RAND Research Topic: Terrorism and Homeland Security

Is ISIS Leader Baghdadi Still Alive?

Jun 22, 2017

The Russian military announced that it might have killed the leader of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in an airstrike in Raqqa. Would his death weaken the group or will ISIS continue to adapt, evolve, and expand like al Qaeda did?

What Factors Cause Individuals to Reject Violent Extremism in Yemen?

May 22, 2017

Why do some individuals engage in political violence in Yemen, while others do not? Using a unique national survey, we examine the role that social, political, and economic factors play on individual behavior toward violence during Yemen's civil war.

The Terrorist Diaspora: After the Fall of the Caliphate

Jul 13, 2017

As operations against ISIS in Mosul conclude, militants are likely already fleeing—and preparing to wage jihad elsewhere. How can the United States identify and mitigate the threat posed by these foreign fighters?

How Al-Qaida Could Resurge

Jul 13, 2017

Several factors may impact al-Qaida's rise or decline over the next several years. Most of these are outside of al-Qaida's control, but much would depend on how al-Qaida or similar groups responded to them.

The Evolving Terrorist Threat

Jul 12, 2017

As ISIS loses territory in Iraq and Syria, are terrorist attacks more likely or less? How is the group evolving? What about al-Qa'ida? To answer these questions, RAND convened a group of terrorism experts.

RAND Experts to Testify Before Congress on Terrorist Threats

Jul 11, 2017

Seth Jones, Director of the International Security and Defense Policy Center, will testify before the House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Colin Clarke, a political scientist at RAND, will testify before the House Homeland Security Committee's Task Force on Denying Terrorists Entry into the United States.

Peter Norton: Entrepreneur, Art Collector, and RAND Advisory Board Member

Jul 3, 2017

When the Saudi kingdom hired RAND in the 1980s to advise its information technology industry on the best bets for future investment, RAND researchers consulted expert Peter Norton to back up their findings. Norton has supported RAND ever since.

Cyber Power Potential of the Army's Reserve Component

Jun 15, 2017

Describes the availability of personnel with cyber skills in the private sector and the number of Army reserve component soldiers available to support the Army's cyber mission needs.

Social Media Analysis Could Support Information Operations

Jun 14, 2017

Social media analysis could provide a window into the perspectives and communications of adversaries and other key audiences. If DoD seeks to expand its capability in this area, it must navigate U.S. law, cultural norms, and other issues.

Could Stateless Attribution Promote International Cyber Accountability?

Jun 2, 2017

The public may respond to government claims about who is behind a cyberattack with suspicion and confusion. Could an independent, global organization for cyber attribution help?

National Security Issues in the 115th Congress

May 30, 2017

RAND experts testify and answer questions for congressional staff on a variety of national security topics. For the 115th Congress , RAND offers insights into the Russian threat, China's military transformation, the Syrian conflict, and terrorism.

Rolling Back the Islamic State

May 25, 2017

RAND research finds that the preferable option for countering the Islamic State is a rollback strategy that relies on local forces backed by U.S. special operations forces, intelligence assets, and airpower.

Undermining Violent Extremism in Yemen

May 22, 2017

In the past 50 years, Yemen has faced significant political instability, including multiple civil wars. Why might Yemenis reject political violence despite persistent conflict and unrest? And how can the United States and its partners undermine violent extremism?

The U.S. Strategy to Defeat the Islamic State Needs an Overhaul

May 8, 2017

A broader strategy to beat the Islamic State should address the conditions that allowed the group to emerge and thrive. A long-term commitment is required to establish legitimate governance in Iraq and Syria and reconcile the disenfranchised Sunni Arab populations with their governments.

The Evolution of U.S. Military Policy

May 4, 2017

Many assume there is a “traditional” U.S. military policy. But today's set of foundational laws for the Army wasn't an inevitable interpretation of the Constitution. Rather, it was the result of gradual changes to statutory law.

The Need for Cognitive Security

Apr 27, 2017

The United States needs a strategy to counter information operations conducted by Russia and other adversaries. The rapid evolution of technology complicates this challenge.

U.S. Policy Toward Afghanistan and the Region

Apr 27, 2017

Afghanistan remains a key frontline state in the struggle against terrorist groups. With that in mind, the United States should make Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan an enduring part of its counterterrorism efforts.

RAND Expert to Testify on Afghanistan's Terrorist Resurgence Before House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Apr 26, 2017

Seth Jones, Director of the International Security and Defense Policy Center at the RAND Corporation, will testify on “Afghanistan's Terrorist Resurgence: Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Beyond” before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in the United States House of Representatives.

How to Empower ISIS Opponents on Twitter

Apr 21, 2017

ISIS supporters on average produce 50 percent more tweets per day than ISIS opponents. It's critical to empower ISIS opponents on Twitter by drawing on lessons from the marketing industry.

How to Address Mali's Terrorist Problem

Apr 20, 2017

The terrorist threat in Mali is growing, but the country's military remains largely ineffective. Mali can't handle the threat without outside help. How can the United States engage Mali and other partners to help foster greater security and stability?