November 2016

commentary

How Will Jihadist Strategy Evolve As the Islamic State Declines?

As ISIL experiences ongoing battlefield losses it will have to rework its strategy to sustain itself as a preeminent jihadist brand. Meanwhile, the group will likely place greater emphasis on smaller scale strikes that require less central direction.

Colin P. Clarke, Daveed Gartenstein-Ross

commentary

The Neighborhood Park: An Underused Oasis

Most neighborhood parks are underutilized, especially in the mornings and on weekdays. But with a modest amount of redesign, investment, and marketing, parks could lead more people to engage in routine physical activity.

Deborah A. Cohen, Catherine J. Nagel

commentary

A Changing Cuba May Create Risks for Maritime Border Security

A changing Cuba may contribute to less secure maritime borders for the United States. The U.S. should plan accordingly to stop mass movements of both drugs and people.

Scott Savitz, Paul DeLuca

commentary

Killer Robots: Moral Concerns vs. Military Advantages

The U.S. military should balance Americans' ethical concerns over computers making life and death decisions with the need to maintain an edge in the face of rapid advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning across the globe.

Colin Roberts

announcement

RAND Is Accepting Applications for Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowships

RAND is accepting applications for up to three Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows. The application deadline is January 9, 2017. The program was created to stimulate the development of the next generation of thought leaders on nuclear security.

commentary

If Not Free Trade, Then What?

It may not be unrealistic to hope that the next U.S. president could define and implement a concept of fair trade that is not antitrade.

Charles Wolf, Jr.

commentary

South Korea Cracks Down on Illegal Chinese Fishing, with Violent Results

In the Yellow Sea and elsewhere, Chinese fishermen have shown an increasing willingness to challenge attempts by coast guards to enforce fishing laws. Earlier this week, after repeated warnings, the Korea Coast Guard opened fire on a Chinese vessel fishing illegally in Korean waters.

Lyle J. Morris

commentary

China's Actions Are Causing U.S. 'Militarization' of the Pacific

Beijing's aggression in the Asia-Pacific is threatening key U.S. allies, causing America to respond. Any change in U.S. policy must be based on changes in Chinese behavior.

Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman

commentary

Europe's Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

The EC's AMR Action Plan included measures to ensure antimicrobials are used more appropriately in both humans and animals and measures to stimulate R&D of new antibiotics. One area that was not sufficiently covered was the environment.

Elta Smith, Catherine A. Lichten

commentary

The Pentagon's New Chief Innovation Officer Should Tread Lightly

The innovation efforts taking place in the Department of Defense are exciting and have much potential. But installing a chief innovation officer with centralized authority who may become just another bureaucratic player among many could spoil those efforts.

Jonathan P. Wong @jonpwong

commentary

How Police Body Cameras Can Improve Behavior, Ease Tension

Body cameras alone can't solve America's problems with policing. But used properly, they can help address mistrust between communities and police.

Alex Sutherland, Barak Ariel

commentary

Al Nusra Is Stronger Than Ever

While the West targets ISIS, Jabhat Fateh al Sham, formerly known as Jabhat al Nusra, is quietly laying the groundwork for al Qaeda's resurgence.

Colin P. Clarke