• 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

    • RAND Army Research Division
    • RAND Australia
    • RAND Education and Labor
    • RAND Europe
    • RAND Health Care
    • RAND Homeland Security Research Division
    • 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
    • Sacramento Capitol Building, California, USA

      The RAND State Firearm Law Database

    • A screen showing the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) which maps various types of opioid overdose responses entered into an app by first responders and is being adopted by police, July 19, 2017, photo by Brian Snyder/Reuters

      Giving Drug Policy Decisionmakers the Data They Need

    Blog Posts

    /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/blogPosts
    • Military aid from the United States is unloaded from a plane at the Boryspil International Airport outside Kyiv, Ukraine, February 13, 2022, photo by Serhiy Takhmazov/Reuters

      What Better Way to Use the Arsenal of Democracy?

    • Aerial map image by Google Earth

      Environmental Racism: How Historic Redlining Continues to Affect Communities

    Multimedia

    /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/multimedia
    • A cyclist passes by tents and tarps erected by homeless people in the skid row area of downtown Los Angeles, California, June 28, 2019, photo by Patrick T. Fallon/Reuters

      RAND Remote: Informing Innovative Policy Solutions to Address L.A.'s Dual Crises

    • Policy Currents

      The Policy Currents Podcast

  • Policy Experts

    All Experts

    Spotlight
    • David E. Johnson @DaveJohnsonDC
      Commentary:
      What Better Way to Use the Arsenal of Democracy?
    • Raymond Kuo, photo courtesy of University at Albany
      Raymond Kuo @Kuorum1
      Commentary:
      Should Ukraine Settle with Russia?

    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
    • Methodological Innovation

    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

    • james syme, s1047
      James Syme

      Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND; PhD Candidate, Pardee RAND Graduate School

    • heather gomez bendana
      Heather Gomez-Bendaña

      Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND; 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.somalia
The RAND Blog

Somalia

  • China

    blog

    China's 70th Anniversary, Wargaming, Fentanyl: RAND Weekly Recap

    Oct 4, 2019

    This weekly recap focuses on what the future holds for China, the importance of gender diversity in wargaming, how Army families address life's challenges, and more.

    Read More »
  • Shi'ite Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) members hold an Islamic State flag, which they pulled down, during the war between Iraqi army and PMF against Islamic State militants in Tal Afar, Iraq, August 27, 2017
    Terrorism Threat Assessment

    commentary

    Expanding the ISIS Brand

    Colin P. Clarke

    Feb 19, 2018

    The National Interest

    Since its founding, the Islamic State has consistently expanded and contracted in order to achieve its objectives. To discern how ISIS might continue to expand, it makes sense to trace Al Qaeda's trajectory, which followed a similar pattern in the 2000s.

    Read More »
  • Nigerien soldiers prepare their magazines for a dismounted patrol during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 11, 2017
    Security Cooperation

    commentary

    The Real Questions We Should Be Asking About Niger

    Philip Mudd, Andrew Liepman

    Oct 30, 2017

    CNN

    In the wake of the deaths of four U.S. servicemen in Niger, Americans are embroiled in a pointless political squabble. The focus should be on developing a greater understanding of the risks and benefits of U.S. counterterrorism operations abroad.

    Read More »
  • Juba, South Sudan, February 2014: Internally displaced persons in South Sudan find a safe shelter at the UN House IDP Camp
    Maternal Health

    commentary

    Family Planning Must Be Part of the Humanitarian Response in Africa's Conflict Zones

    Mahlet Atakilt Woldetsadik

    Jul 1, 2015

    The RAND Blog

    Worldwide, nearly 800 women die every day due to mostly preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. More than half of these deaths occur in fragile states torn by armed conflict and generalized violence.

    Read More »
  • U.S. Senior Master Sgt. Leonard discusses cargo pallet inspection procedures with East Africa air force members during African Partnership Flight-Djibouti February 10, 2015
    Security Cooperation

    commentary

    Djibouti: Outpost of Stability in an Unstable Region

    K. Jack Riley @K_Jack_Riley, Seth G. Jones

    Apr 10, 2015

    The Hill

    The collaborative role being played by the United States and Djibouti represents the kind of partnerships that are now required in the battle against terrorism, because little-known places like Djibouti are one arena where the battle could be won or lost.

    Read More »
  • The U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama container ship docked at the Kenyan coastal sea port of Mombasa, April 12, 2009
    Maritime Piracy

    commentary

    Somali Piracy All About Economics

    Peter Chalk

    Oct 11, 2013

    USA Today

    The average Somali lives on less than $2 a day. Even fishermen, who are comparatively well off by national standards, face difficulties making a living due to the chronic depletion of sea stocks from years of poaching and illegal dumping of toxic waste. Under such circumstances, the allure of piracy is clear.

    Read More »
  • U.S. marines during a live-fire exercise on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio
    Counterterrorism

    blog

    Do U.S. Raids in Libya, Somalia Signal a Shift in Terror Strategy?

    Oct 10, 2013

    The raids that the United States conducted over the weekend in Libya and Somalia could signal a new focus in Washington on capturing terrorist suspects and gathering intelligence rather than relying on drone strikes. RAND experts Linda Robinson, Angel Rabasa, and Seth Jones comment.

    Read More »
  • Somali National Army soldiers stand at attention in a training camp
    Terrorism Threat Assessment

    commentary

    A Threat to U.S. Interests in East Africa

    Seth G. Jones

    Oct 2, 2013

    NYTimes.com

    The Shabab terrorist attack at Westgate Mall in Kenya and its follow-up attacks in the country are a stark reminder that the Somalia-based group poses a threat to the United States and its interests in East Africa, writes Seth G. Jones.

    Read More »
  • U.S. and Iraqi soldiers run by a burning vehicle in Hussein Hamadi village, Iraq
    Al Qaida

    commentary

    Al Qaeda Is Far from Defeated

    Seth G. Jones

    Apr 30, 2012

    The Wall Street Journal

    As the administration looks eastward—a strategy that incorporates China's rise—underestimating al Qaeda would be a dangerous mistake, writes Seth G. Jones.

    Read More »
  • commentary
    United Nations

    commentary

    Industry Insights: What's So Hard About Stopping Piracy?

    Laurence Smallman

    Apr 11, 2011

    Earth Imaging Journal

    Containing persistent maritime disorder might be more fruitful and could lay the foundations for a successful transition to better use of the sea once the societal factors—an even longer term problem—have been resolved, writes Laurence Smallman.

    Read More »
  • commentary
    Water Transportation

    commentary

    Kowtowing to Pirates' Ransoms Fuels Maritime Piracy

    Laurence Smallman

    Apr 11, 2011

    Bloomberg Government

    Instead of fanning piracy, international businesses need to heed policy. Ransoms in the short term can only lead to more problems in the long term, writes Laurence Smallman.

    Read More »
  • commentary
    Somalia

    commentary

    Stormy Seas off Somalia

    Peter Chalk

    Feb 28, 2011

    Los Angeles Times

    Only by addressing the poverty and lack of central authority in Somalia can the international community lower maritime crime and violence off the Horn of Africa, writes Peter Chalk.

    Read More »
  • commentary
    Al Qaida

    commentary

    Al Qaeda Tipping Point? Still a Long Way to Go

    Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

    Apr 26, 2010

    NationalJournal.com

    Although al Qaeda appears to be coming under pressure in some dimensions, I remain wary of calling a tipping point, and I am even more skeptical about the prospect of a knockout punch, writes Brian Michael Jenkins.

    Read More »
  • commentary
    Maritime Piracy

    commentary

    On Dry Land - The Onshore Drivers of Piracy

    Peter Chalk, Laurence Smallman

    Jul 3, 2009

    Jane's Intelligence Review online

    Piracy is a growing international problem, primarily around the Horn of Africa. The international response has been largely military in nature and focused exclusively on the maritime theatre, ignoring key land drivers of piracy, which will resurface once the military actions end, write Peter Chalk and Laurence Smallman.

    Read More »
  • commentary
    Maritime Piracy

    commentary

    Who Has the Will to Fight Piracy?

    Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

    Apr 21, 2009

    GlobalSecurity.org

    The recent French and American rescues of hostages held by pirates off the coast of Somalia were necessary and proper. No one believes these actions will end piracy. But unless we impose risks on the pirates--which means taking some risks ourselves--piracy will certainly flourish, writes Brian Michael Jenkins.

    Read More »
  • commentary

    commentary

    Old Front Against Terrorism

    Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

    Jan 14, 2007

    San Diego Union-Tribune

    Published commentary by RAND staff: Old Front Against Terrorism, in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

    Read More »
  • commentary

    commentary

    We've Been Down This Road Before

    James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins

    Jul 17, 2003

    Los Angeles Times

    commentaries by RAND Staff: insightful commentaries on current events, published in newspapers, magazines and journals worldwide.

    Read More »

Quoted

  • It's a lot more complicated than just stamping out the environmental hazards that are causing these injustices. Policymakers who want to remedy these injustices are going to have to struggle with how to protect the residents who are there.

    Sameer M. Siddiqi

    Associate Policy Researcher

    Source: RAND Review

  • If [the Ukraine] conflict is any harbinger, the United States and its allies and partners may need to be prepared for protracted wars that have insatiable appetites for materiel, munitions, and, tragically, people. If that is true, then the American arsenal of democracy, as well as those of its allies and partners, may have to be rejuvenated.

    David E. Johnson

    Principal Researcher

    Source: RealClearDefense

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 (1064)
  • Security Cooperation (598)
  • China (506)
  • Politics and Government (499)
  • Global Security (481)
  • Russia (474)
  • Counterterrorism (460)
  • Military Strategy (340)
  • International Affairs (307)
  • International Economic Relations (276)
  • Syria (276)
  • Pandemic (272)
  • Iran (263)
  • Iraq (261)
  • Peacekeeping and Stability Operations (251)

Archives

  • 2022
    • June
    • 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
  • Email
  • 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.