November 2014

Russia
commentary
Putting Putin in His Place
Christopher S. Chivvis
Nov 26, 2014
U.S. News & World Report
Developing an effective and sustainable strategy to deal with the multi-layered problem that Putin's Russia has created requires deterring Russia while also engaging it. The U.S. and Europe should have confidence that they are up to the task.
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Iran
commentary
A Nuclear Extension Can Still Work, but Iran Must Show Flexibility
Alireza Nader
Nov 26, 2014
The Woodrow Wilson Center
The extension of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 is disappointing, but it's better than the alternatives. Now it's time for the Iranian government to show greater flexibility. It may have gained a few months, but in the long run, time is not on its side.
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Georgia (country)
commentary
Rough and Tumble of Building Democracy in Georgia
Kenneth Yalowitz, William Courtney @courtneywmh, Denis Corboy
Nov 26, 2014
The Woodrow Wilson Center
Leadership squabbles and instincts for retribution are testing Georgia's democracy. If leaders do not come together to strengthen the political system and governance, Georgia's future could hang in the balance.
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Principals
commentary
A Principal Role in Education
Susan M. Gates
Nov 26, 2014
The RAND Blog
Principals are second only to teachers as the most important school factor affecting student achievement, but their contributions are often underappreciated. They establish a vision that motivates the entire community, build a school culture that supports student learning, ensure resources are used effectively, and engage with the community.
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Databases and Data Collection, Analysis, and Processing
commentary
ACTA Revisited? TTIP and Data Privacy
Marlon Graf
Nov 26, 2014
Atlantic Community
The EU has embarked on negotiations with the U.S. on the TTIP, which shares some of ACTA's goals. This time, though, the European Commission is seeking to make the talks more transparent by publishing a series of position papers on key issues very early on in the process. This is a step in the right direction toward an agreement that will have economic benefits for a net-exporting region of intellectual property such as the EU.
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Robust Decision Making
announcement
RAND's Collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Lab Shows How High-Performance Computing Could Revolutionize Decisionmaking
Nov 25, 2014
RAND's Emerging Policy Research and Methods Program has signed a memorandum of understanding with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's High Performance Computing Innovation Center to explore how high-performance computing could enable near-real-time policy and decision analysis through the use of complex, at-scale models.
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Air Warfare
commentary
NATO's Campaign in Libya Offers Salient Lessons for the Air War Against ISIL
Karl P. Mueller
Nov 25, 2014
Defense One
The NATO air campaign that helped defeat Qaddafi's regime in Libya has received relatively little mention in public discussion of the ongoing air strikes against ISIS. But the campaign in Libya offers at least five lessons that deserve greater attention today.
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Teachers and Teaching
commentary
Helping Teachers Overcome Technology Barriers in Early Childhood Education
Lindsay Daugherty, Rafiq Dossani
Nov 21, 2014
The RAND Blog
When it comes to helping children appreciate the benefits of using technology in a classroom setting, early childhood education providers play a critical role integrating that technology appropriately, intentionally, and productively. But these educators face myriad barriers to fulfilling these roles.
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Nuclear Deterrence
commentary
Celebrating the Success of Project Sapphire
William Courtney @courtneywmh, Susan Koch, Jeffrey Starr
Nov 21, 2014
The National Interest
Twenty years ago this week, the United States transported over 600 kilograms of at-risk, weapons-usable highly enriched uranium (HEU) from Kazakhstan to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for safekeeping. Kazakhstan had the courage to trust its new relationship with the U.S. to help prevent the proliferation of dangerous material to countries that might seek to build nuclear weapons.
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Child Well-Being
commentary
The Time Is Ripe for Evidence-Based Child Policy in the UK
Barbara Janta
Nov 20, 2014
Open Policy Making
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain. Even in the UK there are still children who live in poverty and inequality, who experience violence, and who are not afforded rights on par with their peers.
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Emerging Technologies
blog
Snapchat CEO Discusses App's Appeal, Future of Digital Communication
Nov 20, 2014
With technology a persistent theme throughout RAND's biennial Politics Aside event, it was only fitting that the proceedings closed with a conversation on social media between Michael Lynton, CEO of Sony Pictures, and Evan Spiegel, the 24-year-old co-founder and CEO of Snapchat.
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Disaster Recovery Operations
blog
In the Wake of Disaster: Practical and Philosophical Challenges of Victim Compensation
Nov 20, 2014
When tragedy strikes, Kenneth Feinberg is often the person companies and governments turn to for help to determine appropriate monetary compensation. At RAND's Politics Aside event last week, he shared some of his thoughts on what goes into making those decisions, and why it's so important to meet with victims.
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Terrorism Threat Assessment
commentary
When Jihadis Come Marching Home
Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins
Nov 19, 2014
The Hill
The existing pool of determined jihadists in America is very small and lacks training and experience, which fighting in Syria and Iraq would provide. Returning jihadi veterans would be more formidable adversaries. Still, the threat appears manageable using current U.S. laws and existing resources.
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Security Cooperation
commentary
What's the Plan? The NATO Coalition in Afghanistan
Jason H. Campbell @JasonHCampbell
Nov 19, 2014
War on the Rocks
The imminent changes to the NATO mission in Afghanistan will be profound and, more crucially, carry unpredictable outcomes. After January 1, the removal of tens of thousands of coalition troops will trigger an inevitable period of adjustment as all sides involved in the conflict press for a new equilibrium that tilts in its favor.
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Weapons of Mass Destruction
commentary
N.K. WMDs Carry Catastrophic Potential
Bruce W. Bennett @bwbennett
Nov 19, 2014
The Korea Herald
The failure of the United States and South Korea to prevent North Korea from gaining significant quantities of weapons of mass destruction saddles those governments with serious military responsibilities, should North Korea go to war or should its government collapse.
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Veterans Health Care
commentary
Military Turns to Collaborative Care to Treat PTSD, Depression
Charles C. Engel @CharlesEngel
Nov 19, 2014
Psychiatric News
Collaborative care has been an important part of Army efforts to reach out to those struggling with PTSD and depression. It has brought a science-based solution to an essential military problem and has helped thousands of men and women in uniform in ways that also nudge the larger mental health system toward greater effectiveness for all Americans.
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Politics and Government
blog
What Makes a Good Leader? Ask Pope Francis, or Lady Gaga
Nov 18, 2014
What makes an effective state? What makes a good leader? Panelists at RAND's Politics Aside event discussed leadership, governance, and how the service part of democracies has become too politicized.
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Cost-Effectiveness in Health Care
commentary
Knowing When to Say Yes to Medical Technology
Emmett B. Keeler
Nov 18, 2014
The Health Care Blog
CT lung cancer screening turns out to be like many new medical technologies: It improves health but is quite expensive. Moreover, it needs implementation that targets those most likely to benefit and provides them the care they need efficiently.
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Health Care Delivery Approaches
blog
Innovations in Health Care: New Treatments, Changing Systems
Nov 18, 2014
From the Affordable Care Act and new advances in medical technology to the impact of the aging population, panelists at RAND's Politics Aside discussed a wide-range of topics affecting America's health care system today and into the future.
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Myanmar
commentary
Myanmar's Slow Path to Democracy
Peter Chalk
Nov 16, 2014
al Jazeera
The U.S. and its allies must act decisively and provide a strong foundation for Myanmar's long-term transformation. A failure to carefully guide the country's successful transition to a civilian rule would be a missed opportunity for the Obama administration and, more important, for Myanmar's 51 million citizens.
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Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
commentary
A Thaw in Asia
Timothy R. Heath, Michael S. Chase
Nov 16, 2014
U.S. News & World Report
Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this week raised hope for the near term that the leaders of both countries can ease tensions between Asia's two largest economies.
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Markets
blog
The Risks and Rewards of Emerging Markets
Nov 16, 2014
Emerging markets may offer challenges ranging from corruption to the threat of violence, but the rewards can be worth the risks, experts said during a panel discussion at RAND's Politics Aside event.
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The Islamic State (Terrorist Organization)
blog
ISIS in Perspective
Nov 15, 2014
While ISIS poses a threat to the U.S., violence from the group is not likely to be aimed directly at the American homeland any time soon, according to a panel of experts who discussed the Middle East at RAND's Politics Aside event. But an attack could be mounted against the U.S. if ISIS were to establish a nation from the territory it holds in Syria and Iraq.
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Community Resilience
blog
Investing in Resilient Cities
Nov 15, 2014
It's time to change the paradigm from disaster response and recovery to building resilient communities, said Judith Rodin, president of The Rockefeller Foundation, at RAND's Politics Aside event.
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Cyber and Data Sciences
blog
Setting Standards for Cyber Security
Nov 14, 2014
Developing international norms and standards about appropriate cyber security activity by nations, groups, and even individuals is key to governing online activity in the future, said NSA Director Adm. Michael S. Rogers during a panel discussion at RAND's Politics Aside event.
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Space Science and Technology
blog
Space Talk Launches Politics Aside
Nov 14, 2014
Hundreds of guests packed the Cary Grant Theatre at Sony Studios Thursday night to kick off RAND's biennial Politics Aside event with a panel discussion on space technology, policy, and leadership.
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Afghanistan
commentary
Afghanistan After America: A Fragile Stability
James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins
Nov 14, 2014
The Mark News
Since 2011, the United States, the Afghan government, and the Taliban have engaged in intermittent and often indirect talks about peace negotiations. It may be stalemate on the battlefield that eventually forces the parties to break this stalemate over the shape of a peace process.
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International Diplomacy
commentary
Ignore Flap Over Obama Letter
Alireza Nader
Nov 14, 2014
CNN
While it is not surprising that the alleged letter from President Obama to Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei has upset domestic critics of the nuclear negotiations, the alleged correspondence has also unsettled Israel and Saudi Arabia, which fear a 'bad' deal with Iran and even secret collusion between Washington and Tehran. But such concerns seem unfounded.
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Social Services and Welfare
commentary
Addressing SSDI's Looming Insolvency
Nicole Maestas, Philip Armour @economistphil
Nov 12, 2014
The RAND Blog
Social Security Disability Insurance will be unable to cover 20 percent of its scheduled benefit obligations beginning in 2016. The lack of an evidentiary base to guide policy has been one of the major impediments to the consideration of changes that could modernize the program without jeopardizing its essential safety net function.
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Afghanistan
commentary
Are Ethnic Politics Afghanistan's Great Hope?
Sean Mann
Nov 11, 2014
Foreign Policy
Afghanistan's ethnic politics have tended to absorb inter-communal struggle more than exacerbate it. Afghan politicians have consistently opted for an ethnic balance of power once the votes are counted. The unity government deal brokered by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry aims to restore the ethnic balance that persisted under Hamid Karzai for more than a decade.
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Political Reform Movements
commentary
The Mountains Are High and the Emperor Is Far Away
Douglas Yeung @DouglasCYeung, Astrid Stuth Cevallos
Nov 11, 2014
Foreign Policy
Since September 22, tens of thousands of protesters have flooded the streets of Hong Kong, calling for universal suffrage in the 2017 chief executive election and the resignation of current Chief Executive Chun-ying Leung. When they took to Twitter to share their ideas and mobilize support, they revealed the profound disconnect that separates elements of Hong Kong society from their mainland counterparts.
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Military Caregivers
commentary
Honoring America's Veterans Requires Helping Their Families, Too
Terri Tanielian @TerriTanielian
Nov 11, 2014
Family Studies
This Veterans Day, the United States especially honors the millions of veterans living with service-related illnesses and injuries. But it's also important to recognize the sacrifices of those helping them to recover and thrive: America's 5.5 million military caregivers.
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Affordable Care Act
commentary
The ACA's Tax Credits Keep Premiums Low for Everyone
Christine Eibner @Chrissyeibner
Nov 10, 2014
The Morning Consult
The ACA's tax credits currently contain several properties that stabilize premiums while providing assistance to low- and moderate-income people. As policymakers contemplate modifications to the ACA that would affect the tax credits, it will be important to consider not only how they affect those who are eligible, but also how they affect premiums for everyone else.
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Health Insurance
commentary
Health Insurance Without an Annual Expiration Date? A Case for Exchange-Based Long-Term Policies
Harry H. Liu, Soeren Mattke
Nov 10, 2014
Health Affairs Blog
Multi-year health plans have the potential to finally align the interests of health plan enrollees and insurers by reaping long-term benefits of patient health management.
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Afghanistan
commentary
What's the Plan? The Afghan Government
Jason H. Campbell @JasonHCampbell
Nov 10, 2014
War on the Rocks
With the election dispute having reached a settlement, one can sense a feeling of hope and opportunity among the Afghan political spectrum. Members of each camp are voicing optimism and saying the right things, but before the unity government can address the litany of issues facing the country, it must first successfully clear the hurdle of appointing new leadership.
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Military Veterans
blog
Research Drives Ongoing Support for Veterans
Nov 10, 2014
On November 11, we honor the service and sacrifices of America's veterans. But as they return home and adjust to civilian life, veterans and their families face new challenges and communities struggle to meet their unique needs. Rigorous research is essential to addressing these challenges and finding long-term solutions. RAND explores key issues concerning veterans such as employment, health and well-being, family support, and education.
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Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy
commentary
Global Collaboration Needs a Firmer Evidence Base
Ben Baruch @Ben_Baruch_, Cecile Hoareau McGrath, Salil Gunashekar, Joanna Chataway
Nov 10, 2014
Research Europe
Policymakers should carry out a robust evaluation to assess the EU's research collaboration to date and analyze its impacts. This review should also compare the EU's portfolio with the collaborative research achievements of other players in international research. Such evidence would enhance the EU's research procurement strategy.
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Ukraine
commentary
Hitting the Pause Button: The 'Frozen Conflict' Dilemma in Ukraine
Denis Corboy, William Courtney @courtneywmh, Kenneth Yalowitz
Nov 7, 2014
The National Interest
Frozen conflicts describe places where fighting took place and has come to an end, yet no overall political solution, such as a peace treaty, has been reached. Ukraine is likely to host such conflicts for some time, in Crimea and the Donbas region. Georgia's experience offers lessons for Ukraine.
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Ebola
commentary
Ebola Shows America Needs Better Disaster Preparedness
Mahshid Abir, Richard Serino
Nov 7, 2014
U.S. News & World Report
Crafting an effective, whole-community strategy to respond to Ebola could stop the spread of the disease now and lay groundwork for responses to future outbreaks and other emergencies. In the long run, this could make public preparedness and resilience valuable assets for the U.S.
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International Diplomacy
commentary
Engagement and Assurance: Debating the U.S.-Chinese Relationship
Michael S. Chase, Timothy R. Heath, Ely Ratner
Nov 6, 2014
The National Interest
The risks of strategic rivalry with China deserve serious attention. But the best way to avoid the destabilizing effects of military competition is sustained U.S. engagement with China and the region -- precisely what U.S. policy has been seeking to achieve.
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Educational Technology
commentary
Access to Technology Is Key to Early Childhood Education
Lindsay Daugherty, Rafiq Dossani
Nov 4, 2014
The RAND Blog
For children from all income classes to benefit from the proper use of technology in early childhood education, providers, families, and children themselves must have access to an adequate technology infrastructure, including devices, connectivity, and software.
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Democracy
commentary
Republicans May Make Gains in Midterm Election, but Democrats Remain Strong Nationally
Katherine Grace Carman @KGCarman, Michael Pollard @MichaelSPollard
Nov 4, 2014
The RAND Blog
The Republican Party has a strong chance of maintaining control of the House of Representatives and possibly even gaining control of the Senate. But survey results suggest that, while individual races may vary, support for Republican candidates nationwide may be less than support for Democratic candidates.
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Parenting
commentary
Adults Are Concerned About Sons Playing Football, Especially the More Highly Educated and Obama 2012 Voters
Katherine Grace Carman @KGCarman, Michael Pollard @MichaelSPollard
Nov 4, 2014
The RAND Blog
According to new data, 44 percent of American adults wouldn't be comfortable letting their sons play football. Roughly the same percentage was uncomfortable with their sons playing ice hockey.
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