Howard J. Shatz

@HowardJShatz on Twitter

Senior Economist; Professor of Policy Analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Washington Office

Education

Ph.D. in public policy, Harvard University; M.I.A. in international policy analysis and management, Middle East studies, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University; Post-graduate study in Middle East studies, Tel Aviv University; A.B. in history, Brown University

One Page Bio

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Howard J. Shatz is a senior economist at the RAND Corporation and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. He specializes in international economics and economics and national security. His RAND research has included economic issues related to Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine; economic competition and the U.S. role in the global economic order; great power competition in the Middle East; the Chinese and Russian economies; China-Israel relations; labor-market reform in Mongolia; the finances and management of the Islamic State and its predecessors; civil service reform, development policies, labor markets, and statistical systems in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq; and the development of socio-economic strategy by governments. From 2007 to 2008, he was on leave from RAND, serving as a senior economist at the U.S. President's Council of Economic Advisers. Shatz has written journal articles, book chapters, and policy reports on trade and labor markets, exchange rates and economic performance, the geography of international investment, services trade, and trade barriers and low-income countries. Before joining RAND, he was a research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, where he focused on California and the global economy. Shatz has held research fellowships at the Brookings Institution and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve and has worked as a consultant to the World Bank and on advisory projects for countries in Latin America, Africa, and South Asia. He holds a Ph.D. in public policy from Harvard University.

Research Focus

Previous Positions

Senior Economist, U.S. President's Council of Economic Advisers; Research Fellow, Public Policy Institute of California

Recent Projects

The U.S. business community and U.S.-China economic policy
Global economic consequences of COVID-19
Economic competition in the 21st century
China, Russia, and the United States in the Middle East
China in the developing world

Selected Publications

Shatz, Howard J., Disruption Without Change: The Consequences of COVID-19 on the Global Economic Balance, RAND Corporation (RR-A1464-1), 2022

Wasser, Becca, Howard J. Shatz, John J. Drennan, Andrew Scobell, Brian G. Carlson, and Yvonne K. Crane, Crossroads of Competition: China, Russia, and the United States in the Middle East, RAND Corporation (RR-A325-1), 2022

Shatz, Howard J., Economic Competition in the 21st Century, RAND Corporation (RR-4188), 2020

Johnston, Patrick B., Mona Alami, Colin P. Clarke, and Howard J. Shatz, Return and Expand? The Finances and Prospects of the Islamic State After the Caliphate, RAND Corporation (RR-3046), 2019

Scobell, Andrew, Bonny Lin, Howard J. Shatz, Michael Johnson, Larry Hanauer, Michael S. Chase, Astrid Stuth Cevallos, Ivan W. Rasmussen, Arthur Chan, Aaron Strong, Eric Warner, and Logan Ma, At the Dawn of Belt and Road: China in the Developing World, RAND Corporation (RR-2273), 2018

Shatz, Howard J., Louay Constant, Francisco Perez-Arce, Eric Robinson, Robin L. Beckman, Haijing Crystal Huang, Peter Glick, and Bonnie Ghosh-Dastidar, Improving the Mongolian Labor Market and Enhancing Opportunities for Youth, RAND Corporation (RR-1092), 2015

Gustavo Bobonis, Howard J. Shatz, "Agglomeration, Adjustment, and State Policies in the Location of Foreign Direct Investment in the United States," The Review of Economics and Statistics, 89(1), 2007

Orley Ashenfelter, Stephen Ciccarella, Howard J. Shatz, "French Wine and the U.S. Boycott of 2003: Does Politics Really Affect Commerce?" Journal of Wine Economics, 2(1), 2007

Honors & Awards

2013 Silver Merit Award, RAND Corporation
2011 Gold Merit Award, RAND Corporation

Recent Media Appearances

Interviews: BBC Radio 5 Live; BBC World Service; Calcalist; Cheddar; CNBC; i24news, Israel; J-Air; Jazeera America; NPR; Rudaw English, Kurdistan & Iraq; Voice of America; Who What Why

Commentary: The Cleveland Plain Dealer; The Diplomat; Fox News Channel; GlobalSecurity.org; The Hill; The National Interest; Newsweek; New York Daily News; Politico; U.S. News & World Report; War on the Rocks

Commentary

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The End of the U.S. COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Q&A with RAND Experts
We asked RAND experts to reflect on the past three years: What were the effects on the United States and around the world, what has changed, what are the most important takeaways, what was done right, and what was done wrong? At the same time, they looked ahead to what might be done to mitigate the health and geopolitical impacts of future pandemics.
May 8, 2023
The RAND Blog
Ukraine

One Year After Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: Experts React
We asked nearly 30 RAND experts to highlight takeaways from the first year of Russia's all-out war—and share what they're watching as the conflict in Ukraine grinds on. Here's what they said.
Feb 20, 2023
Earthquakes

Earthquake in Turkey, Syria: Insights from RAND Researchers
Thousands of people have been confirmed dead in one the strongest earthquakes to hit Turkey and Syria in the past century. As search-and-rescue missions ended and recovery began, a handful of RAND researchers shared some of their initial thoughts.
Feb 14, 2023
The RAND Blog
Nation Building

Politics of Ukrainian Reconstruction
When fighting subsides, Ukraine may undergo reconstruction on the scale of the post–World War II Marshall Plan. Debate is ramping up about core issues, such as the scope of reconstruction, sources of funding, and reforms needed for success. Ukraine and the West might begin now to forge consensus on these issues.
Nov 30, 2022
The Hill
Middle East

American Investment in Mideast to Stay Focused on Larger Economies Amid Ukraine War
China is often viewed as the economic powerhouse in the Middle East, but the United States has extensive trade, investment, and financial links. U.S. economic involvement in the Middle East is likely to stay focused on larger markets in line with economic growth, without dramatic shifts in location or magnitude.
Sep 30, 2022
Al-Monitor
Ukraine

Rebuilding Ukraine
By leveraging better investment conditions and reforms and broad international support, Ukraine could carry out a well-executed reconstruction program once the fighting ends. It might repair much of the war damage and help Ukraine move into the ranks of faster-growing European economies.
Apr 18, 2022
United Press International
Russia

Russia and Ukraine: The Economic Consequences of Peace
Amid some hopeful signs in Russian-Ukrainian ceasefire talks, it may be useful to keep in mind that the West could gain substantial economic leverage to influence outcomes during and after Russia's war against Ukraine. How it uses this leverage could have far-reaching consequences.
Apr 8, 2022
The Hill
Russia

Russia's Tragic Failure to Reform Its Economy
Russia's invasion of Ukraine and resulting sanctions will likely devastate Russia's economy. If the country had taken a more productive economic course over the past two decades, it might be looking toward a different future—one in which economic reforms had more tightly integrated Russia with the economically advanced countries, enhanced Russian influence and power, and built global trust.
Apr 7, 2022
The Moscow Times
Syria

The Power and Limits of Threat: The Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act at One Year
A powerful new U.S. sanctions law on Syria came into effect one year ago, with great notice and speculation regarding its potential effects. Now, one year later, it is apparent that the act's power lies not in who the United States has sanctioned but in who the United States could sanction.
Jul 8, 2021
RealClearDefense
Politics and Government

How America Can Help Re-Shape the Post-Soviet Countries
For the post-Soviet states, development could bring better living standards and social conditions and promote more stable politics and inclusive governance. The West would make the most difference by focusing on mid-ranked states, especially those undertaking reforms.
May 17, 2021
The National Interest
Russia

Belarusian Mortgage on Russia's Future
In September, President Vladimir Putin signaled that Russia was throwing its weight behind embattled Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. But any move to enforce Putin's will in Belarus could invite tougher Western sanctions and scare investors. This would exacerbate problems facing Russia's flagging economy.
Oct 5, 2020
The Moscow Times
Syria

With Rollout of Caesar Sanctions on Syria, U.S. Is Just Getting Started in New Bid to End War
In June, the U.S. government announced the implementation of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act with a flurry of sanctions against 39 people and entities connected with the Assad regime. There is much more to come. Syria, and Russia and Iran, have not yet felt the Caesar Act in full force.
Jul 22, 2020
RealClearDefense
Small Businesses

A Path to Recovery from COVID-19 for Small Businesses
The COVID-19 pandemic has hammered small businesses around the United States. We spoke with 21 small business owners to learn more about the challenges they are facing and how they might best be helped.
Jun 25, 2020
The RAND Blog
Russia

Why Russia Struggles to Feed Its Great-Power Addiction
Russia has become less cooperative and pursued more autarky in recent years. If Moscow continues this path of resisting globalization, it could be left behind.
May 11, 2020
The National Interest
Military Budgets and Defense Spending

Defense Budget Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a dramatic toll on the U.S. economy. This could have significant medium-term implications for the U.S. defense budget. The U.S. Department of Defense will need to find efficiencies that are of at least the same magnitude as the recent sequestration.
Apr 7, 2020
RealClearDefense
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Economic Consequences of COVID-19 in the Middle East: Implications for U.S. National Security
The global COVID-19 pandemic will have a dramatic effect on economies across the globe. But the Middle East may be particularly affected, given the simultaneous fall in oil prices. The economic consequences of this pandemic are also likely to affect U.S. interests in the region.
Apr 1, 2020
The RAND Blog
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The Economic Wallop of COVID-19: Q&A with RAND Experts
As Washington continues to weigh economic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, here are insights from RAND experts on how aid money might be best allocated, how this crisis compares to the 2008 recession, what business communities can do right now, and more.
Mar 26, 2020
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The Social Distancing Economy: Q&A with RAND Experts
Congress and the White House are weighing economic policies to help people acutely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Here are insights from RAND experts on what might be effective in terms of fiscal policy, stimulus spending, and emergency relief to affected workers.
Mar 18, 2020
International Diplomacy

A Warming Trend in China–Russia Relations
The China–Russia relationship is indeed growing across military, economic, and political dimensions. But it is still more anchored in shared grievances than in common visions. Both countries contest U.S. interests, but in different ways. Washington should treat them as separate strategic challenges.
Apr 18, 2019
The Diplomat
Syria

The Syrian Civil War Is Coming to an End
Coalition forces have driven ISIS from its final patch of territory in Syria. But the bigger challenge will be ending the ongoing civil war and rebuilding Syria to bring home millions of refugees and internally displaced people. This means creating a state that can provide safety, security, and opportunity that forestalls further rebellion and devastation.
Apr 8, 2019
Newsweek
United Kingdom

Life After Brexit Need Not Be a Disaster for the UK
Leaving the European Union without a deal will be costly for Britain. But there are actions that could be taken now to help improve the economic prospects of a fully independent UK.
Mar 18, 2019
The Hill
Russia

Russia Chooses Paupers as Partners, with Questionable Benefit
By leveraging the efficiencies of globalization and cultivating ties with prosperous partners, Russia could increase its economic potential and improve living standards for its people. And by engaging more positively with the world, it could gain influence in the forums that matter, such as the G20 and multilateral institutions.
Feb 14, 2019
Newsweek
International Trade Law

Why Political Risks May Dampen World Economies in 2018
The world economy has reached its strongest point since the global financial crisis a decade ago. But rising political risks may cloud prospects in 2018 and perhaps beyond.
Jan 7, 2018
Fox News Channel
Military Budgets and Defense Spending

The Long-Term Budget Shortfall and National Security: A Problem the United States Should Stop Avoiding
Bold promises and even actions that balance the budget for the short term should not mask the fact that the U.S. government has failed to face its long-term budget problems. Without changes, the ability to pay for many functions — including defense — will rely wholly on borrowed money.
Nov 6, 2017
War on the Rocks
International Economic Relations

King Salman and Putin Deals Leave the U.S. Out in the Cold
Riyadh plans to invest in Russian energy assets and possibly arms. The deals will lead to the manufacture of arms in Saudi Arabia and likely the transfer of military technology. These agreements thwart the U.S.- and EU-led sanctions regime and send an important signal to Washington.
Oct 4, 2017
Newsweek
United States

The Made-in-America Global Security and Economic System Still Serves U.S. Interests
The next U.S. president will have many willing partners and an opportunity to expand the global system of security and economic institutions in a way that will help the United States and the world for decades.
Oct 26, 2016
The Cleveland Plain Dealer
Security Cooperation

Economic Benefits of U.S. Overseas Security Commitments Appear to Outweigh Costs
U.S. policymakers should carefully weigh the potential losses against the potential gains when considering the desirability of large-scale retrenchments of U.S. overseas security commitments.
Sep 23, 2016
The RAND Blog
Eliminating Jobs or Strengthening the Economy? The Impact of Trade Policies on the American Worker
The enormous benefits of trade include economic growth, more variety for industry and consumers, and lower prices. But trade can displace some American workers. Training programs, relocation assistance, and wage insurance can help.
Aug 30, 2016
The RAND Blog
International Economic Relations

Grasping the Brexit Moment for Free Trade
The United Kingdom's surprising vote to exit the EU turned another tricky day into a possible social crisis. But where there is crisis, there is also opportunity, and the vote presents an opening for another step forward of global trade and investment liberalization.
Jul 1, 2016
The National Interest
Counterterrorism

Striking Back at the Islamic State's Foreign Fighter Pipeline
Islamic State training camps are the breeding grounds of tomorrow's Brussels or Paris attacks, and their consistent penchant for training foreigners suggests that military and security officials need to get serious about how to deal with returnees from Iraq and Syria.
May 31, 2016
The National Interest
International Diplomacy

The U.S.-China Summit Is More Significant for Xi Jinping Than Obama
The Xi-Obama summit will provide the opportunity to discuss contentious issues like cybersecurity and the South China Sea, as well as other issues, such as climate change and economic cooperation. For Xi, the visit underscores the tremendous importance of messaging to a Chinese audience the narrative of a continued stable and robust partnership with the country that matters most to China politically and economically.
Sep 24, 2015
U.S. News & World Report
Iraq

Iraq Is Bankrolling ISIL
Iraq continues to fund ISIL by continuing salaries to the many Iraqi government employees who live in ISIL-controlled territory. That fact is a reminder of how poorly the country has been governed.
May 26, 2015
Politico
The Islamic State (Terrorist Organization)

Experts React to ISIS's Gruesome Execution of Jordanian Pilot
A grisly video released yesterday by ISIS appears to show Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kasaesbeh burned alive in a cage. Why the shift away from beheadings? What does the execution mean for Jordan? What implications will it have for ISIS?
Feb 4, 2015
Terrorism Financing

To Defeat the Islamic State, Follow the Money
ISIS, likely the world's richest terrorist organization, has bills to pay and mouths to feed. If U.S. President Obama wants to defeat them, he should follow the money.
Sep 10, 2014
Politico
Terrorism Financing

How ISIS Funds Its Reign of Terror
ISIS raises much of its money just as a well-organized criminal gang would do. It smuggles, it extorts, it skims, it fences, it kidnaps and it shakes down. Although supposedly religiously inspired, its actions are more like those of an organized criminal cult.
Sep 8, 2014
New York Daily News
Global Security

Glimpse of bin Laden Techniques in Captured Records of al-Qa'ida in Iraq
Captured financial documents of al-Qa'ida's Iraq affiliate in Anbar Province revealed its internal operations and enabled one of the most comprehensive assessments of an al-Qa'ida linked group, write Benjamin Bahney, Renny McPherson, and Howard J. Shatz.
May 27, 2011
RAND.org and GlobalSecurity.org

Publications

Report
Countering Violent Nonstate Actor Financing: Revenue Sources, Financing Strategies, and Tools of Disruption
Disrupting the financing that violent nonstate actors require is critical for degrading such groups. This report examines the methods used to disrupt this financing and how the Army can contribute to the effort.
May 16, 2023
Report
Countering Chinese Coercion: Multilateral Responses to PRC Economic Pressure Campaigns
China has made increasingly belligerent use of its economic leverage, while affected states have often been left to respond on their own. The authors propose that the United States organize a multilateral response and evaluate ways to do so.
Dec 14, 2022
Report
Renewing U.S. Security Policy in the Middle East
Outlining a new approach to the role of the United States in the Middle East, the authors consider a broad range of U.S. security interests and recommend integrated, proactive measures to protect those interests and reduce conflict in the region.
Sep 22, 2022
Report
Bridging the Gap: Assessing U.S. Business Community Support for U.S.-China Competition
The authors assess how the U.S. business community viewed Trump administration policies designed to counter China's anticompetitive economic behaviors and how to improve support from the business community in U.S. competition with China.
May 16, 2022
Report
Disruption Without Change: The Consequences of COVID-19 on the Global Economic Balance
The author reviews the economic track record of the United States, its competitors, and its allies to discern how economic changes induced by the COVID-19 pandemic could affect geopolitical competition and the security environment.
Mar 21, 2022
Report
Crossroads of Competition: China, Russia, and the United States in the Middle East
This report details the political, economic, and military interests and activities of China and Russia in the Middle East and identifies where those efforts contest, intersect, or complement U.S. interests and activities.
Feb 2, 2022
Report
A Guide to Extreme Competition with China
The U.S.-China competitive dynamic is at a critical crossroads. Policymakers can benefit from a new framework for thinking about this challenge and realistic and actionable recommendations that are sensitive to the limits of U.S. competitiveness.
Dec 1, 2021
Report
China-Russia Cooperation: Determining Factors, Future Trajectories, Implications for the United States
Since 2014, China and Russia have strengthened their relationship. In this report, the authors seek to understand the impact of the Chinese-Russian relationship on the United States and implications for future U.S. policy.
Oct 12, 2021
Report
A Targeted Industry Approach for Raising Quality Private-Sector Employment in Saudi Arabia
To help the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia develop its private sector and generate quality employment for Saudi citizens, the authors of this report assess the potential for Saudi Arabia to develop a specific industry: food manufacturing.
Jul 29, 2021
Report
Recovery in the U.S. Virgin Islands: Progress, Challenges, and Options for the Future
This report provides analysis to help the U.S. Virgin Islands accelerate recovery from the 2017 hurricanes. It describes goals, accomplishments, challenges, and steps needed to improve recovery capacities, infrastructure, the economy, and services.
Nov 11, 2020
Report
The Future of Warfare Boxed Set
This series of reports examines the key geopolitical, economic, environmental, geographic, legal, informational, and military trends that will shape the contours of conflict between now and 2030.
Aug 26, 2020
Report
Economic Competition in the 21st Century
Taking a wide-ranging look at economic competition and the use of economics as a geopolitical tool, the author explains how countries compete, why this economic competition is relevant to the U.S. armed forces, and what the policy implications are.
Jul 17, 2020
Report
Preserving Small Businesses: Small-Business Owners Speak About Surviving the COVID-19 Pandemic
With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic causing severe economic dislocations, interviews with 21 business owners revealed concerns about a need for assistance in covering fixed operating costs and about worker safety.
May 22, 2020
Report
Weighing U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Iraq: Strategic Risks and Recommendations
Supporting a stable and friendly Iraq is in the long-term interest of the United States, and this requires maintaining a small force of military advisers to help train and develop Iraqi military capabilities so that Iraq can defend itself.
May 19, 2020
Report
The Future of Warfare in 2030: Project Overview and Conclusions
This report is the overview in a series that seeks to answer questions about the future of warfare, including who might be the United States' adversaries and allies, where conflicts will be fought, and how and why they might occur.
May 11, 2020
Report
Global Economic Trends and the Future of Warfare: The Changing Global Environment and Its Implications for the U.S. Air Force
This volume of the Future of Warfare series examines economic trends that could affect U.S. national security, including pressure on the global trading system, the rise of China, searches for new resources, and the decreasing power of U.S. sanctions.
May 11, 2020
Research Brief
Peering into the Crystal Ball: Holistically Assessing the Future of Warfare
This brief summarizes a series of reports about the geopolitical, economic, environmental, legal, informational, and military trends that are likely shape the contours of conflict through 2030.
May 11, 2020
Report
Return and Expand? The Finances and Prospects of the Islamic State After the Caliphate
With the end of its territorial caliphate, the Islamic State will almost certainly attempt a comeback. This report examines how it might finance such an effort.
Aug 8, 2019
Report
Extending Russia: Competing from Advantageous Ground
As the U.S. National Defense Strategy recognizes the United States is currently locked in a great-power competition with Russia. This report analyzes how the United States can compete to its own advantage and capitalize on Russia's weaknesses.
Apr 24, 2019
Research Brief
Overextending and Unbalancing Russia: Assessing the Impact of Cost-Imposing Options
This brief summarizes a report that comprehensively examines non-violent, cost-imposing options that could be pursued to overextend and unbalance the Russian regime.
Apr 24, 2019
Report
The Evolving Israel-China Relationship
Since the early 2000s, relations between China and Israel have expanded in terms of trade, investment, and educational partnerships. This report examines Israel-China relations and assesses their implications for Israel and the United States.
Mar 21, 2019
Report
Russia Is a Rogue, Not a Peer; China Is a Peer, Not a Rogue: Different Challenges, Different Responses
This Perspective assesses the strategic competition among Russia, China, and the United States for global influence.
Jan 28, 2019
Report
At the Dawn of Belt and Road: China in the Developing World
China has always felt vulnerable, and, in the 1990s, it began forming agreements with other nations, eventually culminating in the Belt and Road Initiative. The authors analyze China's engagement with the Developing World.
Oct 16, 2018
Report
After Brexit: Alternate forms of Brexit and their implications for the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States
RAND explored eight plausible post-Brexit trade scenarios involving the UK, EU and U.S. after Brexit. Game theory insights were also used to create a better understanding of how a variety of factors might affect the outcome of Brexit negotiations.
Dec 11, 2017
Tool
Potential Economic Effects of Brexit: Implications for the United Kingdom, European Union, and United States
This online calculator lets users explore five plausible post-Brexit trade scenarios involving the UK, EU and U.S. after Brexit and develop a custom scenario by modifying underlying economic assumptions.
Dec 11, 2017
Report
Conflict with China Revisited: Prospects, Consequences, and Strategies for Deterrence
Although armed conflict between the United States and China is not likely, the possibility is real enough to require prudent policies and effective deterrent measures.
Oct 2, 2017
Report
Financial Futures of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant: Findings from a RAND Corporation Workshop
This report describes the likely evolution of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant finances under three scenarios: a continuation of the current campaign, a negotiated settlement in Syria and political accommodation in Iraq, and military victory.
Mar 29, 2017
Report
Counternetwork: Countering the Expansion of Transnational Criminal Networks
This report presents operational characteristics of transnational criminal networks originating in South America, identifies U.S. government policies and programs to counter these networks, and examines the military's role in that context.
Jan 27, 2017
Research Brief
Exploring America's Role in a Turbulent World: Strategic Rethink
This brief outlines the Strategic Rethink project and describes research documented in the final volume of the project, focusing on three different strategic orientations to satisfy the greatest number of U.S. interests and objectives.
Jan 18, 2017
Report
Strategic Choices for a Turbulent World: In Pursuit of Security and Opportunity
This report is the last of a series in which RAND explores the elements of a national strategy for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, in this new era of turbulence and uncertainty. Three alternative strategic concepts are presented.
Jan 18, 2017
Report
U.S. Consumer Preferences for Telephone and Internet Services: Evidence from the RAND American Life Panel
This report analyzes data on fixed telephone (landline), mobile telephone, fixed Internet, and mobile Internet service preferences. It provides population-level estimates of the services found in U.S. households and the importance of each service.
Nov 17, 2016
Report
Estimating the Value of Overseas Security Commitments
In an era of intensifying debate over U.S. funding and resources, RAND researchers explore whether and to what extent the United States derives economic benefits from its overseas security commitments.
Sep 22, 2016
Research Brief
Economic Benefits of U.S. Overseas Security Commitments Could Far Outweigh Costs
Amid intensifying debate over U.S. funding and resources, RAND researchers find that the economic benefits of U.S. overseas security commitments could far exceed the costs.
Sep 22, 2016
Tool
Estimating the Value of Overseas Security Commitments: An Interactive Visualization
Researchers estimated that U.S. economic losses from major retrenchments of overseas security commitments would be more than triple any gains. This visualization compares different estimated gains and losses from selected retrenchment levels and selected tax, spending, and trade multipliers.
Sep 22, 2016
Report
U.S. International Economic Strategy in a Turbulent World
The goal of U.S. international economic policy is to contribute to national economic growth and prosperity. This report presents the strategic choices America faces regarding the international economy over the term of the next U.S. administration.
Jun 21, 2016
Research Brief
Charting the U.S. Role in the World Economy
This brief describes a report presenting the strategic choices the United States faces regarding the international economy over the term of the next presidential administration.
Jun 21, 2016
Report
Foundations of the Islamic State: Management, Money, and Terror in Iraq, 2005–2010
Drawing from 140 recently declassified documents, this report presents a comprehensive account of the organization, territorial designs, management, personnel policies, and finances of the Islamic State of Iraq and its predecessor, al-Qa'ida in Iraq.
May 18, 2016
Report
Developing Long-Term Socioeconomic Strategy in Israel: Institutions, Processes, and Supporting Information
Researchers have recommendations for how the Israeli government may apply a strategic perspective toward socioeconomic issues and develop a formal socioeconomic strategy should it wish to do so.
Apr 25, 2016
Report
Building the Future: Summary of Four Studies to Develop the Private Sector, Education, Health Care, and Data for Decisionmaking for the Kurdistan Region — Iraq
This report summarizes four studies intended to help the Kurdistan Regional Government expand access to good education and health care, increase private-sector development, and design a data-collection system to support high-priority policies.
Mar 17, 2016
Report
The Strategic Perspective and Long-Term Socioeconomic Strategies for Israel: Key Methods with an Application to Aging
This report highlights selected inputs made to a high-level Israeli government team assessing how to bring a strategic perspective to domestic policy deliberations. To illustrate a strategy process, it uses the example of policy for population aging.
Sep 30, 2015
Report
The Islamic State We Knew: Insights Before the Resurgence and Their Implications
This report provides information known before 2012 about the Islamic State's finances, organization, methods of creating territorial control, and response to airpower. The group's history can inform components of a successful strategy to defeat it.
Sep 28, 2015
Report
Improving the Mongolian Labor Market and Enhancing Opportunities for Youth
Drawing on Mongolian and international data, RAND analyzed the Mongolian labor market and compared it internationally. Based on an original survey, this report also examines challenges young people face in employment and education in Mongolia.
Aug 24, 2015
Report
Choices for America in a Turbulent World: Strategic Rethink
Exploring the elements of a national strategy for U.S. foreign policy, the book examines critical global, regional, and other policy issues and decisions likely to confront the next president and senior U.S. officials in 2017 and beyond.
Jul 23, 2015
Report
Making an Impact in the Kurdistan Region — Iraq: Summary of Four Studies to Assess the Present and Future Labor Market, Improve Technical Vocational Education and Training, Reform the Health Sector, and Build Data Collection Capacity
This executive summary describes key results from four studies carried out by the RAND Corporation for the Kurdistan Regional Government. These studies aim to improve the economic and social development of the Kurdistan Region -- Iraq.
Feb 3, 2015
Report
An Assessment of the Present and Future Labor Market in the Kurdistan Region — Iraq: Implications for Policies to Increase Private-Sector Employment (Kurdish-language version)
The study addresses the issue of improving the private-sector labor market in the Kurdistan Region--Iraq. Doing so will involve creating mechanisms by which job-seekers can develop the right skills and employers can find the employees they need.
Nov 21, 2014
Report
An Assessment of the Present and Future Labor Market in the Kurdistan Region — Iraq: Implications for Policies to Increase Private-Sector Employment (Arabic-language version)
The study addresses the issue of improving the private-sector labor market in the Kurdistan Region--Iraq. Doing so will involve creating mechanisms by which job-seekers can develop the right skills and employers can find the employees they need.
Nov 11, 2014
Report
An Assessment of the Present and Future Labor Market in the Kurdistan Region — Iraq: Implications for Policies to Increase Private-Sector Employment
The study addresses the issue of improving the private-sector labor market in the Kurdistan Region–Iraq. Doing so will involve creating mechanisms by which job-seekers can develop the right skills and employers can find the employees they need.
Jun 27, 2014
Report
Designing a System for Collecting Policy-Relevant Data for the Kurdistan Region — Iraq: Arabic-language version
Surveys the availability of reliable policy-relevant data in the Kurdistan Region -- Iraq, identifies the high-priority areas for which more data are required, and develops guidance for a system to collect and disseminate these data on an ongoing basis.
May 23, 2014
Report
Strategies for Private-Sector Development and Civil-Service Reform in the Kurdistan Region — Iraq: Arabic-language version
This monograph provides strategies to reemploy civil-service workers in the private sector and to increase private-sector employment in the Kurdistan Region -- Iraq.
May 13, 2014
Report
Designing a System for Collecting Policy-Relevant Data for the Kurdistan Region — Iraq: Kurdish-language version
Surveys the availability of reliable policy-relevant data in the Kurdistan Region -- Iraq, identifies the high-priority areas for which more data are required, and develops guidance for a system to collect and disseminate these data on an ongoing basis.
May 1, 2014
Report
Strategies for Private-Sector Development and Civil-Service Reform in the Kurdistan Region — Iraq: Kurdish-language version
This monograph provides strategies to reemploy civil-service workers in the private sector and to increase private-sector employment in the Kurdistan Region -- Iraq.
Apr 28, 2014
Report
Designing a System for Collecting Policy-Relevant Data for the Kurdistan Region — Iraq
Surveys the availability of reliable policy-relevant data in the Kurdistan Region -- Iraq, identifies the high-priority areas for which more data are required, and develops guidance for a system to collect and disseminate these data on an ongoing basis.
Apr 18, 2014
Report
Strategies for Private-Sector Development and Civil-Service Reform in the Kurdistan Region — Iraq
Strategies for Private-Sector Development and Civil-Service Reform in the Kurdistan Region -- Iraq
Apr 14, 2014
Report
An Outline of Strategies for Building an Innovation System for Knowledge City: Chinese Translation (traditional characters)
Knowledge City is a planned environmentally and technologically advanced city in China's Guangzhou Development District. This report (translated into traditional Chinese characters) outlines a strategy to help the city attract and retain high-tech firms and their workers.
Jul 26, 2013
Report
Building the Future: Summary of Four Studies to Develop the Private Sector, Education, Health Care, and Data for Decisionmaking for the Kurdistan Region — Iraq (with Kurdish-language version)
This report summarizes four studies intended to help the Kurdistan Regional Government expand access to good education and health care, increase private-sector development, and design a data-collection system to support high-priority policies.
May 8, 2013
Report
Building the Future: Summary of Four Studies to Develop the Private Sector, Education, Health Care, and Data for Decisionmaking for the Kurdistan Region — Iraq (with Arabic-language version)
This report summarizes four studies intended to help the Kurdistan Regional Government expand access to good education and health care, increase private-sector development, and design a data-collection system to support high-priority policies.
May 8, 2013
Journal Article
Insurgent Compensation: Evidence from Iraq
Participating in insurgency is physically risky. Why do people do so?
May 1, 2013
Research Brief
How Can Economic and Political Ties Between U.S. and Mexico be Strengthened? (Spanish translation)
This study identifies areas that are negatively affecting U.S.-Mexico relations and suggests that the two countries might take a binational approach to improving their long-term partnership.
Jan 25, 2013
Research Brief
How Can Economic and Political Ties Between the United States and Mexico Be Strengthened?
This study identifies areas that are negatively affecting U.S.-Mexico relations and suggests that the two countries might take a binational approach to improving their long-term partnership.
Nov 27, 2012
Report
Creating an Innovation System for Knowledge City: Chinese Translation
Knowledge City is a planned environmentally and technologically advanced city in China's Guangzhou Development District. This report analyzes innovation systems and outlines the steps GDD will need to take to make Knowledge City a success.
Sep 20, 2012
Report
Creating an Innovation System for Knowledge City
Knowledge City is a planned environmentally and technologically advanced city in China's Guangzhou Development District. This report analyzes innovation systems and outlines the steps GDD will need to take to make Knowledge City a success.
Sep 20, 2012
Report
An Outline of Strategies for Building an Innovation System for Knowledge City: Chinese Translation (simplified characters)
Knowledge City is a planned environmentally and technologically advanced city in China's Guangzhou Development District. This report (translated into simplified Chinese characters) outlines a strategy to help the city attract and retain high-tech firms and their workers.
Sep 20, 2012
Report
An Outline of Strategies for Building an Innovation System for Knowledge City
Knowledge City is a planned environmentally and technologically advanced city in China's Guangzhou Development District. This report outlines a set of strategies to help the city attract and retain high-tech firms and their workers.
Sep 20, 2012
Report
United States and Mexico: Ties That Bind, Issues That Divide
This binational reference for U.S. and Mexican policymakers presents the interrelated issues of Mexican immigration to the United States and Mexico's economic and social development.
Apr 11, 2012
Report
Global Demographic Change and Its Implications for Military Power
Analyzes the impact of demographics on the prospective production of military power and the causes of war by projecting working-age populations through 2050 and assessing effects on manpower, national income and expenditures, and human capital.
Jul 27, 2011
Report
Highway Infrastructure and the Economy: Implications for Federal Policy
To inform debate on a new transportation bill being considered, the authors review the literature on the economic outcomes of highway infrastructure spending, which constitutes the largest share of federal spending on transportation infrastructure.
May 17, 2011
Report
An Economic Analysis of the Financial Records of al-Qa'ida in Iraq
To analyze the financial operations and economics of al-Qa'ida in Iraq in Anbar province, the authors examine captured documents that detail the group's finances, payrolls, and organization.
Dec 15, 2010
Report
Withdrawing from Iraq: Alternative Schedules, Associated Risks, and Mitigating Strategies
In studying the withdrawal from Iraq, RAND assessed logistical constraints, trends in insurgent activity, and the implications of the readiness of Iraqi security forces on the size of the residual U.S. force and on security in Iraq and the region.
Jul 21, 2009
Report
Balancing Environment and Development: Costs, Revenues, and Benefits of the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan
A large habitat-conservation reserve is being created in western Riverside County to mitigate development effects on threatened and endangered species. This monograph examines the plan's costs, revenues, and effects on the permitting process.
Oct 18, 2008
Brochure
Globalization and Beyond: Keynote Address
RAND Corporation economist Howard Shatz delivered a keynote address at the 81st Annual Los Angeles World Trade Week conference in May 2007; this is a transcript of his address.
Jul 1, 2007
Journal Article
The Container Security Initiative and Ocean Container Threats
This paper analyzes one program, the Container Security Initiative, which inspects high-risk U.S.-bound containers at foreign ports.
2007

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