2018

commentary
Bitcoin and the Dark Web: The New Terrorist Threat?
Bitcoin has become the prominent currency of the dark web, which is often used to buy illegal goods, such as weapons and drugs. Anecdotal evidence suggests terrorists are using cryptocurrency and the dark web, but further investigation is needed.
Read More »
Jan 22, 2018
Antonia Ward
Nuclear Weapons and Warfare

commentary
Return of Tactical Nuclear Weapons Would Send a Dangerous Signal
A change in the U.S. nuclear posture to include low-yield nuclear weapons could make nonproliferation goals harder to achieve. But it could also signal a new willingness to consider these weapons as part of a spectrum of warfighting capabilities, rather than as a necessary component of the U.S. deterrence posture.
Read More »
Jan 19, 2018
Daniel M. Gerstein @Daniel_Gerstein
Security Cooperation

blog
Amphibious Plans and Posture in Support of NATO Event Held at RAND
A RAND workshop focused on the importance of amphibious and maritime forces working together within NATO. This provided a venue for dialogue and idea exchange about maritime and amphibious challenges and opportunities in Europe.
Read More »
Jan 19, 2018
Criminal Justice

commentary
The Perils of Setting Police Targets: First Time Entrants to the Youth Justice System
The police play a critical role in determining whether young people are either directed towards or diverted away from the justice system. Introducing policing targets can create perverse incentives and raises particular concerns because of the potential damaging effects that criminalization can have on young people.
Read More »
Jan 18, 2018
Alex Sutherland, Matthew Davies
Homelessness

commentary
Housing for Health: Los Angeles County's Department of Health Tackles Homelessness with an Innovative Housing Program That Saves Money
Los Angeles County's Housing for Health program addresses an important public health issue by providing housing and supportive services to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. The program also saves taxpayers money.
Read More »
Jan 18, 2018
Sarah B. Hunter
Border and Port Security

commentary
Is Macron Set to 'Take Back Control' of UK-France Border After Brexit?
As French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in London for the 35th UK-France Summit, there is growing French discomfort with arrangements at the UK-France border. The UK's decision to leave the European Union has added new urgency to this already fraught debate.
Read More »
Jan 17, 2018
James Black, Sarah Grand-Clement
Civic Education

commentary
The Diminishing Role of Facts in American Public Life
Without agreement about objective facts and a common understanding of and respect for data and analytical interpretations of those data, it becomes nearly impossible to have the types of meaningful policy debates that form the foundation of democracy.
Read More »
Jan 17, 2018
Michael D. Rich @michaeldrich, Jennifer Kavanagh
Infrastructure Finance

commentary
How Federal Policy Could Help Water and Wastewater Utilities
A targeted approach could help the federal government address the root causes of infrastructure problems more effectively than a spending initiative that simply spreads money around with the hope that more spending might do some good.
Read More »
Jan 16, 2018
Debra Knopman, David Catt
Peacekeeping and Stability Operations

commentary
The United States and Pakistan: Best Frenemies Forever?
A realistic approach to dealing with Pakistan does not mean selling out Afghanistan or taking a loss on the substantial U.S. investment in the region. Rather, it is necessary for giving Afghanistan a better shot at a more stable future than the current approach is likely to produce.
Read More »
Jan 16, 2018
Laurel E. Miller
Evidence Based Health Practice

commentary
Evidence-Based Treatments May Be Casualties of War on Drugs
U.S. schools and community organizations face a difficult battle to keep kids safe and drug-free. They need tools to help them choose programs that will work best for youth. The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices is such a tool, but its future is uncertain.
Read More »
Jan 15, 2018
Matthew Chinman, Joie D. Acosta
commentary
Unrest in Iran: An Opportunity for Democratic Change
As the unrest that began in Iran on Dec. 28 begins to wane following a crackdown, it is difficult to assess what may come next. But this is not the first time Iranians have come out on the streets to protest and challenge authoritarian rule, nor will it be the last; the Iranian people have a long history of seeking a democratic political order.
Read More »
Jan 14, 2018
Richard C. Baffa
commentary
Iran's Efforts to Create Instability Abroad Have Led to Protests at Home
Iran has spent billions of dollars in its quest to be a regional leader, but its main achievement has been to spark instability across a wide swath of the Middle East. Ordinary Iranians are struggling and protesters are urging a retreat from costly foreign fights and more aid at home.
Read More »
Jan 12, 2018
Colin P. Clarke, William Courtney @courtneywmh
North Korea

commentary
Nothing New from North Korea
Kim Jong Un's recent proposal for talks with South Korea is by no means unprecedented. And while the overture could somewhat ease tensions in the region, there is no reason to believe that Kim is ready to give up his nuclear arsenal.
Read More »
Jan 12, 2018
James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins
Social and Emotional Learning

commentary
Learning How to Measure Social and Emotional Learning
Educators and policymakers are increasingly focusing on non-academic competencies, known as social and emotional learning. To support growth in these areas, teachers need assessments that can help them understand how well students are learning these skills, and what instructional approaches work best.
Read More »
Jan 11, 2018
Brian M. Stecher, Laura S. Hamilton
Mental Health and Illness

commentary
Building Understanding of the Mental Health Challenges in the Construction Industry
Employers looking to address mental health problems among staff must recognize the causes and understand mental health challenges within the organization. Construction workers could face greater risk than workers in other sectors, but awareness of support and help remains low.
Read More »
Jan 11, 2018
Michael Whitmore, Joscelyne Shaw