• Skip to page content
RAND Corporation
Objective Analysis. Effective Solutions.
Toggle Menu

Site-wide navigation

  • About RAND
    • RAND at a Glance
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • RAND History
    • Leadership
    • Organizational Structure
    • Contacts
    • Locations
    • Quality Standards
    • Educational Opportunities
    • Employment
  • RAND Campaign
  • Press Room
  • Events
  • Research

    Research Areas

    • Children, Families, and Communities
    • Cyber and Data Sciences
    • Education and Literacy
    • Energy and Environment
    • Health, Health Care, and Aging
    • Homeland Security and Public Safety
    • Infrastructure and Transportation
    • International Affairs
    • Law and Business
    • National Security and Terrorism
    • Science and Technology
    • Workers and the Workplace

    Trending Topics

    • Ukraine
    • North Atlantic Treaty Organization
    • Opioids
    • Media Literacy
    • Cyber Warfare
    • Veterans Health Care
    • Environmental Regulation
    • Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
    All Topics Browse Reports

    Research Divisions

    • Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center
    • RAND Army Research Division
    • RAND Australia
    • RAND Education and Labor
    • RAND Europe
    • RAND Health Care
    • RAND National Security Research Division
    • RAND Project AIR FORCE
    • RAND Social and Economic Well-Being
    Featured Research Activities
    • RAND International
      • Center for Asia Pacific Policy
      • Center for Global Risk and Security
      • Center for Middle East Public Policy
      • Center for Russia and Eurasia
    • RAND Gulf States Policy Institute
    Research Departments
  • Latest Insights

    Reports

    /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/reports
    • A man stands in front of a police car during the protest against the deaths of Breonna Taylor by Louisville police and George Floyd by Minneapolis police, in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. June 1, 2020, photo by Bryan Woolston/Reuters

      Research Road Map to Reduce Police Killings

    • Map of Europe in decay, illustration by ermess/Adobe Stock

      Truth Decay in Europe

    Blog Posts

    /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/blogPosts
    • European Union flags fly outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, April 10, 2019, photo by Yves Herman/Reuters

      Rethinking the EU's Role in European Collective Defence

    • South Korea's new President Kim Dae-jung waves on the grounds of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, February 25, 1998, photo by Str Old/Reuters

      Three Principles for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security

    Multimedia

    /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/multimedia
    • Local resident Olga is seen in her destroyed flat in Borodyanka, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine, April 5, 2022.

      What Does Putin Want in Ukraine?

    • Policy Currents

      The Policy Currents Podcast

  • Policy Experts

    All Experts

    Spotlight
    • stephanie pezard, p0402
      Stephanie Pezard @StephaniePezard
      Commentary:
      Rethinking the EU's Role in European Collective Defence
    • bruce bennett, b0435
      Bruce W. Bennett @bwbennett
      Commentary:
      Three Principles for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security

    By Research Area

    • Children, Families, and Communities
    • Cyber and Data Sciences
    • Education and Literacy
    • Energy and Environment
    • Health, Health Care, and Aging
    • Homeland Security and Public Safety
    • Infrastructure and Transportation
    • International Affairs
    • Law and Business
    • National Security and Terrorism
    • Science and Technology
    • Workers and the Workplace
  • Capabilities

    Drawing upon decades of experience, RAND provides research services, systematic analysis, and innovative thinking to a global clientele that includes government agencies, foundations, and private-sector firms.

    • Capabilities Overview
    • RAND Solutions
    Who We Work For
    • Public Sector
    • Philanthropic Sector
    • Private Sector
    Work with Us
    • Explore Business Contacts
    About RAND Research
    • Disciplinary Expertise
    • Quality Standards

    Featured Solutions

    /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/caseStudies
    • Depressed woman talking to her therapist

      Improving Psychological Wellbeing and Work Outcomes in the UK

    • A ballistic missile target is launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on October 3, 2013

      Managing Escalation in Crisis and War

    • A servicemember and his wife hold hands

      Getting to Know Military Caregivers and Their Needs

    • A younger man helping an elderly man who is using a walker

      Planning for the Rising Costs of Dementia

  • Graduate School

    The Pardee RAND Graduate School (PRGS.edu) is the largest public policy Ph.D. program in the nation and the only program based at an independent public policy research organization—the RAND Corporation.

    • About PRGS
    • Admissions
    • Academics and Degree Program
    • Students
    • Faculty

    Featured Video on PRGS.edu

    Overview: Pardee RAND Graduate School

    Student Spotlight

    • krystyna marcinik, m1266
      Krystyna Marcinek

      Assistant Policy Researcher; Ph.D. Candidate, Pardee RAND Graduate School

    • Jamie Ryan

      Assistant Policy Researcher; Ph.D. Candidate, Pardee RAND Graduate School

  • About

  • 中文(简体)
  • العربية
  • Sign In Sign out
  • Cart
Toggle Search
  1. RAND
  2. >The RAND Blog
/content/rand/blog/jcr:content/par/bloglist .topic.africa
The RAND Blog

Africa

  • Russia

    blog

    U.S.-Russia Diplomacy, Citizen Science, America's Blood Supply: RAND Weekly Recap

    Jan 21, 2022

    This weekly recap focuses on U.S.-Russia diplomacy in the context of the Ukraine crisis, the value of citizen science, strengthening the America's blood supply, and more.

    Read More »
  • Jacqueline Burns, bottom right, with Ambassador Donald Booth, at an Internally Displaced Person camp in Darfur, Sudan, in 2016, over a map of Sudan, photo courtesy of Jacqueline Burns; images by oxygen and JeanUrsula/Getty Images; design by Chara Williams/RAND Corporation
    International Diplomacy

    q&a

    Helping People Affected by Conflict: Q&A with Jacqueline Burns

    Dec 22, 2021

    From the Air Force to Africa to RAND, Jacqueline Burns resolved to help people whose lives have been torn apart by conflict or disaster. As a senior policy analyst she wants to be a part of finding better solutions to the complex questions of peace and security.

    Read More »
  • Military parade after the 2021 coup d'état in Kaloum, Guinea, September 6, 2021, photo by Aboubacarkhoraa/CC BY 4.0 International
    Civil-Military Relations

    commentary

    Are Military Coups Back in Style in Africa?

    Sean M. Zeigler

    Dec 1, 2021

    Political Violence @ A Glance

    There have been five coups in sub-Saharan Africa since August 2020. On a continent that was recently lauded for its democratic advancement, this backsliding suggests the military coup may be dangerously back in fashion. Why are more coups happening now?

    Read More »
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra at the Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, Russia, October 23, 2019., photo by Mikhail Metzel/Kremlin via Reuters
    Africa

    commentary

    What Does Africa Need Most Now: Russian Arms Sales or Good Vaccines?

    John V. Parachini @JohnParachini, Ryan Bauer

    Nov 17, 2021

    RealClearWorld

    Why is Russia's main export to Africa advanced conventional weapons at a time when other needs are so great? African leaders might think twice about aggressive Russian arms pitches and engagement of mercenaries, and prioritize measures to stem the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage economic growth.

    Read More »
  • Attendees of the RAND African First Ladies Fellowship forum on September 26, 2012, photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Images
    Organizational Leadership Development

    blog

    Leadership Forum Empowers First Ladies Around the World

    Nov 4, 2021

    In many countries, the role of first lady doesn't come with a job description or even a staff. The Global First Ladies Alliance, born at the Pardee RAND Graduate School, helps first ladies lead, often with the assistance of America's own first ladies.

    Read More »
  • Nuclear Deterrence

    blog

    Nuclear Deterrence, COVID-19 and Infant Deaths, Criminal Justice Reform: RAND Weekly Recap

    Oct 22, 2021

    This weekly recap focuses on why the United States doesn’t need more nuclear weapons, increased infant deaths during the pandemic, preventing veteran suicide, and more.

    Read More »
  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

    blog

    The Fight Against COVID, Sexual Violence in the Military, Disinformation on Social Media: RAND Weekly Recap

    Jul 23, 2021

    This weekly recap focuses on the ongoing fight against COVID-19, countering sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military, disinformation on social media, and more.

    Read More »
  • L-R: Bahrain Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump, and UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Abraham Accords signing ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., September 15, 2020, photo by Gripas Yuri/ABACA/Reuters
    International Diplomacy

    commentary

    Abraham Accords Offer Historic Opportunity to Spur Mideast Growth

    Daniel Egel, Shira Efron, Linda Robinson @RobinsonL100

    Mar 25, 2021

    United Press International

    The Abraham Accords have heralded a dramatic shift in the relationship between Israel and the Muslim nations of the world. While these accords represent a major political breakthrough, they also represent a possible new chapter in the region's development: away from conflict and toward a shared economic vision of prosperity.

    Read More »
  • Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

    blog

    Americans' Financial Struggles, COVID-19 Vaccinations, Virtual Schools: RAND Weekly Recap

    Dec 18, 2020

    This weekly recap focuses on Americans' ongoing financial struggles, how we can learn from the first phase of COVID-19 vaccinations, why virtual schools may be here to stay, and more.

    Read More »
  • President-elect Biden announces his key health team nominees and appointees in Wilmington, DE, December 8, 2020, photo by CNP/InStar/Cover Images/Reuters
    Africa

    commentary

    What Joe Biden's Africa Strategy Might Look Like

    Michael Shurkin

    Dec 10, 2020

    The Hill

    Biden's election may present Washington with a welcome opportunity to reset its relationship with sub-Saharan Africa. It could behoove U.S. policymakers to engage with the region to ensure that the United States will be positioned to take full advantage of whatever opportunities arise, and, when necessary, do whatever might be possible to avert unfavorable outcomes.

    Read More »
  • Information Operations

    blog

    Election Interference on Twitter, Insulin Prices, Remote Learning: RAND Weekly Recap

    Oct 9, 2020

    This weekly recap focuses on evidence of interference in the 2020 election on Twitter, U.S. insulin prices compared to those of other countries, how parents can help their kids' education stay on track during the pandemic, and more.

    Read More »
  • Niger soldiers guard with their weapons pointed towards the border with neighbouring Nigeria, near the town of Diffa, Niger, June 21, 2016, photo by Luc Gnago/Reuters
    Peacekeeping and Stability Operations

    commentary

    How to Build Better Militaries in Africa: Lessons from Niger

    Alexander Noyes @alexhnoyes, Ashley Bybee, Paul Clarke

    Oct 2, 2020

    Council on Foreign Relations

    To help counter the threat of terrorism and build the capacity of African militaries, the U.S. government spends over $1.5 billion a year on security assistance to the African continent. Does this support work?

    Read More »
  • Silhouette of several militants with rifles, photo by zabelin/Getty Images
    Counterterrorism

    commentary

    Are Counter Violent Extremism Interventions Effective?

    Todd C. Helmus @Helmus, Elizabeth Bodine-Baron @bodinebaron

    Sep 11, 2020

    The RAND Blog

    Government efforts to counter the propaganda and radicalization that lead to violent extremism are becoming more common around the world, but there's little research on whether such programs work. It is critical to conduct more research to tease out which programs are most effective.

    Read More »
  • Sudan's Defence Minister Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf, head of Military Transitional Council, and the military's chief of staff Lieutenant General Kamal Abdul Murof Al-mahi shake hands after being sworn in as leaders of Military Transitional Council in Sudan in this still image taken from video on April 11, 2019, photo by Sudan TV/Reuters
    Counterterrorism

    commentary

    Can Sudan Escape Its History as a Transit Hub for Violent Extremist Organizations?

    Peter Chalk, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, Colin P. Clarke

    Jul 24, 2020

    Foreign Policy Research Institute

    Sudan continues to confront major challenges that could derail its path back to the mainstream of international politics. Sudan must show that it is no longer a haven for terrorist and violent extremist groups and that it is committed to ensuring that this remains true.

    Read More »
  • A Pantsir-S surface-to-air missile system fires a missile during the International Army Games 2017 outside Astrakhan, Russia, August 5, 2017, photo by Maxim Shemetov/Reuters
    Air Defense

    commentary

    Drone-Era Warfare Shows the Operational Limits of Air Defense Systems

    John V. Parachini @JohnParachini, Peter A. Wilson

    Jul 2, 2020

    RealClearDefense

    External powers have intervened in the civil wars in Libya and Syria, supplying advanced conventional weapons that have intensified the conflicts. But not all of the weapons have performed as claimed.

    Read More »
  • Russian military jets at Khmeimim Air Base in Syria, June 18, 2016, photo by Vadim Savitsky/Russian Defense Ministry via Reuters
    Russia

    commentary

    Russia Is Eyeing the Mediterranean. The U.S. and NATO Must Be Prepared

    Colin P. Clarke, William Courtney @courtneywmh, Bradley Martin, Bruce McClintock @BHMcClintock

    Jun 30, 2020

    Newsweek

    Russia is seeking more access and freedom of movement in the Mediterranean region, and is bolstering its military footprint to achieve this objective. The United States and NATO could respond by developing a more robust southern strategy, with a reinforced air and naval presence, respectively.

    Read More »

Quoted

  • The allure of training technology can often overshadow its value. Today, virtual reality, or VR, is a hot topic in the military training community, but training tools must be developed and selected according to their anticipated use. Context matters, and sometimes the best and most cost-effective training tool may just be a book.

    tim marler, m1168

    Timothy Marler

    Senior Research Engineer

    Source: Defense News

  • In the United States, a good soldier is a happy soldier, one that's properly fed, paid, and treated with respect. But the Russian high command behaves as if its troops are an afterthought, making tactical decisions as if it can simply throw people at poorly designed objectives until it succeeds.

    Dara Massicot

    Senior Policy Researcher

    Source: Foreign Affairs

Stay Informed

RAND Policy Currents

Stay on top of the latest RAND research highlights, news, and commentary with the official RAND email newsletter.

Explore Posts

By Content Type

  • Commentary
  • Essay
  • Announcement
  • Article
  • Q & A

By Research Area

  • Children, Families, and Communities
  • Cyber and Data Sciences
  • Education and Literacy
  • Energy and Environment
  • Health, Health Care, and Aging
  • Homeland Security and Public Safety
  • Infrastructure and Transportation
  • International Affairs
  • Law and Business
  • National Security and Terrorism
  • Science and Technology
  • Workers and the Workplace

By Top Topic

  • International Diplomacy (1053)
  • Security Cooperation (594)
  • China (504)
  • Politics and Government (497)
  • Global Security (487)
  • Counterterrorism (459)
  • Russia (459)
  • Military Strategy (338)
  • International Affairs (307)
  • International Economic Relations (276)
  • Syria (275)
  • Pandemic (270)
  • Iran (263)
  • Iraq (259)
  • Peacekeeping and Stability Operations (250)

Archives

  • 2022
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2021
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2020
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2019
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2018
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2017
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2016
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2015
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2014
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2013
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2012
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2011
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2010
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2009
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2008
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2007
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2006
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2005
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2004
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2003
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2002
    • December
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2001
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2000
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • July
  • Save to My RAND
  • Subscribe
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn

About

The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest.

  • RAND History
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Leadership
  • Research Integrity
  • Career Opportunities
  • Santa Monica, CA
  • Washington, DC
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • New Orleans, LA
  • Boston, MA
  • Cambridge, UK
  • Brussels, BE
  • Canberra, AU
World map of RAND office locations

Connect

Contact Us

  • Contact Us
  • Locations

I am interested in

  • Jobs at RAND
  • Media Resources
  • Congressional Resources
  • Doing Business with RAND
  • Supporting RAND
  • Educational Opportunities
  • Alumni Association

Follow

  • RAND Corporation on Facebook
  • RAND Corporation on Twitter
  • RAND Corporation on LinkedIn
  • RAND Corporation on YouTube
  • RAND Corporation on Instagram
  • RAND Corporation RSS Feeds
  • RAND Corporation mobile applications

Stay Informed

Subscribe to the weekly Policy Currents newsletter to receive updates on the issues that matter most.

Stay Informed

RAND Policy Currents

Get weekly updates from RAND.

View all email newsletters

Resources

  • Multimedia
  • Latest Reports
  • Browse by Author
  • RAND Classics
  • Databases and Tools

Site Information

  • Site Map
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • Support Policy
  • Feedback
  • Help
RAND Corporation 1776 Main Street
Santa Monica, California 90401-3208
RAND® is a registered trademark. © 1994-2022 RAND Corporation.