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Homicide

commentary

When Mass Shooters Are Seeking Fame
What motivates mass shooters? And what might break the cycle of violence? Developing an effective policy response first requires better understanding of the factors that drive would-be attackers to kill.
Jul 13, 2023

q&a

Reducing Police Violence: Q&A with Melissa Labriola
A succession of high-profile police killings has prompted some departments and communities to seek change. But data is sparse, and research is thin. Melissa Labriola helped lead a study of police violence and developed a road map for future research that could move the field forward.
Sep 1, 2022
commentary

When Is a Terrorist Really a Terrorist?
Countering mass violence demands a distinction between attackers who are truly inspired by jihadism and those with lesser links. The latter includes people whose mental states and violent tendencies preexist their exposure to the ideology.
Jan 27, 2017
commentary

Troubling Truth Beneath Litvinenko Headlines
Slipping radioactive material into a spy's tea in the middle of London may not sound like a CBRN attack, but it is, as the Owen report has confirmed. Hopefully, the report's release will help focus global attention on the growing threat posed by these devastating weapons.
Jan 21, 2016
commentary

Silencing the Science on Gun Research
The United States has long relied on public health science to improve the safety, health, and lives of its citizens. Perhaps the same straightforward, problem-solving approach that worked well in other circumstances can help the nation meet the challenge of firearm violence, writes Arthur Kellermann.
Dec 21, 2012
commentary

Wanted Dead or Alive? When We Don't Get Our Man
On his first day in office, President Barack Obama issued a dramatic series of executive orders intended to symbolize a change of direction in America's "war" on terrorism. Despite the headlines these orders generated, a more significant policy shift may have been the one signaled the week before his inauguration, writes Benjamin Runkle.
Mar 3, 2009
commentary

Probing Why Women Kill in Iraq
A significant emphasis has been placed on female suicide bombers' tactical success, and efforts to determine why they kill focus on al-Qaida's recruitment of women. But little attention is paid to the personal motivation women have for killing themselves and dozens of innocents around them, writes Farhana Ali.
Aug 7, 2008
commentary

Democracy's Defense: Values and Justice
Published commentary by RAND staff: Democracy's Defense: Values and Justice in the Baltimore Sun.
Sep 11, 2005
commentary

World Becomes the Hostage of Media-Savvy Terrorists
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Aug 22, 2004
commentary

Religion Isn't Sole Motive of Terror
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Sep 16, 2001
commentary

A Confounding, Complex Tragedy
Without external assistance, Colombia cannot defeat the guerrilla-gangster Minotaur that consumes it. It is in our national interest to help. At the same time, it is necessary that we fully comprehend the harsh realities we and our Colombian allies face.
Jun 17, 2001
commentary

Get Real in Dealing With Homicides in Los Angeles
Homicide in Los Angeles is on the rise again. Before accepting any of the canned explanations, we ought to take a closer look. Once we know what's really going on, we have a chance to design strategies that work.
Dec 27, 2000