RAND Research Topic: Global Security Environment 2012-05-25T23:18:27Z Copyright (c) 2012, The RAND Corporation RAND Corporation http://www.rand.org/topics/global-security-environment.html Okinawa Remains an Intractable Thorn for US and Japan http://www.rand.org/commentary/2012/05/25/AT.html May 25, 2012 May 25, 2012 The relocation of the Marines is a first step toward a more sustainable US military presence in the Asia-Pacific. Yet policymakers in Washington and Tokyo should not expect this move to eliminate an enduring source of tension in US-Japanese relations, write Stacie L. Pettyjohn and Alan J. Vick. Security Issues Facing the Tri-Border Area Between the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP372.html May 23, 2012 May 23, 2012 The area between the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia is a key hub of terrorist and related criminal activity in Southeast Asia. The Coast Watch System was designed to improve maritime domain awareness in the region but has some issues to overcome. RAND Review: Vol. 36, No. 1, Spring 2012 http://www.rand.org/pubs/corporate_pubs/CP22-2012-04.html May 11, 2012 May 11, 2012 Stories discuss Iran's nuclear threat, social security for Mexico's aging population, programs to help veterans and their families, the costs of crime and the value of police officers, psychological operations in Afghanistan, the U.S. health insurance mandate, legal representation in murder cases, marijuana legalization, U.S. competitiveness in educational achievement, and Louisiana's plan for a sustainable coast. How to Defuse Iran's Nuclear Threat: Bolster Diplomacy, Israeli Security, and the Iranian Citizenry http://www.rand.org/publications/randreview/issues/2012/spring/iran.html May 11, 2012 May 11, 2012 This <em>RAND Review</em> cover story recommends alternatives to military action that are more likely to dissuade Iran from producing, testing, and deploying nuclear weapons, while also promoting a more democratic and responsible Iranian regime. http://www.rand.org.html Resolving Kirkuk: Lessons Learned from Settlements of Earlier Ethno-Territorial Conflicts http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1198.html May 9, 2012 May 9, 2012 Past efforts to resolve ethno-territorial conflicts in Br&#269;ko, Mostar, Northern Ireland, and Jerusalem provide insights that could facilitate a negotiated settlement regarding the disputed Iraqi city of Kirkuk. The case studies show that Arabs, Kurds, and Turkomen must emphasize governance over symbols of sovereignty, develop adaptable power-sharing mechanisms, marginalize spoilers, empower local leaders, and create multi-ethnic security forces. The Nature of the Chinese-Iranian Partnership and the Challenges It Poses for the U.S. http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP351.html May 2, 2012 May 2, 2012 The partnership between China and Iran presents challenges to U.S. interests, including dissuading Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability. An analysis of the factors driving Chinese-Iranian cooperation offers policy options for influencing this partnership to meet U.S. objectives. Iran's Calculations in New Diplomatic Talks http://www.rand.org/commentary/2012/04/17/USIP.html Apr 17, 2012 Apr 17, 2012 Beset by economic problems, political divisions, and domestic discontent, Iranian leaders may compromise&mdash;or appear to make compromises&mdash;to cushion the regime from the mounting internal and external pressures, writes Alireza Nader. Book by Noted Expert Proposes a Renaissance of Thought on Nuclear Deterrence for Today's Strategic Environment http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1103.html Apr 17, 2012 Apr 17, 2012 A new book by the late French scholar Th&eacute;r&egrave;se Delpech provides a critical review and update of nuclear deterrence theory, focusing a critical eye on nuclear issues during the Cold War, examining the lessons of past nuclear crises, and outlining ways in which these lessons apply to major nuclear powers and nuclear pretenders today. Book by Noted Expert Proposes a Renaissance of Thought on Nuclear Deterrence for Today's Strategic Environment http://www.rand.org/news/press/2012/04/17.html Apr 17, 2012 Apr 17, 2012 A new book by the late French scholar Th&eacute;r&egrave;se Delpech provides a critical review and update of nuclear deterrence theory, focusing a critical eye on nuclear issues during the Cold War, examining the lessons of past nuclear crises, and outlining ways in which these lessons apply to major nuclear powers and nuclear pretenders today. What&rsquo;s the Potential for Conflict with China, and How Can It Be Avoided? http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9657.html Apr 17, 2012 Apr 17, 2012 Presents scenarios to illustrate possible sources of military conflict with China over the next thirty years. Urban Warfare: The 2008 Battle for Sadr City http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9652.html Apr 9, 2012 Apr 9, 2012 The authors identify factors critical to the coalition victory over Jaish al-Mahdi in the 2008 Battle of Sadr City and describe a new model for dealing with insurgent control of urban areas. Hunting in the Shadows: The Pursuit of Al Qa'ida Since 9/11 http://www.rand.org/pubs/commercial_books/CB526.html Apr 9, 2012 Apr 9, 2012 A comprehensive, landmark history and insider's account chronicles the ongoing battle against al Qa'ida, the greatest threat the West has faced in the modern era. Should the U.S. Leave Afghanistan Now? History Favors More Time http://www.rand.org/commentary/2012/04/03/NYT.html Apr 3, 2012 Apr 3, 2012 The Afghans will have better prospects for defeating their insurgency with continued improvement, of course, and the United States can contribute to that improvement while American forces remain, writes Christopher Paul. Strategic Value of African Tribal Art: Auction Sales Trends as Cultural Intelligence http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP20120095.html Apr 1, 2012 Apr 1, 2012 This paper explores the potential of the art market for open-source intelligence assessments of cultural security. How Should the United States Manage Future Irregular Warfare Challenges? http://www.rand.org/pubs/testimonies/CT374.html Mar 27, 2012 Mar 27, 2012 Based on America's recent experience in irregular warfare and future threats, there are several issues that should be considered: organization, the health of U.S. soldiers and their families, training and education, and inter-agency cooperation. Bringing Libya Under Control http://www.rand.org/commentary/2012/02/25/IHT.html Feb 24, 2012 Feb 24, 2012 While NATO countries and allies like Jordan and Qatar have started to train and equip the security forces, there is more that outsiders can do to help, writes Frederic Wehrey. Characterizing and Exploring the Implications of Maritime Irregular Warfare http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1127.html Feb 20, 2012 Feb 20, 2012 Although irregular warfare includes a range of activities in which naval forces have played an integral role, there has been little examination of the characteristics or potential of such operations in maritime environments. Current notions of irregular warfare would benefit from increased recognition of potential maritime contributions. Conflict with al Qaeda Will Continue Into Its Third Decade, Although Tactics May Change http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP362.html Feb 16, 2012 Feb 16, 2012 While al Qaeda's capacity for large-scale attacks has been drastically reduced and the organization seriously weakened, the United States can expect to continue its battle with the terrorist group for many years to come. Conflict with al Qaeda Will Continue Into Its Third Decade, Although Tactics May Change http://www.rand.org/news/press/2012/02/16/index1.html Feb 16, 2012 Feb 16, 2012 While al Qaeda's capacity for large-scale attacks has been drastically reduced and the organization seriously weakened, the United States can expect to continue its battle with the terrorist group for many years to come.