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.

Antonia Ward

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.

Daniel M. Gerstein @Daniel_Gerstein

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.

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.

Alex Sutherland, Matthew Davies

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.

Sarah B. Hunter

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.

James Black, Sarah Grand-Clement

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.

Michael D. Rich @michaeldrich, Jennifer Kavanagh

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.

Debra Knopman, David Catt

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.

Laurel E. Miller

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.

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.

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.

Colin P. Clarke, William Courtney @courtneywmh

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.

James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins

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.

Brian M. Stecher, Laura S. Hamilton

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.

Michael Whitmore, Joscelyne Shaw