COVID-19 Options for 2021
The disorganized public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States helped ensure that the nation led the world in infections nearly from the beginning of the pandemic. With vaccines now becoming available, are we over the problem? Not necessarily.
Jan 12, 2021 The RAND Blog
Demystifying the Belt and Road Initiative
Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China works with more than 70 countries to design and implement large infrastructure projects. Why are countries of all stripes turning to China for funding when the world is awash with cash?
Jul 6, 2020 Encompass
Economic Development: A Recipe for Social Cohesion in India
Given the staggering economic challenges that need attention, how might India refocus its attention away from sectarian divides to economic development? While there is no easy answer, focusing on inclusive growth and development might offer one potential route.
Mar 16, 2020 The Hill
City Diplomacy Has Been on the Rise. Policies Are Finally Catching Up
Cities are not signing international treaties, nor do they have embassies around the world. But they can engage in all kinds of negotiations, reach agreements, and influence world politics. The State Department could tap into this power to enhance U.S. diplomacy, global image, and influence.
Nov 22, 2019 United Press International
India and Kashmir, Now One
In a legally risky move that's already having consequences on the ground, the Modi government scrapped the part of the Indian constitution that gave Jammu and Kashmir special autonomous status. How consequential is this? And how should the international community react?
Aug 13, 2019 United Press International
Modi Fans Nationalist Flames, Cruises to Victory in Indian Elections
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2019 victory was a much greater achievement than his equally unexpected victory five years ago. Recognizing his weak position on economic and social issues, Modi shifted his campaign to a nationalist plank, and his party won overwhelmingly even in states where it lost elections just six months prior.
Jun 3, 2019 The Hill
Engagement with North Korea: Small Steps May Matter More Than Big Ones
Kim Jong-Un has said he wants North Korea to become a normal country. Agreeing to a series of short-term measures could reveal his truthfulness as much as large measures could. This could also pave the way to eventually achieving the larger goals.
Feb 21, 2019 RealClearWorld
The Trump-Xi Meeting at G-20: Kicking the Can Down the Road
Much was expected of the discussion at the 2018 G-20 meeting in Buenos Aires between the United States and China on their ongoing trade war. However, nothing of significance emerged. With signs of a global economic slowdown surfacing earlier than expected, the failed outcomes of this meeting could come back to haunt world leaders.
Dec 14, 2018 RealClearWorld
New Pakistan, Old Challenges
While the United States has been voicing concerns about the destabilizing potential of China's Belt and Road Initiative, Pakistan needs the economic stability that initiative could bring. As long as Pakistan remains a poor country, its democracy will be at risk.
Oct 17, 2018 The National Interest
The U.S.-China Trade War: Different Messages
The trade war between the United States and China began with the notification of tariffs on $34 billion of traded goods on each side. Officials on both sides of the Pacific are using different messages to convey the dispute. What are the real impacts likely to be?
Jul 20, 2018 RealClearWorld
Politics in India—Not Business as Usual
India's ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has suffered recent, self-inflicted electoral setbacks. But it is still the best-organized and richest political party in the country. Can opposing alliances defeat the BJP?
Jun 19, 2018 Foreign Policy Concepts
Do States Need Their Own Trade Policies?
Now would not be the first time California's business and trade interests haven't aligned with those of Washington. While it's the federal government, not California, that sets American trade policy, there are steps those in California could consider in order to optimize for trade opportunities abroad.
May 13, 2018 U.S. News & World Report
China's Field of Dreams in Pakistan
China is four years into joint planning and construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a vast economic development package. Beneath the surface, Beijing is testing a new "build it and they will come" model for delivering economic development and foreign aid.
Oct 16, 2017 U.S. News & World Report
The Driving Force Behind China's Ambitious 'Belt and Road Initiative'
By committing trillions of dollars to infrastructure projects across 60 countries, China could transform the lagging economies of the region and place itself in the enviable position of being Asia's true pivot. But the new Silk Road blueprint presents risks as well as benefits.
May 30, 2017 U.S. News & World Report
Is College Worth the Expense? Yes, It Is
Many American students struggle with the soaring cost of higher education. And for many college students, debt can have severe negative implications. But on balance, the benefits of a college degree appear to outweigh the costs.
May 22, 2017 Inside Sources
Could the Kashmir Standoff Trigger Nuclear War?
Militants trained in Pakistan have been raiding the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir for over a quarter of a century, but the recent attack was the deadliest in years. A short-term return to peace remains uncertain and the longer term is even harder to predict.
Oct 10, 2016 Newsweek
Judgment on the South China Sea: What's Next?
On July 12, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines' claims to maritime entitlements in the South China Sea. How China reacts could have far-reaching consequences for all nations that depend on a peaceful and integrated Southeast Asia.
Jul 22, 2016 U.S. News & World Report
Integrating STEM Learning in Early Childhood Education
Young children can understand concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and early development of STEM skills seems to support learning later in life. But an effective teaching system is needed before STEM learning can be fully integrated into early childhood education.
Jun 19, 2016 U.S. News & World Report
Aging in Asia: Can the 'Tigers' Continue to Roar?
Changing demographics will force Japan and the “Asian Tigers” — Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan — to find ways to remain economically dynamic while increasingly looking after their elderly. How might public policy help accomplish this?
Jun 16, 2015 The RAND Blog
In Sri Lanka, Elections Could Signal New Opportunities
With the inauguration of President Maithripala Sirisena in Sri Lanka, both the United States and India have an opportunity to influence reconciliation between the country's Tamils and Sinhalese. But if that influence is used unwisely, the result may be the same sort of aggressive Sinhalese nationalism that propelled Mahinda Rajapaksa to power a decade ago.
Jan 27, 2015 The Epoch Times
College Ratings and Affordable Education
There are reasons to believe American students from the middle- and lower-income tiers aren't making affordable college choices. Can a new ratings system help them make better, more affordable decisions?
Dec 24, 2014 The RAND Blog
Helping Teachers Overcome Technology Barriers in Early Childhood Education
When it comes to helping children appreciate the benefits of using technology in a classroom setting, early childhood education providers play a critical role integrating that technology appropriately, intentionally, and productively. But these educators face myriad barriers to fulfilling these roles.
Nov 21, 2014 The RAND Blog
Access to Technology Is Key to Early Childhood Education
For children from all income classes to benefit from the proper use of technology in early childhood education, providers, families, and children themselves must have access to an adequate technology infrastructure, including devices, connectivity, and software.
Nov 4, 2014 The RAND Blog
The Role of Technology in the Lives of Children
On a typical day, children ages 3-5 spend an average of four hours with technology, and technology use is increasing among children of all ages. Debates about the role of technology in early childhood education are ongoing, with some providers, parents, and others yet to be convinced of its potential benefits.
Oct 10, 2014
India Votes — and What It Might Mean for the United States
If elected, Modi could turn out to be the politician that India's Congress accuses him of being, focusing on an internal agenda that discourages foreign engagement. The U.S. would no doubt prefer that he follow the economic course he charted in Gujarat.
May 5, 2014 GlobalSecurity.org and The RAND Blog
Instead of Promoting STEM Education Indiscriminately, Try This
With all the evidence demonstrating the importance of STEM education for success in the 21st century, well-intentioned policymakers may be tempted to indiscriminately promote all STEM curricula, across all levels of education. But unpacking what STEM really means reveals the need for a more nuanced approach.
Mar 31, 2014 The RAND Blog
Four Issues That RUSA's Plans for Research Universities Ought To Address
The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, or National Higher Education Mission, is the key implementing initiative of the Indian government's 12th Five Year Plan for higher education. It promotes three policy priorities in higher education — equity, expansion, and excellence.
Mar 18, 2014 EduTech Magazine
What to Make of P-TECH Schools
There is no doubting the viability of STEM skills in the 21st century job market and the long-term benefits of going to college. But the P-TECH program could be promising for two reasons that have nothing to do with technology.
Feb 21, 2014 The RAND Blog
India Embraces MOOCs, but What if It Is a 'Lousy Product'?
One hundred engineering colleges around India will rely heavily on virtual instruction under a new program. Given the amount India is investing, it is important to make the best possible use of the complex and evolving Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) model.
Jan 8, 2014 Business Standard
Making Colleges More Affordable
President Obama has released a plan to make colleges more affordable for the middle class. The plan calls for linking federal student aid to college performance, capping student loans at 10% of income, and incentivizing innovative instructional approaches to cut costs and improve quality.
Aug 26, 2013 The RAND Blog
The Cost of Higher Education: The Big Picture
According to Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan, tuition is becoming less affordable because institutions are not performance-oriented and thus do not use their funding wisely. But would a more efficient system really bring measurable reductions in tuition costs?
Jul 12, 2013 The RAND Blog
Increase Funds for Quality
In India, perhaps if the funds that are needed are put in with the help of philanthropists like Shiv Nadar, Azim Premji or Rajendra Pawar, it may be possible to build world class universities, writes Rafiq Dossani.
Apr 15, 2013 EduTech Magazine
