the Serbian flags flying on the northern side of the Iber River, it is clear that something is gravely amiss in Europe's youngest democracy, Kosovo, as discussed in this commentary by Christopher S. Chivvis for GlobalSecurity.com.
Testimony
Who Has the Will to Fight Piracy? — Apr. 22, 2009
The recent French and American rescues of hostages held by pirates off the coast of Somalia were necessary and proper. No one believes these actions will end piracy, unless we impose risks on the pirates, according to this commentary by Brian Michael Jenkins for GlobalSecurity.org.
Commentary
Leaving the Nest — Apr. 17, 2009
In the wake of President Obama’s recent European trip, hopes for a rejuvenation of transatlantic security cooperation continue to rise, as discussed in this commentary by Christopher S. Chivvis for The National Interest online.
Commentary
South Asia's Taliban Problem: Multiple Threats From Multiple Groups — Apr. 15, 2009
For India, the development of a conducive environment on its western flank for groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad has already resulted in sophisticated terrorist attacks on Indian soil, most recently in Mumbai as discussed by Seth G. Jones for NYTimes.com.
Commentary
Afghanistan Is NATO's Most Important Challenge — Apr. 6, 2009
This week's NATO summit is not the most important moment on this year's trans-Atlantic calendar. That honor belonged to the Group of 20 (G20) summit that was just concluded in London as discussed in this commentary by Robert E. Hunter for RFERL.org, the website of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty.
Commentary
Obama's Turkish Dilemma — Apr. 6, 2009
President Obama’s visit to Ankara this week highlights Turkey’s growing strategic importance to the United States and a high stakes dilemma for the President and for U.S. strategic interests, according to this commentary by F. Stephen Larrabee for CNN.com .
Commentary
U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan — Apr. 2, 2009
Testimony presented by Seth G. Jones before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia on April 2, 2009.
Testimony
The Torture Debate, Redux — Apr 2, 2009
Former Vice President Dick Cheney has been insisting again that the coercive interrogation techniques used against terrorism detainees after 9/11 prevented attacks on the United States. More on this debate is the subject of this commentary by Brian Michael Jenkins for GlobalSecurity.org.
Commentary
Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan — Mar. 26, 2009
Testimony presented by James Dobbins before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs on March 26, 2009.
Testimony
France's Creeping Reintegration — Mar. 24, 2009
The announcement by French President Sarkozy that France will return to NATO's integrated military command, is expected to remove an important irritant in U.S.-French relations and open up new possibilities for strengthening U.S.-European cooperation according to this commentary by F. Stephen Larrabee for GlobalSecurity.org.
Commentary
Iran's New Contender — Mar. 24, 2009
Iran’s presidential race just got more interesting, with former Prime Minister Mousavi joining the race and former President Khatami withdrawing, this development poses the most significant challenge yet to current President Ahmadinejad, as discussed in this commentary by Alireza Nader for Project Syndicate .
Commentary
U.S.-NATO Immersion Course — Mar. 11, 2009
At a major conference in Munich last month, Vice President Joseph Biden underscored the U.S. determination to rebuild strong and productive relations with its European allies. At the conference, no issue mattered more than Afghanistan, as discussed by Robert E. Hunter in this commentary for The Washington Times.
Commentary
Antecedents and Implications of the November 2008 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Attack Upon Several Targets in the Indian Mega-City of Mumbai — Mar. 11, 2009
Testimony presented by C. Christine Fair before the House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection on March 11, 2009.
Testimony
Is Iraq Safe Yet? — Mar. 9, 2009
The Obama administration's plan to withdraw US troops from Iraq has sparked fears that Iraq will again plunge into wide-scale violence. Those fears are, for the most part, overblown, according to a commentary by Lowell J. Schwartz for Project Syndicate.
Commentary
Afghanistan: The Regional Solution — Mar. 9, 2009
Obama’'s move to commit more troops to Afghanistan must be part of a broader strategic shift as discussed in this commentary by F. Stephen Larrabee that appeared on CNN.com.
Commentary
To Talk With Iran, Stop Not Talking — Mar. 3, 2009
If goal is to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons, U.S. must stop not talking to Tehran, as discussed in this commentary by James Dobbins that appeared in the Washington Post.
Commentary
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE?; When we don't get our man — Mar. 3, 2009
As visceral as the urge may be to bring Bin Laden to justice - dead or alive - however history shows that if the target is sent into hiding by the search, then we have effectively met our goal, as discussed in this commentary by Benjamin Runkle that appeared in the International Herald Tribune.
Commentary
In Afghanistan, It's Deadly at the Top — Feb. 23, 2009
Rather than perpetuating a love-hate-kill relationship with their leaders, Afghans need to develop respect for the laws and institutions of their new democracy, as discussed in this commentary by Cheryl Benard that appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
Commentary
A Trans-Atlantic Moment — Feb. 23, 2009
The election of Obama offers chance to repair frayed U.S., Europe security partnerships according to this commentary co-authored by F. Stephen Larrabee for The Washington Times.
Commentary
Two RAND Researchers in the News for USIP Report on Afghanistan Security Weaknesses — Feb. 17, 2009
C. Christine Fair and Seth G. Jones are in the news for Securing Afghanistan, a report they've written for the United States Institute of Peace on weaknesses in the Afghan security environment. The authors largely attribute failed efforts to stabilize the country to a lack of oversight of international aid programs at work there.
Listen to Interview USIP News Release
Could Mexico Fail? — Feb. 13, 2009
Lawlessness in Mexico is approaching terrorism and becoming a U.S. security issue along the border according to this commentary by Brian Michael Jenkins for Homeland Security Today.
Commentary
Going the Distance — Feb. 15, 2009
The war in Afghanistan isn't doomed. We just need to rethink the insurgency. The U.S. can still turn things around in Afghanistan if it exploits insurgency's weaknesses, as stated in this commentary by Seth G. Jones for The Washington Post.
Commentary
What the Israeli Right Owes to Hamas — Feb. 13, 2009
The Hamas attacks and Gaza war moved Israel's political center to the right in recent election as discussed in this commentary by Claude Berrebi for ForeignPolicy.com.
Commentary
Congressional Panel Discussion on Transatlantic Security — Feb. 12, 2009
Director of RAND International Security and Defense Policy Center James Dobbins will moderate a discussion on Revitalizing the Transatlantic Security Partnership: An Agenda For Action on February 12, 2009, co-hosted by the Bertelsmann Stiftung.
Read MoreRelated Document
Asia's Nonproliferation Laggards: China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia — Feb. 9, 2009
President Obama has a strong tool to get key Asian nations to curb spread of nuclear weapons as discussed in this commentary by Charles Wolf, Jr. for Wall Street Journal Asia .
Commentary
United States, East Africa Allies Must Overcome Radical Islam to Reshape the Region's Security — Feb. 4, 2009
While al Qaeda is the primary terrorist/extremist threat in East Africa, the region suffers more broadly from a danger of radical Islamist groups and organizations that the United States and its allies must address to reshape the region's security environment.
News Release Full Document
Terrorists Can Think Strategically: Lessons Learned From the Mumbai Attacks — Jan. 28, 2009
In testimony presented before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Brian Michael Jenkins discusses the increasing use of terrorism as an effective strategic weapon.
Full Document
Mumbai Terrorist Attacks Show Rise of Strategic Terrorist Culture — Jan. 16, 2009
The Mumbai terrorist attacks in India suggest the possibility of an escalating terrorist campaign in South Asia and the rise of a strategic terrorist culture, according to a study issued today by the RAND Corporation.
News Release Full Document
Defeating Hamas Will Not Defeat Iran — Jan. 14, 2009
Some observers speculate that the Isreali offensive against Hamas has a second target: Iran. Some even imagine a domino effect, with Hamas's defeat a defeat for radicalism across the region. In this commentary by Dalia Dassa Kaye for ForeignPolicy.com, one should not be so sure.
Commentary
Guidelines and Recommendations for Opening Dialogue with Iran — Jan. 8, 2009
While Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad grabs the headlines, it is Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who is Iran's most powerful figure. And... it is Khamenei's sense of strategic confidence, distrust of the United States and his focus on Iranian sovereignty that are the sources behind Tehran's aversion to compromise.
Full DocumentNews Release
Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Plays Complex Role in Iran's Political, Economic, Cultural Scene — Jan. 8, 2009
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has evolved to take on a greater role in the nation's political, economic and cultural arenas in addition to serving as a major military force.
Full DocumentNews Release
Is Ahmadinejad in Trouble? — Dec. 17, 2008
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad may lose the June 2009 presidential election. And a more pragmatic figure... may assume power. But no one, especially in the United States, should count on a dramatic change in Iran's policies, even if Ahmadinejad loses, writes Alireza Nader.
Commentary
The Backlash Against Terror — Dec. 11, 2008
The recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, are part of a disturbing trend across the Muslim world of groups that target civilians in the name of Islam, according to this commentary by Seth G. Jones for the Ethics Newsline, a publication of the Institute for Global Ethics.
News Release
Mumbai’s Terrifying Logic — Dec. 9, 2008
We tend to describe terrorism as senseless violence, but it seldom is. If we look at the attacks from the attackers’ perspective, we can discern a certain strategic logic, as discussed in this commentary by Brian Michael Jenkins for United Press International.
Commentary Related Audio
India, Pakistan Must Confront Threat of More Violence — Dec. 9, 2008
As the last Mumbai sites were being cleared of terrorists, grim signs emerged of the challenges that face India and Pakistan, as discussed in this commentary by C. Christine Fair for CNN.com.
Commentary
Piracy Needs Regional Answer — Nov. 26, 2008
The international community is at something of a loss as to how to respond to the increasingly audacious nature of piracy off the Horn of Africa, exemplified by the hijacking of the Saudi-owned supertanker Sirius Star and three other ships last week.
Commentary
While China's Regional Influence Grows, U.S. Remains Key Security and Economic Partner in East Asia — Nov. 17, 2008
A new study infers that America's key East Asian allies do not see China as a viable strategic alternative to the United States and that allied nations seek to broaden economic and diplomatic relations with both the United States and China.
News Release
Obama's First International Crisis — Nov. 16, 2008
According to Vice President Joe Biden, the new President Barack Obama "will be tested by an international crisis within his first six months in power," as discussed by Brian Micheal Jenkins in this commentary for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
News Release
Defeating Terrorist Groups — Nov. 12, 2008
Since 1997, the Defense Department and other federal agencies have been assigned agency-specific goals of spending a set percentage of contract dollars on goods and services with small businesses.
News Release
Talk to the Taliban? Not Now — Nov. 12, 2008
When U.S. Central Command chief Gen. David Petraeus reviewed the worsening security situation in Afghanistan, he was advised to engage in peace talks with the Taliban. According to this commentary, by Cheryl Benard for UPI.com, this may not be an advisable approach.
Commentary
Know Your Enemy: From Iraq to Afghanistan — Nov. 9, 2008
As debate continues about how to fight a resurgent Al Qaeda and Taliban in Afghanistan and along the Pakistan border, leaders in Washington, Kabul and Islamabad seem lost about what to do next.
News Release
Georgia Dispute Derails Bid to Stop Nuke Terrorism — Oct. 6, 2008
In the wake of Russia’s actions in Georgia, the U.S. has delayed talks with Moscow dealing with missile defense and reducing the size of strategic nuclear arsenals as discussed by Brian Micheal Jenkins for Providence Journal.
Commentary
Political Reform in the Arab World is a Mixed Bag in Confronting Terrorism — Sep. 24, 2008
A RAND Corporation study issued today finds that democratic political reforms can marginalize extremists and undermine support for political violence, but cosmetic reforms and backtracking on democratization can exacerbate the risk of terrorism.
News Release Full Document
Defeating Terrorist Groups — Sep. 23, 2008
Testimony presented by Seth G. Jones before the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism and Unconventional Threats and Capabilities.
Full Document
Meeting America's Security Challenges Beyond Iraq: A Conference Report — Sep. 22, 2008
This conference discussed a list of security obligations that America faces, as well as future security issues likely to be problematic for any new administration, and discussed how the U.S. government and defense community should address these challenges.
Full Document
A Nuclear 9/11? — Sep. 11 2008
Will terrorists go nuclear? It is a question that worried public officials and frightened citizens have been asking for decades. It is no less of a worry today, as we ponder the seventh anniversary of 9/11 as discussed by Brian Micheal Jenkins for CNN.com .
News Release Commentary
Ukraine: The Next Crisis? — Sep. 7, 2008
The Russian invasion of Georgia has sent shock waves throughout the West and the former Soviet space - especially Ukraine. Indeed, Ukraine could be the next potential crisis according to this commentary by F. Stephen Larrabee for www.project-syndicate.org.
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Georgia: Breakdown of Vision the West Had for a New Europe — Aug. 28, 2008
Since the Russian Federation sent tanks, troops, and planes slicing into Georgia, commentators have reached for a variety of historic parallels.... None of these supposed parallels catches the current situation.
Commentary International Affairs Research Area
Kosovo and South Ossetia More Different Than Similar — Aug. 26, 2008
The Russian government has long highlighted the similarities between Kosovo and South Ossetia. When Kosovo declared independence, Russia argued that this would embolden South Ossetia, as discussed by Olga Oliker in this commentary for RFERL.org .
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Turkey's Second Chance — Aug. 25, 2008
The recent decision by the Turkish Constitutional Court not to close the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) helped Turkey narrowly dodge a dangerous political bullet, according to this commentary by F. Stephen Larrabee for the Washington Times .
Commentary
After the Taliban: Nation-Building in Afghanistan — Aug. 19, 2008
Ambassador James Dobbins recounts how the U.S. administration reluctantly adjusted to its new role as nation-builder, yields insights into how government and diplomacy really work, and explains why it has failed to stabilize Afghanistan or Iraq.
Read More Expert Bio
Terrorism expert examines intelligence on al Qaida in "Will Terrorists Go Nuclear?" — Aug. 19, 2008
Offering insights into vital questions of national security, presidential decisionmaking, and terrorist motives, world-renowned terrorism expert Brian Michael Jenkins examines how terrorists think about nuclear weapons and nuclear terror.
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Stop the ’War’ on Terror: Calling It a ’War’ Is a Boon to Terrorist Recruiters — Aug. 6, 2008
Military might against terrorist groups isn’t working. After studying the record of 648 terrorist groups between 1968 and 2006, military force has rarely been effective, as discussed in this commentary by Seth G. Jones and Martin C. Libicki for the Christian Science Monitor.
Commentary
Dressed To Kill: Why the Number of Female Suicide Bombers is Rising in Iraq — Jul. 31, 2008
Muslim female suicide bombers are on the rise. For almost 10 years, we have warned that women would start playing a more aggressive role in groups like Al Qaeda, as discussed in this commentary by Farhana Ali for Newsweek .
News Release
Turkey’s broadening crisis - Jul. 28, 2008
Turkey is facing a domestic political crisis that not only threatens the country’s internal stability but could weaken its ties to the West and exacerbate instability in the Middle East as discussed by F. Stephen Larrabee in the International Herald Tribune.
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How to Save Karzai - Jul. 25, 2008
Afghanistan’s president is no George Washington, it’s true. But with Afghanistan growing more chaotic by the day, now is no time to throw Hamid Karzai under the bus as discussed in this commentary by Seth Jones for Foreign Policy .
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Dealing with Iran: The Case for Talking - Jul. 1, 2008
Negotiating with Iran will not necessarily produce accomodations, however it will provide more information, which will in turn lead to more options, better choices and wiser policy, as discussed by James Dobbins in this commentary for the International Herald Tribune .
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China's Responsibility to Protect: The Nation Can Help Citizens in Myanmar, Sudan — Jun. 17, 2008
Of all countries remiss in their responsibility to protect human rights, China bears special scrutiny because of its influence with the Myanmar and Sudanese regimes, writes David C. Gompert.
Commentary
Taliban's Sanctuary Bases in Pakistan Must Be Eliminated - Jun. 9, 2008
If Taliban sanctuary bases in Pakistan are not eliminated, the United States and its NATO allies will face crippling long-term consequences in their effort to stabilize and rebuild Afghanistan, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.
Full Document News Release
The Challenges of Trying Terrorists as Criminals - Proceedings of a RAND/SAIS Colloquium - May 30, 2008
Held in Washington in January 2008, this colloquium brought together a distinguished group of specialists in strategy and intelligence joined with lawyers, prosecutors, and judges – to discuss the challenges of using criminal trials as one instrument in combating terrorism.
Conference Procedings
Afghan Progress Spotty but Hopeful - May 12, 2008
Progress in Afghanistan is a study in contrasts. Progress is substantial in the north, but limited in the south. In this commentary by Obaid Younossi and Peter Dahl Thruelsen for the Providence Journal, sustained efforts are required by the UN and the Afghan government to develop a multiyear, well-resourced political, military and economic roadmap.
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A House of Tribes for Iraq - Apr. 29, 2008
Many western notions of governance struggle with Iraq, however one that deserves a close look is the effort to create a unique upper legislative body: The House of Tribes, as discussed in this commentary by Theodore W. Karasik and Ghassan Schbley for Washingtonpost.com.
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Good Morning, Syria! – Time to Revisit Our Axis of Evil List? — Apr. 22, 2008
Syria is changing and the United States should take notice. A vibrant youth scene, chic cafe’s, art exhibitions, modish shopping districts, and the WiFi hotspots in a country late to adopt the Internet, are not the only surprises in Syria, as discussed in this commentary by Cheryl Benard and Edward O’Connell for the Providence Journal .
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The New Deterrence: Overwhelming and Searching Retaliation - Apr. 10, 2008
On February 8, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley announced that the United States had recently adopted "a new declaratory policy to help deter terrorists from using weapons of mass destruction against the United States, our friends, and allies", as discussed in this commentary by Elbridge Colby for Weekly Standard.
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Finding Common Ground in an Uncommon Nation - Mar. 19, 2008
After a recent trip to Syria, Edward O'Connell and Cheryl Benard, in this commentary for Malibu Magazine, found themselves happening one night upon an unsettling and perception-busting TV program, they found that in a country known for defending terrorism, programs that portrayed quite the opposite.
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Iraq's Sunni Time Bomb - Apr. 4, 2008
While the recent fighting in Basra and Baghdad has alerted us to the danger that Shiite-on-Shiite violence poses to our goals in Iraq, it should not divert our focus from the fact that the Sunni tribesmen who have sided with the American-led coalition may turn against us. A commentary by Matthew Sherman for the New York Times .
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America is Making a Difference in Eastern Afghanistan - Apr. 2, 2008
The United States has turned a corner in Afghanistan, as discussed by Seth G. Jones in this commentary for Globe and Mail . It has made some progress against the Taliban and other insurgent groups in eastern Afghanistan, and created a window of opportunity to spread this elsewhere.
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Georgia on Their Mind — Mar. 27, 2007
As NATO heads toward its summit meeting in Bucharest on April 3-4, the question of NATO enlargement – especially whether to give Membership Action Plans, or MAPs, to Georgia and Ukraine – has re-emerged as a contentious issue, as discussed in this commentary by F. Stephen Larrabee for International Herald Tribune.
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Danish Cartoons Doom Us All - Mar. 21, 2008
Last week's rage in Pakistan over reprints of cartoons and a forthcoming Dutch film that insult Islam's holy book once again entangles Muslims and the West in a fury over freedom of speech, as discussed in this commentary by Farhana Ali for United Press International.
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An Independent Kosovo Was a Part of the U.N.’s Plan - Mar. 12, 2008
Diplomatic wrangling over Kosovo’s declaration of independence this week has created a good deal of misunderstanding about the U.N. Security Council Resolution that defines that society’s current status and future evolution. James Dobbins provides this commentary for Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
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A Post-Musharraf Pakistan Policy - Mar. 10, 2008
Now that the parliamentary elections in Pakistan have gone decisively against President Musharraf, will the newly elected prime minister agree to work with Musharraf? If not, what should the United States do in response? This is the subject of a new commentary by Farhana Ali for Washingtonpost.com.
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RAND Study Offers Ways to Help North Korea Peacefully Modernize Its Political, Economic Structure - Mar. 10, 2008
An unprecedented joint report, based on a 2½-year-long collaboration between RAND and five international research institutions, recommends a new approach for North Korea to create fundamental, but peaceful, change in it’s archaic political, economic and security systems.
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Why We Need to Nail Osama — Feb. 28, 2007
The recent killing of Hezbollah’s Imad Mughniyah begs a larger question: How important is it to take out key terrorists such as Osama bin Laden? The costs and benefits of such action is the subject of this commentary by Elbridge Colby for the Washington Times.
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International Perspectives on Interagency Reform - Jan. 29, 2008
The United States and many of its allies and partners have become increasingly involved in stability operations and nation building around the world. This testimony by Nora Bensahel before the Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations suggests major capability shortfalls that may undermine prospects for success.
Congressional Testimony
Nora Bensahel discusses counter insurgency in Iraq - Jan. 24, 2008
A group of former Sunni insurgents in Iraq joined forces to form, “The Awakening Council.” that has grown to about 70,000 members and has helped quell the violence. Nora Bensahel discusses with Katy Clark of PRI, The World that the group is now under attack by the current insurgents in Iraq.
Listen to the Interview
Long-term instability? - Dec. 31, 2007
The tragic assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto casts a dark shadow across Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state with a long history of militarism and militancy. According to this commentary by C. Christine Fair for the Washington Times, this event could move Pakistan towards a deeper and irreversible slide into Islamist violence.
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The State of the Afghan Insurgency - Dec. 11, 2007
Six years after the overthrow of the Taliban regime, Canada, NATO, and the Afghan government stand at an important crossroads. Testimony presented by Seth G. Jones before the Canadian Senate National Security and Defence Committee on December 10, 2007.
Congressional Testimony
Talking to the Enemy - Track Two Diplomacy in the Middle East and South Asia — Sep. 19, 2007
This monograph examines regional, multilateral track two dialogues in the Middle East and South Asia that are focused on arms control and other cooperative security measures. The author provides assessments of regional security trajectories in both regions, particularly proliferation dynamics, as well as suggestions on how to improve future track two efforts.
Full Document News Release
Assessing the Value of U.S. Army International Activities — Nov. 7, 2006
This report presents a framework for assessing the value of the Army’s non-combat interactions with other militaries. It provides an overview of AIA programs and establishes their connection to the U.S. government’s current strategy for security cooperation. It also provides a matrix of eight AIA “ends,” derived from top-level national and Army guidance, and eight AIA “ways,” which summarize the various capabilities inherent in AIA programs.
Full Document
Rebuilding Security Forces and Institutions in Iraq — Jan. 4, 2006
The Coalition Provisional Authority's record at rebuilding Iraqi security forces and building security sector institutions has been mixed, with too much emphasis on meeting short-term Iraqi security needs at the expense of long-term institution-building.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
China's Defense Industry Emerging from Its Troubled Past — Dec. 29, 2005
Despite 25 years of weakness, China's defense industry is showing signs of improvement. Advances in the missile, shipbuilding, aviation, and information technology sectors could enhance China's military position, with short-term implications for Taiwan and long-term implications throughout Asia.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
The New Face of Naval Strike Warfare — Nov. 21, 2005
The combat leverage of U.S. carrier strike groups has improved qualitatively since Sept. 11, 2001, with carrier-based fighters conducting coordinated missions in areas of Afghanistan and Iraq well beyond coastal reaches. Future plans hold promise for further advancements.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
Next Steps in Reshaping Intelligence — Oct. 31, 2005
The creation of the Director of National Intelligence position reshaped how U.S. intelligence is organized. The next steps are transforming how it does business by improving analysis; shaping intelligence by mission or issue rather than collection source or agency; and more.
Full Document
Preparing Officers for Interagency and Multinational Service — Oct. 18, 2005
As the U.S. confronts increasingly complex threats, military leaders must learn to work with civilian agencies and military leaders of other nations. A strategic approach that manages experience and education would help prepare officers for this service.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
China Fails to Adequately Control WMD Exports — Sep. 26, 2005
China lacks the resources to fully implement its laws and regulations designed to control exports of sensitive goods and technologies that could be used to help create chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons.
Full DocumentNews Release
Experts Explore the Roots and Motivations of Religious Conflict — Aug. 8, 2005
Intelligence analysts and religion experts convened for a RAND-sponsored workshop to address religious motivations in international politics and possible causes for violence with religious roots — with emphasis on radical Islam.
Full Document
Next Steps in the War on Terror — Jun. 28, 2005
A RAND-sponsored conference presented research on counterterrorism issues. Participants discussed understanding the nature of the terrorist threat, taking direct action against and reducing support for terrorists, and protecting the homeland.
Full Document
The Effects of National Power on Global Relations — Jun. 7, 2005
A workshop hosted by RAND and the CIA's Strategic Assessments Group, in cooperation with Barry Hughes and his International Futures model, explored how power is wielded on a continuum ranging from persuasion, through economic aid, to military action.
Full Document
Costs of Korean Unification Will Depend on Circumstances — Jun. 3, 2005
North Korea's government and economy have been shrouded in obscurity since the mid-1960s. Unification with South Korea will require a multifaceted strategy to ensure security and constrain costs, particularly if the system were to unravel.
Full Document
Reducing the Risk of Weapons-Expertise Diversion — May 31, 2005
States and terrorist groups have attempted to recruit and acquire weapons-critical knowledge, skills, and materials from the former Soviet Union. U.S. programs designed to reduce the risk of diversion are outdated and should be adjusted to address the biggest threats.
Full Document
Experts Discuss China's Role as Rising Regional Power — Mar. 14, 2005
China's economic and military power in Asia is growing, raising questions about its role in regional security issues. A conference jointly sponsored by RAND and the French Institute of International Relations examined options for U.S.-European cooperation on China policy.
Full Document
Timeline to Withdraw U.S. Troops from Iraq Is Feasible, but Combat Forces Are Needed for Elections — Jul. 28, 2009
The timetable set by President Obama to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq is feasible, however it is important that an adequate combat force is retained to ensure a peaceful election in January 2010.
News Release Full Document
Economic Costs of Major Oil Supply Disruption Pose Risk to U.S. National Security — May 12, 2009
While on a net basis the United States imports nearly 60 percent of the oil it consumes, this reliance on imported oil is not by itself a major national security threat, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.
News Release
Air Force Service Procurement: Approaches for Measurement and Management — May 1, 2009
Testimony presented, by Laura H. Baldwin, before the House Armed Services Committee Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform on April 23, 2009.
Testimony
Challenges and Issues with the Further Aging of U.S. Air Force Aircraft: Policy Options for Effective Life-Cycle Management of Resources — Apr. 17, 2009
Over the next 20 years, the further aging of already-old aircraft will introduce challenges and issues for aircraft operators, including the U.S. Air Force. This report identifies those challenges and issues and explores policy options for addressing them in ways that can contribute to effective life-cycle management of resources.
Full Document
An Examination of the Relationship Between Usage and Operating-and-Support Costs of U.S. Air Force Aircraft — Apr. 10, 2009
Systematically examining the empirical relationship between multiple U.S. Air Force systems' expenditures, flying hours, and fleet sizes, this research suggests a more sophisticated way to think about Air Force costs than is currently used.
Full Document
Air Force Service Procurement: Approaches for Measurement and Management — Apr. 27, 2009
Testimony, by Laura H. Baldwin, presented before the House Armed Services Committee Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform on April 23, 2009.
Testimony
The Netherlands F-16 Comparative Analysis: An Evaluation of the Process — Apr. 27, 2009
Testimony presented, by Matt Bassford, before the Dutch Parliamentary Committee for Defence on April 6, 2009.
Testimony
Ways to Improve U.S. Stability and Reconstruction Missions Are Outlined — Apr. 3, 2009
Recent stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq have underlined the need for the United States to shift the burden of these operations away from the Defense Department and onto other government agencies better suited to the work, according to a study released today by the RAND Corporation.
News Release Full Document
The Obama Withdrawal From Iraq: How Fast? — Dec. 16, 2008
The debate over withdrawal of American forces from Iraq has effectively ended: Troops will begin withdrawing in early 2009.... What is not yet entirely clear is what type of residual American force may remain in Iraq, writes Brian Michael Jenkins.
Commentary
Piracy Needs Regional Answer — Nov. 26, 2008
The international community is at something of a loss as to how to respond to the increasingly audacious nature of piracy off the Horn of Africa, exemplified by the hijacking of the Saudi-owned supertanker Sirius Star and three other ships last week.
Commentary
Too Soon to Judge the Surge — Aug. 29, 2008
Most of the units involved in the surge have been withdrawn from Iraq, and troop levels are about what they were before the surge was announced. And if General Petraeus recommends, further troop cuts may be adopted this fall. The key question is whether levels of violence will remain low once those troops are gone.
Commentary National Security Research Area
After the Taliban: Nation-Building in Afghanistan — Aug. 19, 2008
Ambassador James Dobbins recounts how the U.S. administration reluctantly adjusted to its new role as nation-builder, yields insights into how government and diplomacy really work, and explains why it has failed to stabilize Afghanistan or Iraq.
Read More Expert Bio
A New Grand Strategy for the United States — Jul. 31, 2008
Testimony presented by Robert E. Hunter before the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on July 31, 2008.
Read Testimony
Sustaining Key Skills in the UK Naval Industry — Jul. 25, 2008
To preserve its ability to design, build, and support complex warships and submarines, the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) will need to preserve and sustain several key technical skills in the maritime domain.
Research Brief
Shortcomings in Planning for Post-Combat Period in Iraq Outlined - June 30, 2008
Efforts to adequately plan for the post-combat period in Iraq were thwarted by overly optimistic views held by top civilian leaders and a belief among military leaders that civilian authorities would be responsible for postwar operations, according to a report by RAND Corporation researchers.
News Release Full Document
Give Them Sabbaticals - May 7, 2008
The Army’s Training With Industry program, though not tied to officer retention, could serve as the basis for an expanded effort to provide unique training in the diverse civilian world. In this commentary by Laura Miller, for USA Today, a new outlook on training could help prepare officers for the future military interactions and improve retention.
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A New National Strategy for Korea: North Korea Threats Require Deterrence, Reconciliation - Mar. 13, 2008
Over the last five years, the South Korean government has tried to downplay the military threat posed by North Korea. However North Korea still poses a serious military threat to South Korea as discussed by Bruce Bennett in this commentary for Korea Herald.
Read Commentary
U.S. Should Take Advantage of Improved Security in Iraq to Withdraw - Dec. 4, 2007
The recent improvement in security in Iraq may provide the U.S. military with a chance to achieve the best realistic outcome of the conflict to date: the extrication of the bulk of it’s forces. This topic is the subject of a commentary by David C. Gompert for the San Francisco Cronicle.
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Impossible Certainty - Cost Risk Analysis for Air Force Systems — May 8, 2006
To help set the Air Force’s cost uncertainty analysis policy, the authors recommend that the Air Force flexibly use multiple methods for different cases; have consistent, uniform communications formats between analysts and decisionmakers; periodically track and update cost estimate records; and consider risk reserves to fund costs that arise from unforeseen circumstances.
Full Document Research Brief
U.S., Europe Should Cooperate on Navigation Satellite System — Aug. 1, 2005
By 2008, the EU expects to begin operating a space-based positioning, navigation, and timing system similar to the U.S. global positioning system (GPS). U.S.-European cooperation on such systems could offer economic benefits, enhance service for the global community, and reduce civilian demands on the U.S. GPS.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
Centralized Maintenance Can Improve USAF Combat Support — Mar. 7, 2005
Despite many advantages, reorganizing the U.S. Air Force into an Air and Space Expeditionary Force places serious demands on combat support infrastructure. Consolidating intermediate maintenance at forward support locations may lessen the burden.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
Transfer of Lands Containing Unexploded Ordnance Proves Difficult — Jan. 13, 2005
In the ongoing process of U.S. Army base closure and realignment, lands containing unexploded ordnance have proved particularly difficult and costly to transfer. With few exceptions, little progress has been made.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
Communications Networks for Military Operations Need Improvement — Dec. 29, 2004
The U.S. military relies on high-capacity communications networks to transfer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data, but these networks can be threatened in hostile environments. Future communications systems need to protect against such threats.
Related ReportResearch Brief
Studies’ Estimates of PTSD Prevalence Rates for Returning Service Members Vary Widely — Feb. 23, 2010
Summarizes analyses of existing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) studies for war zone veterans, finding that the prevalence estimates vary widely and are linked to the use of different PTSD diagnostic definitions and divergent study samples.
Research Brief
What Are the Effects of Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) on Navy Manpower, Personnel, and Training? — Feb. 23, 2010
Introducing Consolidated Afloat Networks Enterprise Services (CANES) had only limited implications for the Navy's information technology community.
Research Brief
Longer Parental Deployment Linked to More Emotional Challenges for Military Children — Dec. 7, 2009
Children in military families may suffer from more emotional and behavioral difficulties when compared to other American youths, with older children and girls struggling the most when a parent is deployed overseas, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
News Release Research Brief
Going Local: The Key to Afghanistan — Aug. 10, 2009
The U.S. strategy in Afghanistan stability is building a strong central government. This notion fails to grasp the local nature of Afghan politics according to this commentary by Seth G. Jones for The Wall Street Journal.
Commentary
Timeline to Withdraw U.S. Troops from Iraq Is Feasible, but Combat Forces Are Needed for Elections — Jul. 28, 2009
The timetable set by President Obama to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq is feasible, however it is important that an adequate combat force is retained to ensure a peaceful election in January 2010.
News Release Full Document
Countering the Military's Latest Fad — May 18, 2009
The recent choice of top U.S. commander in Afghanistan reflects military's latest fad in warfare planning as discussed in this commentary, by Celeste Ward, for The Washington Post.
Commentary
Swine Flu: A Real Security Threat — Apr. 30, 2009
In the rush of constant news updates on swine flu, we must recognize that controlling the spread of this disease is not simply a health concern but also one of national security, as discussed by Melinda Moore in this commentary for the Baltimore Sun.
Commentary
Gauging Future Demand for Veterans' Health Care: Does the VA Have the Forecasting Tools It Needs? — Apr. 29, 2009
Testimony presented, by Katherine M. Harris, before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on April 29, 2009.
Testimony
Redefining ‘Old Age’: 60 Is the New 40 — Apr. 27, 2009
In this commentary by Linda G. Moore, that appeared in the Shanghai Daily, she discusses that China's population is aging quickly. To address this issue, two options are identified: try to slow it down or develop policies and programs to deal with whatever negative consequences there might be.
Testimony
The Department of Defense Can Improve Its Response to and Management of Anthrax Incidents — Apr 22, 2009
New Research Brief assesses the Department of Defense (DoD) response to three potential anthrax-related incidents at DoD facilities in March 2005 and recommends ways that DoD can improve its incident-response capabilities.
Research BriefFull Document
Ultimate exit strategy — Mar. 26, 2009
The upcoming high-level conference on Afghanistan at The Hague will involve all the parties who have a stake and an interest in Afghanistan. With the situation in that country growing more precarious by the day, those attending this meeting must think big per this commentary by James Dobbins for the International Herald Tribune .
Commentary
Assessing Combat Exposure and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Troops and Estimating the Costs to Society: Implications from the RAND Invisible Wounds of War Study — Mar. 24, 2009
Testimony presented by Terri Taielian before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on March 24, 2009.
Testimony
Family Readiness and Coping During Deployments Key Issues for National Guard and Reserve — Feb 11, 2009
As the U.S. military continues to rely on the National Guard and Reserve for overseas deployments, making sure their families are adequately prepared for those missions is critical.
Full DocumentNews Release
Terrorists Can Think Strategically: Lessons Learned From the Mumbai Attacks — Jan. 28, 2009
In testimony presented before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Brian Michael Jenkins discusses the increasing use of terrorism as an effective strategic weapon.
Full Document
Reasons Why Hispanics Remain Underrepresented in Military, Despite Interest — Jan. 12, 2009
Lower high school graduation rates and higher rates of obesity are two of the reasons that many Hispanics are denied entry into the U.S. military. Although Hispanics do well once in the military, they are underrepresented in all branches of the nation's armed forces, primarily because they often fail to meet eligibility requirements.
Full DocumentNews Release
Defeating Terrorist Groups — Nov. 12, 2008
Since 1997, the Defense Department and other federal agencies have been assigned agency-specific goals of spending a set percentage of contract dollars on goods and services with small businesses.
News Release
Know Your Enemy: From Iraq to Afghanistan — Nov. 9, 2008
As debate continues about how to fight a resurgent Al Qaeda and Taliban in Afghanistan and along the Pakistan border, leaders in Washington, Kabul and Islamabad seem lost about what to do next.
News Release
Changes Needed in Way the United States Conducts Military Interventions — Oct. 2, 2008
In preparing for possible future military interventions, the United States needs to shift substantial resources and integrate military-civilian efforts.
News Release Full Document
War's Invisible Wounds — Sep. 28, 2008
Nearly 300,000 Iraq and Afghanistan service veterans who have returned home, about one in five, may suffer from combat-stress-related mental health problems as discussed in this commentary for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Commentary
Effects of Deployments on Spouses of Military Personnel — Sep. 23, 2008
A recent dissertation by Bogdan Savych examines the effect of deployment on spousal labor force participation and household well-being.
Read Dissertation
Too Soon to Judge the Surge — Aug. 29, 2008
Most of the units involved in the surge have been withdrawn from Iraq, and troop levels are about what they were before the surge was announced. And if General Petraeus recommends, further troop cuts may be adopted this fall. The key question is whether levels of violence will remain low once those troops are gone.
Commentary National Security Research Area
A New Grand Strategy for the United States — Jul. 31, 2008
Testimony presented by Robert E. Hunter before the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on July 31, 2008.
Read Testimony
Colonel Cardinal's Iceberg Theory — Jul. 31, 2008
Colonel Chuck Cardinal, former director of the Pacific Command's inter-agency coordination group for counterterrorism, devised a novel overarching “Iceberg Theory”, which is the subject of this commentary by Dick Hoffman for The San Diego Union-Tribune .
Commentary
Sustaining Key Skills in the UK Naval Industry — Jul. 25, 2008
To preserve its ability to design, build, and support complex warships and submarines, the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) will need to preserve and sustain several key technical skills in the maritime domain.
Research Brief
Shortcomings in Planning for Post-Combat Period in Iraq Outlined — Jun. 30, 2008
Efforts to adequately plan for the post-combat period in Iraq were thwarted by overly optimistic views held by top civilian leaders and a belief among military leaders that civilian authorities would be responsible for postwar operations, according to a report by RAND Corporation researchers.
News Release Full Document
Give Them Sabbaticals - May 7, 2008
The Army’s Training With Industry program, though not tied to officer retention, could serve as the basis for an expanded effort to provide unique training in the diverse civilian world. In this commentary by Laura Miller, for USA Today, a new outlook on training could help prepare officers for the future military interactions and improve retention.
Read Commentary
Invisible Wounds of War - Apr. 17, 2008
he RAND Corporation conducted a comprehensive study of the mental health and cognitive needs of U.S. servicemembers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, the costs associated with mental health and cognitive conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and traumatic brain injury, and the care systems available to deliver treatment. The study is the first of its kind to consider mental health and cognitive problems associated with deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq from a broad societal perspective.
Read More
Coordination Could Breed Control in Iraq - Apr. 10, 2008
Teamwork and coordination are vital for success in all sorts of activities on the athletic field, in business, in government and in war. Yet too often, the different branches of the U.S. military and the U.S. government in Iraq have failed to effectively coordinate their activities with each other and with their Iraqi counterparts. Be assured that better coordination alone won’t solve America’s problems in Iraq and guarantee victory. But without it, achieving victory will be much harder regardless of the number of troops the U.S. maintains, because successes achieved by one arm of the U.S. effort is too often undone by another.
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The New Deterrence: Overwhelming and Searching Retaliation - Apr. 10, 2008
On February 8, National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley announced that the United States had recently adopted "a new declaratory policy to help deter terrorists from using weapons of mass destruction against the United States, our friends, and allies", as discussed in this commentary by Elbridge Colby for Weekly Standard.
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America is Making a Difference in Eastern Afghanistan - Apr. 2, 2008
The United States has turned a corner in Afghanistan, as discussed by Seth G. Jones in this commentary for Globe and Mail . It has made some progress against the Taliban and other insurgent groups in eastern Afghanistan, and created a window of opportunity to spread this elsewhere.
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Human Resource Management and Army Recruiting - Analyses of Policy Options - Mar. 28, 2008
U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) is faced with the challenge of ensuring that the flow of qualified volunteers is adequate to meet future active-duty accession requirements. This report documents research methods, findings, and policy conclusions from a project analyzing human resource management options for improving recruiting production. It details research designed to develop new insights to help guide future recruiter management policies. The research involves econometric analyses of three large and rich datasets. The first analysis compares the career paths of enlisted personnel, including recruiters. The second analyzes individual recruiter characteristics and links those characteristics with their productivity, controlling for a variety of independent factors. Finally, the research focuses on station-level recruiting outcomes, paying close attention to the management options that can affect recruiter production and effort. This work will interest those involved in the day-to-day management of recruiting resources as well as researchers and analysts engaged in analyses of military enlistment behavior.
Full Document
A New National Strategy for Korea: North Korea Threats Require Deterrence, Reconciliation - Mar. 13, 2008
Over the last five years, the South Korean government has tried to downplay the military threat posed by North Korea. However North Korea still poses a serious military threat to South Korea as discussed by Bruce Bennett in this commentary for Korea Herald.
Read Commentary
Assessing the Value of U.S. Army International Activities - Oct. 24, 2007
A number of important steps have been taken in recent years to improve the planning and management of Army International Activities (AIA). Still, a need remains, and is widely recognized, for a high-level assessment mechanism to allocate AIA resources more efficiently, execute AIA programs more effectively, and highlight the contributions of AIA to the National Military Strategy, the DoD Security Cooperation Guidance, and The Army Plan. This report presents a framework for assessing the value of the Army’s non-combat interactions with other militaries.
Full Document
Human Resource Management and Army Recruiting - Analyses of Policy Options — Dec. 21, 2006
U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) is faced with the challenge of ensuring that the flow of qualified volunteers is adequate to meet future active-duty accession requirements. This report documents research methods, findings, and policy conclusions from a project analyzing human resource management options for improving recruiting production.
Full Document
Models of Operational Training in Fighter Squadrons — Nov. 4, 2005
Operational squadrons in the U.S. Air Force spend most of their time training to accomplish two objectives: to maintain readiness to deploy and operate in wartime, contingencies, and other engagements, and to prepare aircrew members for subsequent assignments at wings, major air commands, and the Air Staff. This report describes a model of aircrew training in an operational fighter squadron.
Full Document Research Brief
Reserve Recruiting in the College Market — Oct. 4, 2005
The demand for college among U.S. military reservists is strong and increasing. To continue to attract high-quality personnel, recruits could be given the option to attend college without the risk of being activated with their Reserve units.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
Reviewing Military Retirees' Pharmacy Benefits Could Lower Costs — Apr. 13, 2005
The U.S. military health care system has experienced rapid growth in expenditures over the past decade. To lower costs, it should discourage retirees' use of retail pharmacies and carefully implement a three-tier drug benefit.
Research Brief
New Recruitment Policies Could Improve U.S. Army Retention — Apr. 8, 2005
The U.S. Army spends an average of $15,000 to recruit each soldier, and current recruiting policies and management influence their retention rate. Different management strategies could cut attrition without compromising Army standards.
Full Document
Developing the Air Force's Senior Leader Workforce — May 11, 2005
To help improve the Air Force's general officer (GO) development approach, RAND Project AIR FORCE conducted a study of GO positions and Senior Executive Service positions and the competencies required for each. This work resulted in new insights and methods for developing future Air Force senior leaders.
Full DocumentResearch Brief
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