March 2017

commentary

How Putin Ensnares

President Vladimir Putin is Russia's charmer-in-chief, with years of experience in high-level diplomacy. As part of Russia's influence operations, Putin may seek to entice or suborn Western leaders. How might he try to win them over?

William Courtney @courtneywmh, Miriam Matthews

commentary

The Hidden Potential of NATO's Gator Navies

Improving U.S.-European amphibious interoperability would bolster the alliance's defense posture in a non-provocative manner that complements recent moves in land forces. The 2017 Summit in Brussels presents an opportunity to refine allied ground posture while adding this maritime dimension.

Gregory DeMarco, Gene Germanovich @geneDC

commentary

Taking the 'Terror' Out of Terrorism Requires Outsmarting Fear

Terrorism aims to create terror. Building an effective counterterror strategy could help society understand how terrorism works, then work together toward a psychologically more resilient and less vulnerable mindset.

Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins

commentary

Making BRAC Politically Palatable

Taxpayer dollars have been used for decades to maintain bases that should have been realigned or closed. If policymakers would like more efficient use of defense dollars, they might consider allowing new rounds of Base Realignment and Closure.

Christopher M. Schnaubelt

commentary

How Will Defence and Security Be Affected by Brexit?

Trade and migration issues have dominated Brexit discussions. But the UK's decision to leave the EU also creates challenges for security, deepening uncertainty at a time when little certainty exists.

Alexandra Hall, James Black

commentary

What Are the Chances of the U.S. and China Going to War?

War between the United States and China seems far-fetched. But complacency would be a mistake. Washington and Beijing should keep a direct channel open between their defense ministers to defuse any potential crises or escalation.

David C. Gompert

commentary

Beware the New Mujahideen: The Threat from Future Jihadist Networks

Today's terrorist networks will multiply far beyond the wars in Iraq and Syria. When one conflict ends, these fighters often join another. It is critical they be denied safe haven and the ability to train and network in ungoverned territories.

Colin P. Clarke, Chad C. Serena, et al.

commentary

Why a Dying Islamic State Could Be an Even Bigger Threat to America

The collapse of the so-called caliphate won't eliminate ISIS or similar groups. In the short term, the threat of ISIS-related attacks on the West may even grow.

Seth G. Jones, James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins

commentary

Five Myths About American Obesity

Two in three Americans are overweight or obese. There are many popular theories about what's causing the obesity epidemic, but many are not supported by data. What's clear is that most U.S. adults eat too many calories.

Ruopeng An, Roland Sturm

commentary

To Take Raqqa, the U.S. Must Work with Its Partner in the Fight Against the Islamic State Group

Turkey strongly opposes the U.S. bid to arm the Syrian Kurds. Rushing into Raqqa without reaching agreement with Turkey would jeopardize larger U.S. regional and even global geopolitical objectives.

Linda Robinson

commentary

On 'Hidden Figures' and Being the Only Woman in the Room

RAND's Susan Marquis discusses the three brilliant African-American women depicted in the film Hidden Figures, the critical role of women in RAND's history, and more.

Susan L. Marquis

commentary

The Era of Coast Guards in the Asia-Pacific Is Upon Us

Coast guards, not navies, are the new asset of choice in East and Southeast Asia to assert sovereignty over disputed waters. China has been expanding its coast guard fleet and many states, like Vietnam and the Philippines, lack the funds to match it.

Lyle J. Morris

commentary

Death by Nerve Gas: Two Arrests, Many Questions in Attack in Malaysia

Details about the murder of Kim Jong Un's half-brother are still being uncovered. If a firm connection to North Korea can be made, others in the region should react strongly. Otherwise, Kim may conclude that further provocations are worth it.

Bruce W. Bennett @bwbennett

commentary

A More Public National Security Strategy Discussion

President Trump has proposed an increase of $54 billion in defense spending, about 10 percent more than the current budget. But what is the national security strategy that supports this reallocation of resources? A comprehensive discussion of threats to U.S. interests and strategies to address them is in order.

Daniel M. Gerstein @Daniel_Gerstein

q&a

Innovation in the Bay Area: Q&A with Nidhi Kalra

Nidhi Kalra discusses what Silicon Valley startups and policy researchers have in common, whether test-driving autonomous vehicles could really prove their safety, and more.