Commentary and Articles

commentary

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.
Jun 14, 2023
commentary

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.
Jun 12, 2023
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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.
Jun 12, 2023
commentary

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.
Jun 9, 2023
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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.”
Jun 9, 2023
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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?
Jun 8, 2023
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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.
Jun 8, 2023
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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.
Jun 6, 2023
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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.
Jun 6, 2023
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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.
Jun 5, 2023
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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.
Jun 4, 2023
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The Russian Military's Looming Personnel Crises of Retention and Veteran Mental Heath
Russia's looming troop-retention and veteran-treatment problems are already visible on the horizon, even though they have been delayed by policy. By invading Ukraine, Russia has created a wave of severe trauma that will soon crash over its own country.
Jun 1, 2023
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An Autistic Soldier Wants You to Read This
Despite the recruitment challenges it is currently facing, the Army continues to make personnel decisions based on last century's understanding of neurodivergent diagnoses. The loosening of stigma associated with these diagnoses could improve recruitment, and the Army might reap the benefits of neurodiversity.
Jun 1, 2023
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Is Ecuador in the Middle of a Self-Coup?
On May 17, the president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, dissolved the country's legislature in the midst of impeachment proceedings against him. Did Ecuador just have a self-coup? The answer matters greatly for the country's democratic trajectory and for the international community's response.
May 31, 2023
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What F-16s Will (and Won't) Do for Ukraine
After months of publicly lobbying to acquire U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, it appears that Ukraine may receive them later this year. However, there remains a long road ahead before the F-16s would see service in Ukraine—and it is an open question how much they would affect the outcome of the war.
May 31, 2023

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Quoted

Migration is a complex phenomenon that is shaped by many factors. People are pushed to migrate by violence, political repression, economic circumstances and dislocations, as well as natural disasters. The United States is an attractive destination because of its commitment to the rule of law, economic opportunities, existing immigrant communities, and, for many, geographical proximity.

Elina Treyger

Senior Political Scientist

Source: rand.org

Virtually nobody opposes all immigration, just as vanishingly few favor completely open borders. Immigration is broadly supported by a majority of the U.S. population, although there are significant differences about the optimal numbers of immigrants, who can become an immigrant, or under what means people should immigrate.

Shelly Culbertson

Director, Infrastructure, Immigration, & Security Operations Program, RAND Homeland Security Research Division

Source: rand.org

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The Veterans Left Behind: Eligibility for VA Benefits and Other Than Honorable Discharges

Take a Fresh Look at How Leaders Approach Narratives

Ukraine's 'Masterstroke' Kursk Offensive Is About Geometry, not Geography

Climate Change and Critical Infrastructure: Assessing the Risks and Identifying Mitigation Strategies

The Policy Currents Podcast

Getting to Know Military Caregivers and Their Needs

Managing Escalation in Crisis and War

Assessing and Articulating the Wider Benefits of Research

Improving Access to Early Childhood Education

Commentary and Articles

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

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

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

The Global Movement Against China's Economic Coercion Is Accelerating

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

Countries Buy Defective Chinese Military Equipment. Why?

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

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

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

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

America Is Winning Against China in Oceania

The Russian Military's Looming Personnel Crises of Retention and Veteran Mental Heath

An Autistic Soldier Wants You to Read This

Is Ecuador in the Middle of a Self-Coup?

What F-16s Will (and Won't) Do for Ukraine

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