National Security

RAND conducts a broad array of national security research for the U.S. Department of Defense. RAND also carries out an extensive research program in homeland security, homeland defense, and terrorism-related research for the U.S. Government, as well as selected research for key allied governments and ministries of defense. Through its long-term investment in federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), the U.S. government has built a network of institutions with unique analytical and technical capabilities.

National security research is conducted by the following RAND FFRDCs: RAND Project AIR FORCE, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force; RAND Arroyo Center, sponsored by the U.S. Army; RAND National Defense Research Institute, sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

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Intelligence for an Age of Terror: New Book Examines Implications of Terrorism for U.S. Intelligence — Jun. 23, 2009

Because terrorism is not confined to national boundaries, it puts pressure on the U.S. both at home and abroad, forcing intelligence and law enforcement—the CIA and the FBI—to work together in new ways. This requires new means of sharing not just information but also analysis across the federal system.

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Reconstruction Under Fire: Unifying Civil and Military Counterinsurgency — Jun. 17, 2009

Effective civilian reconstruction work can help convince people to support their government against insurgency, Therefore, insurgents typically target such work, thereby threatening the civilian population. This too often results in a postponement of reconstruction efforts and/or excessive reliance on force to defeat insurgents.

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Center Assesses Post-Deployment Health-Related Needs of Iraq Veterans — May 11, 2008

The Invisible Wounds of War Study assessed Iraq veterans' health-related needs associated with PTSD, major depression, and traumatic brain injury, examined the treatment capacity of the current health care system, and estimated the costs of providing quality health care to all military members who need it.

June 29, 2009: Can Gitmo's Terrorists Be Rehabilitated?, By Aidan Kirby Winn (The Christian Science Monitor)

June 22, 2009: Iran's Real Winners: The Revolutionary Guards, By Alireza Nader (RAND.org)

June 15, 2009: Getting Value from the U.S.-ROK Summit, By Bruce W. Bennett (The Korea Herald)

June 8, 2009: The PLA Navy's "New Historic Missions": Expanding Capabilities for a Re-emergent Maritime Power, By Cortez A. Cooper

June 2, 2009: No Surprise in Failure To Deter N. Korea, By Bruce W. Bennett (Chicago Tribune)

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Film Piracy, Organized Crime, and Terrorism

This report presents the findings of research into the involvement of organized crime and terrorist groups in counterfeiting products ranging from watches to automobile parts, from pharmaceuticals to computer software. It presents detailed case studies from around the globe in one area of counterfeiting, film piracy, to illustrate the broader problem of criminal — and perhaps terrorist — groups finding a new and not-much-discussed way of funding their activities. Piracy is high in payoff and low in risk, often taking place under the radar of law enforcement.

Final Report

Dangerous But Not Omnipotent: Exploring the Reach and Limitations of Iranian Power in the Middle East

Following the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Iranian threat to U.S. interests has taken on seemingly unprecedented qualities of aggressiveness and urgency. Added to its provocative positions on the nuclear program, support for non-state militants, and development of threatening military capabilities is the sense that Iran is trying to effect far-reaching changes on the regional and even global stage. Within this context, this report aims to provide policy planners with a new framework for anticipating and preparing for the strategic challenges Iran will present over the next ten to fifteen years.

Final Report