The RAND Blog

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What to Watch to Understand the Sino-Iranian Relationship

Beijing and Tehran are in the process of finalizing an ambitious partnership covering a range of security and economic issues. The United States should not overreact to shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, and should instead keep an eye out to assess the evolution of the relationship and take stock of what is delivered instead of what is merely promised.

Colin P. Clarke, Mollie Saltskog

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Missing in Japan's Deterrence Debate

Following its decision to cancel the Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense system, Japan is currently debating future deterrence capabilities. The debate over how Japan can defend itself is an important one, offering a major opportunity to shape the country's future defense posture.

Jeffrey W. Hornung

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Elevating Equity in Los Angeles Juvenile and Criminal Justice Reform

At age 13, Black children are placed in juvenile detention at nearly 3.5 times the rate of white children. By age 17, that ratio increases to 4.5 to 1. And the trend continues into adulthood. Without ongoing attention and deliberate policies and programs, injustices are likely to persist.

Margaret Chamberlin, Stephanie Brooks Holliday

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Who Will Benefit from a Successful Chinese COVID-19 Vaccine?

China, one of the world's largest producers of vaccines, could be among the first to produce one for COVID-19. If that happens, then would China be able to produce sufficient doses for domestic use? And which other countries would likely benefit?

Jennifer Bouey @BoueyHuang

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We Are What We Eat: Understanding Food Consumption for Healthier and More Sustainable Diets

Despite a rise in ethical and sustainable eating, most people still make their food choices based on price, convenience, and taste. What policies can help support more healthy decisionmaking?

Camilla d'Angelo

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How COVID-19 Sheds Light on Disaster Policy's Need to Prepare for Multiple, Sequential Emergencies

The pandemic has highlighted the vulnerabilities many disaster-affected households face. As lawmakers debate a second relief package, they could reconsider how the emergency management framework responds to the effects of simultaneous hazards on individual-assistance and community-recovery programs.

Carlos Martín, Aaron Clark-Ginsberg @aclarkginsberg

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COVID-19 Brings Opportunity to Reassess Work Policies

As certain COVID-19 restrictions lift, and life for some begins to return to a “new normal,” employers may have the opportunity to rebuild work policies to better support those employees who want to continue working from home. This could produce well-being benefits for employees, without compromising on, and often increasing, productivity.

William D. Phillips, Michael Whitmore

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Preparing for a COVID-19 Election, Hurricane Response, North Korea: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on preparing for a COVID-19 election, how the pandemic is affecting artists, North Korea's deadly artillery, and more.

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Insider Threat at Twitter Is a Risk to Everyone

Three young hackers were charged in the hijacking of dozens of high-profile Twitter accounts. Their tactics point out how vulnerabilities at tech platforms can pose a risk to national security.

Douglas Yeung @DouglasCYeung, Ryan Andrew Brown

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Is COVID-19 a National Security Emergency?

Developing an effective national response to COVID-19 could begin with elevating the pandemic from a public health emergency to a national security crisis. The novel coronavirus may not be a threat that the military can defeat, but that doesn't mean the United States shouldn't set it in its sights and go on the offensive against it.

Louis Klarevas, Colin P. Clarke

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L.A. Has the Nation's Highest Unemployment. For Some Groups, It's Even Worse Than That.

Los Angeles and its neighboring counties are among the areas hardest hit by the COVID-19 recession. The shockingly high average unemployment rates only tell part of the story, however. For the poor and some racial and ethnic groups, the jobs picture is far worse.

Jason M. Ward @jason_m_ward

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What Does Vietnam Think About America's Indo-Pacific Strategy?

The South China Sea is where the rubber meets the road for U.S.-Vietnam security ties, and in this regard, Hanoi has gone as far as it is comfortable. Washington should expect Vietnam to continue seeking balance between China, which has economic and military superiority over it, and the United States, which can help offset Chinese power.

Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman

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The Pandemic Is a Disaster for Artists

The arts as we know them are likely to be shut down for the foreseeable future, and the vast majority of artists have likely lost some or all of their income. How many artists are out of work, and what could be done to help them?

James V. Marrone, Susan A. Resetar, et al.

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Negotiating with Great Powers on Nuclear Arms

New START, the U.S.-Russia arms control treaty, expires in February 2021. Washington insists that any follow-on accord must include China. But overcoming Beijing's reticence to engage in nuclear talks will likely take deft diplomacy, time, and patience.

Frank G. Klotz, John Lauder, et al.

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Wargaming the Department of Defense for Strategic Advantage

Defense acquisition, personnel, and management systems have long been seen as areas in need of reform, as costs and man-hours continue to increase over the years. Gaming new policies that govern these areas can offer early insights into potential stumbling blocks and provide leaders valuable feedback on decisions before major costs are incurred.

Elizabeth M. Bartels @elliebartels