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Articles and Commentary

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Hypersonic Missiles: A New Proliferation Challenge
Within 10 years, hypersonic missiles are likely to be deployed and offered on the international market. But there is time for action by states that do not want hypersonic missiles to flourish in their neighborhoods. It is time to move toward heading off this threat while it is still possible to do so.
Mar 29, 2018
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European Security Cooperation Should Remain Comprehensive—Especially After Brexit
During Brexit negotiations, it could be tempting for the UK and EU to use certain security structures as 'bargaining chips'. However, it is in no one's interests for both sides to adopt a 'zero-sum' approach to security discussions.
Mar 28, 2018
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On RAND's Research Findings Regarding Transgender Military Personnel Policy
In September 2015, the Department of Defense asked RAND to initiate a study on the implications of allowing transgender personnel to serve openly. Since its publication, the research has been widely viewed as the most comprehensive and authoritative analysis on this topic. RAND stands by the study's research approach, analysis, and findings.
Mar 27, 2018
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What Does Japan Think of the Iran Nuclear Deal?
What is Tokyo's view of the Iran nuclear deal and how has Tokyo responded to the U.S. threat to withdraw from it? What role is Japan, the world's third-largest economy, a major U.S. ally, and the only country ever to be attacked with nuclear weapons, likely to play in attempting to preserve, improve, or scrap the deal?
Mar 26, 2018
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Red Glare: The Origin and Implications of Russia's 'New' Nuclear Weapons
Why would Russia, which has over 1,500 deployed strategic nuclear warheads that can be delivered from existing ballistic and cruise missiles, invest in new, exotic systems? The answer is deeply rooted in modern Russian and Soviet history.
Mar 26, 2018
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Vietnam's Remarkable Month of Balancing Against China in the South China Sea
Vietnam in March very publicly engaged in a string of activities to strengthen deterrence against China in the South China Sea. But Hanoi's push to deepen external defense ties with states that can help its cause will not necessarily translate into greater risk-taking in the region.
Mar 26, 2018
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How Can the U.S. Do a Better Job of Keeping Kids Safe at School?
Many proposals to improve school safety promote the use of technology, such as metal detectors and video cameras. How effective are these devices? The evidence is mixed.
Mar 26, 2018
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Online Voting: The Solution to Declining Political Engagement?
The potential benefits of online voting merit a conversation across Europe about its increased use in elections. But the evidence is mixed on whether online voting actually helps increase voter turnout.
Mar 23, 2018
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The Season Finale of 'This Is Us' Offers an Important Public Health Lesson
The TV series "This Is Us" shows how health is not only affected by individuals' decisions, but also by the larger contexts in which they live. These social determinants of health include income, quality of housing, and access to health care.
Mar 23, 2018
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Truth Decay and the Spirit of the Law
The widening gap between how the law is expected to be (and generally is) practiced, and certain events transpiring in America's political and policymaking realms, is of increasing concern.
Mar 23, 2018
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Tackling Gender-Based Violence Among Syrian Refugees in Lebanon
Increased poverty and major shifts in traditional gender roles for Syrian refugees have worsened interpersonal tensions, increased the risk of domestic violence, and caused challenges for aid workers.
Mar 22, 2018
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Can Dirty-Air Discontent in New Delhi Push India Toward Greener Days?
The downside to India's dramatic economic growth is New Delhi's off-the-charts air pollution. Public health officials have compared the harms of breathing in India's capital to smoking dozens of cigarettes a day. How bad must things become before Indians demand change and make it stick?
Mar 22, 2018
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Putin Can Learn from Gorbachev on How to Gain from Future U.S. Talks
Vladimir Putin has won a flawed election to a fourth term as Russia's president, and Donald Trump has suggested the two will likely meet soon. For the Kremlin leader, however, a summit may draw shortcomings into sharper relief. If the two presidents meet, several key issues will await them.
Mar 22, 2018
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Revising Japan's Peace Constitution: Much Ado About Nothing
Despite Abe’s legislative majority, it is unclear whether he has enough political capital to convince the public of the need for a constitutional revision on the Self-Defense Force. Japan’s security policies are heavily constrained by legal and normative constraints and Abe’s plan would likely do little more than codify the status quo.
Mar 21, 2018
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Fighting Obesity: Why Chile Should Continue Placing 'Stop Signs' on Unhealthy Foods
By instituting its innovative food warning label policies, Chile has become a beacon of light to countries around the world. The new government would do well to consider why it should maintain these policies, which in the long run will benefit business and the country as a whole.
Mar 19, 2018

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Quoted

While the Kursk offensive is a first step, Ukraine will need to offer more if it wants to maintain the momentum that it now enjoys. Perhaps most importantly, it needs to find a new strategic storyline. Ukrainian leaders need to convince both their constituencies at home and backers abroad that they have a plan to win the war.

Raphael S. Cohen

Director, Strategy and Doctrine Program, RAND Project AIR FORCE, and Director of the Pardee RAND Graduate School National Security Program
Source: Foreign Policy
As someone who studies race and inequality, I really want answers and solutions for people who have been essentially deprived of the full rights of American citizenship. That's really what drives my work at RAND.

Jessica Welburn Paige

Behavioral/Social Scientist
Source: RAND Review