Countering Violent Islamist Extremism: The Value of Words Over War
It is highly probable that the world will witness more attacks on civilian-centric locations as groups like the Islamic State group try to prove their continued relevance. Governments need a more nuanced strategy aimed at helping communities counter the conditions that contribute to extremist violence.
Sep 1, 2017 U.S. News & World Report
China and America's Coming Battle for Southeast Asia
Although China and the U.S. are both in a position to influence the process of ASEAN integration, ultimately it will be up to the Association itself to cement internal cohesion, achieve centrality, and thereby remain a relevant player in the emerging Asian order.
Mar 17, 2015 The National Interest
Myanmar's Slow Path to Democracy
The U.S. and its allies must act decisively and provide a strong foundation for Myanmar's long-term transformation. A failure to carefully guide the country's successful transition to a civilian rule would be a missed opportunity for the Obama administration and, more important, for Myanmar's 51 million citizens.
Nov 17, 2014 al Jazeera
The Faceless National Security Threat
The rapid, uncontrolled spread of aggressive diseases such as Ebola is often a matter of national security. U.S. intelligence professionals must establish relevant information collection and dissemination mechanisms to deal with such contingencies.
Sep 10, 2014 U.S. News & World Report
Six Takeaways from the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa
No amount of research can save those who've already perished from Ebola in West Africa, but our capacity to learn from such tragedies is a silver lining that has historically enhanced global resilience to disease. With that in mind, here are six key lessons from the outbreak.
Aug 8, 2014 The RAND Blog
Somali Piracy All About Economics
The average Somali lives on less than $2 a day. Even fishermen, who are comparatively well off by national standards, face difficulties making a living due to the chronic depletion of sea stocks from years of poaching and illegal dumping of toxic waste. Under such circumstances, the allure of piracy is clear.
Oct 11, 2013 USA Today
U.S. Sanctions Against Myanmar Need to Go
Washington now has to ask itself whether its goals can best be met with these restrictions in place or whether it is time to recognize the fundamental changes that are taking place in Myanmar and forge a new relationship with its leaders based on full government-to-government relations, writes Peter Chalk.
Oct 2, 2013 U.S. News & World Report
America and India: Growing Partners in Afghanistan
A comprehensive Indian military training effort in Afghanistan would balance Pakistan's own involvement in the country, build upon a decade of American achievements in fighting the Taliban and al-Qaeda, and contribute to peace and security in the region, write Larry Hanauer and Peter Chalk.
Aug 10, 2012 The Diplomat
Strengthen the Bond
In the long run, a more robust Indian military role in Afghanistan represents one of the best ways to advance New Delhi's strategic interests while fostering Kabul's continued security and economic development after US and NATO forces begin to withdraw in 2014, write Larry Hanauer and Peter Chalk.
Jul 12, 2012 Hindustan Times
What Is the Terrorism Threat Now? The Local Level
How should police and intelligence agencies deal with the specter of homegrown terrorism? One of the best tools available is intelligence gleaned from the local community, writes Peter Chalk.
Mar 10, 2011 NYTimes.com
Stormy Seas off Somalia
Only by addressing the poverty and lack of central authority in Somalia can the international community lower maritime crime and violence off the Horn of Africa, writes Peter Chalk.
Feb 28, 2011 Los Angeles Times
An Old Scourge Needs a Modern Solution
Piracy is a crime at sea, but it starts on land. To thwart the Somali piracy career path, the world community should put funds toward protecting local fishing grounds and building a national coast guard capability in Somalia, writes Peter Chalk.
Sep 3, 2010 International Herald Tribune
Below the Radar
The string of recent arrests involving American citizens in terror plots against the U.S. have highlighted what appears to be a trend in transnational Islamist terrorism: growing domestic radicalization, writes Peter Chalk.
Mar 18, 2010 NYTimes.com
On Dry Land - The Onshore Drivers of Piracy
Piracy is a growing international problem, primarily around the Horn of Africa. The international response has been largely military in nature and focused exclusively on the maritime theatre, ignoring key land drivers of piracy, which will resurface once the military actions end, write Peter Chalk and Laurence Smallman.
Jul 3, 2009 Jane's Intelligence Review online
Opposing View: Keep Arms Off Ships
Does the provision of private security contractors provide a viable solution to the growing problem of piracy off the Horn of Africa? Quite apart from the high cost — a robust security operation can run as much as $21,000 a day — employing security contractors poses problems on several fronts, writes Peter Chalk.
May 4, 2009 USA Today
Piracy Still Threatens the Freedom of the Seas
As recent events off the Horn of Africa have demonstrated, armed violence at sea is emerging as a growing threat.... Piracy, in particular, threatens the freedom of the seas, increases the cost of international business, endangers political security through corruption, and could trigger a major environmental disaster, write Peter Chalk, Laurence Smallman.
Apr 3, 2009 RFERL.org, the website of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty
Piracy Needs Regional Answer
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.... What's needed is a less dramatic and more nuanced approach, one with a greater focus on the land-based violence in Somalia, home of the pirates, writes Peter Chalk.
Nov 25, 2008 United Press International
Tighten Up Mass-Transit Security
Published commentary by RAND staff: Tighten Up Mass-Transit Security, in Newsday.
Aug 22, 2006 Newsday
Can We Learn from Others?
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Apr 15, 2004 Wall Street Journal
AIDS Can Threaten National Stability
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Sep 24, 2002 United Press International
Re-Thinking U.S. Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Sep 21, 2001 San Diego Union Tribune
Pakistan's Role in the Kashmir Insurgency
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Sep 1, 2001 Jane's Intelligence Review
U.S. Environmental Groups and 'Leaderless Resistance'
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Jul 1, 2001 Jane's Intelligence Review
Africa Suffers Wave of Maritime Violence
Southeast Asia and, especially Indonesia, continues to constitute the main area of concern when it comes to maritime piracy, typically accounting for over half the attacks reported in any given year. However, Africa is experiencing an increasingly serious problem, particularly around the Horn on the continent's east coast and the western stretch of waters from Guinea to Nigeria.
Apr 1, 2001 Jane's Intelligence Review
Light Arms Trading in SE Asia
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Mar 1, 2001 Jane's Intelligence Review
The US Agricultural Sector: A New Target for Terrorism?
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Feb 9, 2001 Jane's Intelligence Review
