The RAND Blog

commentary

Can Anything Stop the Flow of Advanced Weapons into Libya?

Weapons proliferation has been a security concern for Libya and its neighbors since the revolution of 2011. If foreign arms transfers into Libya aren't reduced, the country's security situation will continue to deteriorate, giving militant groups a chance to increase their lethality and further destabilize the region.

Nathan Vest

blog

How Americans Get the News, Iran, Caregiving: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on how Americans consume the news, U.S.–Iranian relations, how federal disability payments help caregivers, and more.

commentary

AI for Peace

The United States should apply lessons from the 70-year history of governing nuclear technology by building a framework for governing AI military technology. An AI for Peace program should articulate the dangers of this new technology, principles to manage the dangers, and a structure to shape the incentives for other states.

Patrick S. Roberts @RamblingRoberts

commentary

Understanding Iran's Nuclear Escalation Strategy

Throughout 2019, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. What are its goals in doing this? Why has it adopted this strategy? And perhaps most importantly, how far does Iran intend to go?

Eric Brewer, Ariane M. Tabatabai

blog

Celebrating a Milestone in Drug Policy Research

In 1989, RAND founded a new Drug Policy Research Center to provide rigorous, nonpartisan research to inform the debate on how to best address America's drug problem. Thirty years later, the center continues to do what it was created to do: improve the understanding of substance use and assess the consequences of an expanding range of drug policies.

commentary

Return of Nuclear Doomsday

Elder statesmen are again warning of nuclear dangers. But have they risen? Maybe, but they remain only faint echoes of Cold War era risks, creating an opportunity to deliberately and carefully take steps to avoid future risks.

William Courtney @courtneywmh

commentary

Don't Expect a Thaw in Iran

Iran's recent protests could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Iran's domestic politics. Whatever happens inside the country, though, it will not likely change Iran's foreign policy.

Ariane M. Tabatabai

commentary

What Does Beijing Want from the Pacific Islands?

China's recent activities in Oceania highlight a formidable two-pronged strategy of diplomatic and economic engagement that Washington and its allies and partners will have to vigorously compete against to maintain their preeminence in the Pacific.

Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman, Michael S. Chase

commentary

Whither Georgia?

Georgia's status as a post-Soviet democratic leader is under challenge. A flawed presidential election, use of force against protesters, and political manipulations have strained public confidence and brought mounting public protests. Domestic calm may hinge on improving political dialogue and conducting free and fair parliamentary elections next year.

Denis Corboy, William Courtney @courtneywmh, et al.

blog

Hong Kong, Reducing Crime, Medical Marijuana: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on what the U.S. can do about Hong Kong, reducing crime in Chicago, medical marijuana, and more.

commentary

With Chaos in the Streets of Iran, Here's How the United States Could Help the Iranian People

The Iranian people deserve American support. But current U.S. policies are hurting the cause that Iranians are fighting for while failing to achieve any strategic objectives.

Dalia Dassa Kaye

commentary

At the Interface of the Health Care System and the Community: Insights from an Academic-Community Partnership in Camden, New Jersey

Asthma is a common and expensive childhood condition that erodes quality of life for kids and families. Researchers sought to identify patient-centered interventions to reduce avoidable asthma-related acute care use and improve outcomes. They found that the solutions lie at the nexus of the health care system and the community.

Mahshid Abir, Jane Forman, et al.

commentary

Is NATO Brain Dead?

French President Macron's remark about the brain death of NATO was provoked by President Trump's October 6 decision, since modified, to pull all U.S. troops out of Syria. Macron is right to wonder how Trump would respond to any threat to European security. But he is wrong to attribute this uncertainty to diminishing support for the alliance among all Americans.

James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins

commentary

B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Is Handy, but It May Not Be the Perfect Fit

Some in the Australian defence community have called for significant changes to the Australian Defence Force structure in response to changing global strategic conditions. Before Australia considers any new long-range strike capabilities, an analysis of alternatives that examines both cost and capability is essential.

Carl Rhodes

commentary

U.S. Policy Options for Hong Kong

After months of escalating police violence and protester resistance, matters in Hong Kong have come to a head. What steps could the United States consider to reduce the prospect of a resurgence in violence?

Scott W. Harold