The RAND Blog

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How Might Ukraine's Counteroffensive End, and What Comes After?

Ukraine may soon launch a counteroffensive against Russian forces entrenched in eastern and southern Ukraine. We consider three ways this counteroffensive might end and their implications for the future.

William Courtney @courtneywmh, Terrence K. Kelly, et al.

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Ukraine Is a Breeding Ground for Russian PMCs

Moscow's desire for additional fighters in Ukraine has created a breeding ground for Russian private military company (PMC) development. This explosion of what are essentially private armies is not only shaping the battlefield in Ukraine; it could have devastating impacts long after this conflict ends.

Ryan Bauer, Erik E. Mueller @erikemueller

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Avoiding Common Pitfalls Before Thinking About 'What Good Looks Like' in Digital Transformation of Adult Social Care

When implementing the What Good Looks Like framework to guide digital transformation in adult social care, it will be important not to ignore common problems that often frustrate the introduction and implementation of new technology.

Sarah Parkinson

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State and Local Policy Is Changing for Psychedelics. What Will the Feds Do?

Psychedelics are attracting interest as a treatment for some mental health conditions. In response, some states and cities are changing their laws and policies on the supply and use of these mind-altering substances. But like cannabis, most psychedelics are federally prohibited—raising some tough questions for the federal government.

Beau Kilmer @BeauKilmer, Rajeev Ramchand @RRamchand

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We Aren't Helpless in the Face of Increasing Fires and Smoke

Modernizing, better funding, and expanding wildland firefighting forces in North America won't make fires or smoke magically disappear. A massive paradigm shift is necessary. But it's clear something needs to happen immediately too.

Jay Balagna

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The Global Movement Against China's Economic Coercion Is Accelerating

There is much the West can do to push back against Chinese economic pressure, and many reasons to do so. Doing so is a core interest of the United States, which now places itself in competition with China over the shape of the international order.

Bryan Frederick, Howard J. Shatz @HowardJShatz

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Your Health Insurance May Not Be As Good As Your State Requires—and It's Perfectly Legal

Massachusetts has a law to ensure ease of access to birth control pills, saying there should be no copays and women can fill a 12-month prescription at once. Infertility care has similar protections. But many health plans don't have to comply with state laws because they are “self-insured.”

Shira H. Fischer @ShiraFischer

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Extremist Beliefs Among Veterans, Space Traffic, Teacher Well-Being: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on whether extremist beliefs are more prevalent among veterans, why it's time to manage traffic in outer space, crises facing the Russian military, and more.

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Countries Buy Defective Chinese Military Equipment. Why?

China's defense industry has exported malfunctioning and defective military equipment in recent years—leaving countries short of what's needed for their security while also draining military budgets. So why do countries continue to order military equipment from China?

Cindy Zheng

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The Case for a Governance-First U.S. Security Policy in the Sahel

Both terrorism and coups are on the rise in the Sahel. To reverse this troubling trend, the United States could ramp up support aimed at improving security governance, professionalizing militaries, and strongly sanctioning all forms of military takeovers in the region. This would require a real shift from the current U.S. security approach in the region.

Alexander Noyes @alexhnoyes

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U.S.-China Rivalry in an Era of Weakening States

With their weakened state capacity, disengaged publics, and imbalanced economies, the United States and China break the pattern seen in other rivalries between great powers. New theories and ideas will be required to cope with problems largely unknown to the great-power rivals of the recent past.

Timothy R. Heath

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What Is the Long-Term Strategy for Ukraine's Air Force?

It is encouraging that Ukraine might receive F-16s to improve its combat capabilities. Western policymakers might begin thinking now about what the Ukrainian Air Force may require in the future, especially if the Russian threat remains acute.

John Hoehn, William Courtney @courtneywmh

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Amid an Epidemic of Loneliness, Nonprofits Are Helping Keep Veterans Connected

Many nonprofit organizations in the United States seek to support veterans and foster social connection. The connections and sense of community these programs are building can help to combat the loneliness epidemic that is affecting veterans and non-veterans alike.

Laura Werber

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America Is Winning Against China in Oceania

The United States retains enormous advantages in Oceania and should not be alarmed by China's security activities in the region. Washington should nevertheless keep a close eye on Beijing's moves, particularly against small and weak nations that will struggle to counter Chinese coercive activities on their own.

Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman

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Arming Teachers, F-16s for Ukraine, Commercial Spaceflight: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on how teachers feel about arming teachers, what F-16s will (and won't) do for Ukraine, the need to regulate commercial spaceflight, and more.