2013

commentary

Building a More Secure American Embassy

The recent decision to close 19 U.S. embassies and consulates in the Middle East and Africa because of intelligence indicating terrorist planning for unspecific attacks underscores the need to continue focusing attention and resources on the danger al-Qaida and its affiliates pose to the United States and its allies.

William Young

commentary

Double Trouble: A Realist View of Rising Chinese and Indian Power

Washington sees Indian power as part of the solution to the challenges posed by the rise of China, but this view underestimates the complex, sometimes inter-related challenges America will face as both Asian giants become more powerful, write George J. Gilboy and Eric Heginbotham.

George J. Gilboy, Eric Heginbotham

commentary

Translating Policy Into Action to Build Community Resilience

The philosophy and motivation surrounding community resilience has strongly resonated with community leaders but there remains a divide between how experts articulate resilience policy and how that policy translates to on-the-ground implementation. Building Community Resilience: An Online Training addresses that tension.

Anita Chandra, Joie D. Acosta

blog

For Pardee RAND Graduate School, a $3.6 Million Gift

Frederick S. Pardee, a former RAND researcher, contributed $3.6 million to support the Pardee RAND Graduate School and to create its Pardee Initiative for Global Human Progress. His generous gift will seed projects that help those in developing countries.

commentary

Syria's Growing Jihad

The escalating war in Syria presents a growing threat to the Middle East and the West more broadly. Led by groups like Jabhat al-Nusra (the Victory Front), an al-Qaeda-affiliated organization, Syria is becoming a training ground for foreign fighters and a microcosm of sectarian conflict.

Seth G. Jones

blog

Nobel Laureate Ronald Coase Dies at Age 102

Announcement of the death of RAND Alumni and Nobel Laureate Ronald Coase on September 2nd, 2013

blog

What Effect Does Media Have on Youth?

American youth live in an environment saturated with media. What effects does this have on their health and well-being?

commentary

Rowhani's Syria Dilemma

Syria is Iran's only real state ally in the Middle East. But Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's behavior puts Iranian leaders, especially the newly elected President Hassan Rowhani, in a quandary.

Alireza Nader

blog

Al Qaeda, Hezbollah on the Verge of Sectarian War in Lebanon

Tensions between rival militant groups al Qaeda and Hezbollah have reached a fever pitch following bombings at two mosques in Lebanon, making a bloody sectarian conflict an increasingly real possibility.

q&a

RAND Experts Q&A on Syria

There are increasing reports suggesting that President Obama will soon take military action against the Syrian government, perhaps targeting its chemical weapons facilities. Several RAND experts spoke with us about the latest developments.

commentary

Data Points: Why Delay of the Employer Mandate May Not Actually Mean That Much

The bottom line is that the employer mandate does not provide a large inducement for firms to change their health insurance offerings, but it does raise a substantial amount of money to pay for the ACA's coverage provisions over time.

Carter C. Price @CarterCPrice, Evan Saltzman

commentary

Using the Power of Communities to Beat Depression

Under-resourced communities of color have limited access to programs that could improve recognition and treatment of depression. RAND and UCLA investigators applied an engagement model to determine how to better serve these communities.

Kenneth B. Wells, Loretta Jones

commentary

Surprise! Now What?

Who is best prepared for responding to surprise: a Navy SEAL, an NFL coach, or a Fortune 500 CEO? The answer is that all three professions have something to teach us: The NFL coach is an expert in pre-planning; the SEAL is great under pressure; and a good CEO has become an expert in responding to strategic threats.

Dave Baiocchi, D. Steven Fox

commentary

What's Next for the Muslim Brotherhood?

Some believe the Muslim Brotherhood should stay in the political game, adopting the role of loyal opposition. The Brotherhood would remain a minority party, but it could continue to hold offices, provide social assistance that the government does not, and demonstrate its continuing strength at the polls.

Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

commentary

U.S., China and an Unthinkable War

Although the China-U.S. agenda is jammed with pressing issues, time must be found to improve procedures and channels to defuse crises and avert military miscalculation. Political leaders should not wait for a crisis before scrutinizing war-fighting plans and insisting on ones that strengthen, not weaken, stability.

David C. Gompert, Terrence K. Kelly