2017

Security Cooperation
commentary
What Were China's Objectives in the Doklam Dispute?
Jonah Blank
Sep 8, 2017
Foreign Affairs
A recent military standoff on the Doklam Plateau was the most serious confrontation between China and India in a generation. It holds lessons for nations interested in Beijing's global strategic calculus.
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Artificial Intelligence
commentary
Artificial Intelligence and the Military
Robert W. Button
Sep 7, 2017
RealClearDefense
AI has many possible applications for the military, such as providing unpredictable and adaptive adversaries for training fighter pilots. But what are the implications of AI adoption?
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Sleep
commentary
If Teenagers Get More Sleep, California Could Gain Billions
Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel, Marco Hafner @econ_hafner
Sep 7, 2017
Los Angeles Times
Two key effects of better-rested teens are improved academic performance and reduced motor vehicle crashes. Delaying school start times to 8:30 a.m. could result in economic benefits that would be realized within a matter of years — $10 billion in California alone.
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Counterterrorism
commentary
Vehicular Terrorism: Weighing the Benefits, and Worth, of Prevention
Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins
Sep 5, 2017
Fox News Channel
The terrorist attack in Barcelona has added urgency to discussions of what can be done to prevent terrorists from using vehicles as weapons. Many potential security measures would be disruptive, costly, and could easily be circumvented by a determined terrorist.
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Public Health
commentary
Anticipating Harvey's Toll on Health and Health Care
Mahshid Abir, Richard Serino
Sep 5, 2017
U.S. News & World Report
After Hurricane Harvey, challenges to the health of affected communities and the health care systems that serve them are expected to grow. Among the problems are closures of hospitals, pharmacies, and dialysis centers. Lessons from Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy could help relief efforts.
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Workforce Development
essay
What Happens When RAND Rethinks Its Workspace
Sep 5, 2017
In an economy that increasingly values ideas over tasks, companies are breaking down office walls, scrapping the idea of a nine-to-five, and doing away with cubicles. A RAND project shows how a modern workspace can be conducive to both collaboration and individual work.
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Military Strategy
commentary
Managing Chaos in an Era of Great Power Competition
Austin Long, Linda Robinson, Seth G. Jones
Sep 5, 2017
War on the Rocks
As Washington policymakers seek a new strategic course, U.S. national security strategy should not neglect the importance of competition short of armed conflict. A U.S. strategy that incorporates this perspective from the beginning could manage chaos at a reasonable cost.
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Counterterrorism
commentary
Countering Violent Islamist Extremism: The Value of Words Over War
Peter Chalk
Sep 1, 2017
U.S. News & World Report
It is highly probable that the world will witness more attacks on civilian-centric locations as groups like the Islamic State group try to prove their continued relevance. Governments need a more nuanced strategy aimed at helping communities counter the conditions that contribute to extremist violence.
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Employment and Unemployment
commentary
Why More Young Workers Are Relying on Financial Help from Parents
Kathryn A. Edwards
Aug 31, 2017
The RAND Blog
As today's young adults grapple with a difficult job market, high tuition costs, and rapidly rising rents, parents are increasingly providing financial support and other forms of assistance.
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Nation Building
commentary
President Trump's Recommitment to Nation-Building in Afghanistan
Laurel E. Miller
Aug 30, 2017
Newsweek
In his speech on Afghanistan, President Trump maintained his stance against nation-building. But like President Obama's policy, the refreshed approach hinges on the U.S. developing Afghan government capabilities to fight the Taliban, provide for the country's long-term security, and serve as a counterterrorism partner.
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Occupational Health and Safety
commentary
Many Americans Face Bullying, Harassment, and Abuse at Work, but Bosses Can Help
Kathleen J. Mullen @KathleenJMullen, Jeffrey B. Wenger
Aug 30, 2017
The RAND Blog
Workers are experiencing high levels of hostile behaviors at work. Nearly one in five American workers have been subjected to some form of verbal abuse, unwanted sexual attention, threats, or humiliating behavior at work, with younger non-college educated workers bearing the most risk.
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Security Cooperation
commentary
Countering Chinese Coercion: The Case of Doklam
Oriana Skylar Mastro, Arzan Tarapore
Aug 29, 2017
War on the Rocks
India and China have agreed to end a two-month border confrontation in the Doklam area claimed by both China and Bhutan. The immediate crisis seems to be over, but it offers insights into Chinese coercive strategies and how they may be thwarted.
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Autonomous Vehicles
commentary
What Autonomous Vehicles Could Mean for American Workers
Nidhi Kalra
Aug 29, 2017
The RAND Blog
Autonomous vehicles are projected to hit American roads within the next few years. They promise safer transportation, greater mobility for millions of Americans, and other benefits. But they will also have enormous impacts on the workforce.
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Terrorism Financing
commentary
Hezbollah Has Been Active in America for Decades
Colin P. Clarke @ColinPClarke
Aug 28, 2017
The National Interest
Hezbollah has been active inside the United States for decades, engaging in a range of activities that include fundraising and money laundering. The U.S. and its allies should continue to combat the financing of terrorism and take action against the funding of terrorist groups on U.S. soil.
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Mental Health and Illness
commentary
Why the Mental Ill Health of Academic Researchers Remains a Hidden Problem
Susan Guthrie, Catherine A. Lichten
Aug 28, 2017
Times Higher Education
The mental health and well-being of higher education staff is a significant challenge, probably even more so than the evidence indicates.
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