The RAND Blog

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Economic Development: A Recipe for Social Cohesion in India

Given the staggering economic challenges that need attention, how might India refocus its attention away from sectarian divides to economic development? While there is no easy answer, focusing on inclusive growth and development might offer one potential route.

Krishna B. Kumar @kbkumar_, Rafiq Dossani

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Peace Hasn't Broken Out in Afghanistan

The United States and the Taliban signed a preliminary peace deal in February, aimed at ending nearly 19 years of war in Afghanistan and calling for the United States to gradually withdraw its troops. But talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government called for in the agreement and scheduled to begin on March 10 did not happen. What happens now?

James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins

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I'll Take RAND Researchers on Game Shows for $400, Alex

Did you know that RAND researchers have appeared on game shows? Pam Mueller and two teammates took third in the Jeopardy! All-Star Games. Richard Mason has won about $85,000 on many different shows. He and Walter Nelson both won Ben Stein's money.

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Coronavirus, Telemedicine, and Dustbusters

Telemedicine has been with us for decades. And yet it hasn't transformed health care in the way that ATMs have transformed banking or cordless vacuums have transformed household cleaning. But the coronavirus pandemic could forever change how telemedicine is used.

Ateev Mehrotra, Lori Uscher-Pines

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Coronavirus Forces Colleges Online. Will Learning Ever Be the Same?

Colleges and universities have turned to online courses to help slow the spread of COVID-19. But distance learning may also hold promise as a long-term strategy to help make higher education more accessible and affordable.

Charles A. Goldman, Rita T. Karam

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COVID-19, Out-of-Network Hospital Payments, Russia's Economy: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on COVID-19, limiting out-of-network hospital payments, Russia's sluggish economy, and more.

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COVID-19: A Stress Test for a U.S. Health Care System Already Under Stress

There are many things hospitals and health systems could be doing in the coming weeks to best prepare for the advancing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Evaluating their surge response plans will be critical.

Mahshid Abir, Christina Cutter, et al.

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Estimates of COVID-19's Fatality Rate Might Change. And Then Change Again.

With infections of the new coronavirus confirmed in countries around the world, people are following the daily tally of COVID-19 cases, wondering exactly how lethal this new disease is. The truth is, it's hard to know.

Raffaele Vardavas, Courtney A. Gidengil @c_gidengil, et al.

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The Right Technology Can Help Refugees Stay Connected

Nearly 71 million people globally are displaced by conflict and persecution. There have been some real advances in technology to help them, but innovations have often been fragmented, without a larger vision. A more strategic approach to technology could better serve their needs.

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'New Zimbabwe' Looks an Awful Lot Like the Old One

Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa promised a break from Mugabe's repressive rule and economic decline. To help support Zimbabwe's recovery, international actors would be wise to push the government to respect the country's 2013 constitution and push for genuine political, security, and economic reforms.

Alexander Noyes @alexhnoyes

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Wake-Up Call for Russia

Deteriorating living standards have put Russians on edge, and fears of economic stagnation have risen. Russia has the capacity to do better. So why is the economy stagnating?

William Courtney @courtneywmh

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A Coronavirus Election? Look to the Bottom of the Ticket

As the coronavirus spreads in communities, it will be mayors, county judges, and school superintendents—not federal officials—who make the tough calls about whether to declare a state of emergency or shutter public schools and other institutions.

Patrick S. Roberts @RamblingRoberts

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Family Matters: More of the Same in Togo

Faure Gnassingbe was reelected in February to a fourth term as president of Togo. The result was no surprise. Due to the stacked system he and his father built, Faure is likely to rule until 2030 or beyond.

Alexander Noyes @alexhnoyes, Michael Shurkin

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Coronavirus Outbreak, Drones, the U.S. Power Grid: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on the intensifying coronavirus outbreak, cyber threats from drones, the vulnerabilities of the U.S. power grid, and more.

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Delayed Chuuk Secession Vote a Win for U.S. Policy in Oceania

In February, the island of Chuuk postponed a referendum vote on secession from the Federated States of Micronesia. At least for the time being, Chuuk's decision is a significant victory in the U.S. diplomatic, economic, and security competition with China in the Pacific Islands.

Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman