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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Shortcomings in Planning for Post-Combat Period in Iraq — 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.

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The Rise of Political Islam in Turkey: The Nation’s Role in Western Security Efforts — Jun. 23, 2008

While Muslim-majority Turkey may be the linchpin to promoting liberal Islam worldwide, relationships between the nation’s secular government and religious forces have shifted in the past decade, with implications for the future of Islam in the region and the world.

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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 30, 2008: Dealing with Iran: The Case for Talking, By James Dobbins (International Herald Tribune)

June 30, 2008: Shortcomings in Planning for Post-Combat Period in Iraq Outlined

June 23, 2008: U.S. Faces New Challenges in a Post-American World, But Can Overcome Obstacles

June 17, 2008: China's Responsibility to Protect, By David C. Gompert (Washington Post)

June 12, 2008: Hezbollah's Armory Up for Debate, By Theodore W. Karasik, Ghassan Schbley (United Press International and the Middle East Times)

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War by Other Means: RAND Counterinsurgency Study -- Final Report

Cover: War by Other Means--Building Complete and Balanced Capabilities for Counterinsurgency

The difficulties encountered by the United States in securing Iraq and Afghanistan despite years of effort and staggering costs raises the central question of the RAND Counterinsurgency Study: How should the United States improve its capabilities to counter insurgencies, particularly those that are heavily influenced by transnational terrorist movements and thus linked into a global jihadist network?

Final Report

The Challenge of Nuclear-Armed Regional Adversaries

North Korea’s test of a nuclear weapon in 2006 shows that such weapons are within reach of determined regional powers. Thus, defense planners in the United States and elsewhere must begin now to confront the new security challenges posed by nuclear–armed regional adversaries.

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