January 2019

Globalization
commentary
Questioning the Presumption of a U.S.-China Power Transition
Ali Wyne
Jan 9, 2019
The Diplomat
The United States occupies the central role in a world order that, while under growing duress, remains a central organizing framework in world affairs. There are many trajectories along which U.S.-China relations might evolve if China aims to displace the United States for global pre-eminence.
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Syria
commentary
Confusion Over the U.S. Withdrawal from Syria
James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins
Jan 9, 2019
Reuters
Washington's strategy in Syria has been to impose costs on the Syrian government by diplomatic ostracism and economic sanctions. This punitive approach is morally satisfying and politically expedient, but as a practical matter it just helps perpetuate the conflict and sustain Assad's dependency on Iran.
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Russia
commentary
In Venezuela, a Potential U.S.-Russian Crisis?
William Courtney @courtneywmh
Jan 8, 2019
The Hill
In December, two supersonic nuclear-capable Russian bombers visited Venezuela, the third such excursion for the warplanes since 2008. Might Moscow intend to pose a threat, perhaps even nuclear, to the Western Hemisphere? If so, how could Washington respond?
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Syria
commentary
Withdrawing from Syria Leaves a Vacuum That Iran Will Fill
Colin P. Clarke, Ariane M. Tabatabai
Jan 8, 2019
Foreign Affairs
President Trump's decision to withdraw American troops from Syria may be unintentionally signaling that the United States is unwilling to compete in critical geopolitical hotspots. Such a message could embolden powerful states—including Iran—to expand their presence.
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United States Department of Defense
commentary
Book Review: 'The Heart of War—Misadventures in the Pentagon' by Kathleen McInnis
Jonathan P. Wong @jonpwong
Jan 8, 2019
War on the Rocks
Both Washington insiders and the general public may be inspired by Kathleen McCinnis's The Heart of War. The novel prompts readers to think more realistically about the Pentagon and its role in policymaking.
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Border and Port Security
commentary
What Border Walls Can and Cannot Accomplish
Raphael S. Cohen
Jan 8, 2019
Fox News Channel
States have been building walls since ancient times. Some were arguably quite successful, others less so. At the core of prudent policy lies a basic question: What can walls realistically accomplish?
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International Diplomacy
commentary
The End of the End of History?
James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins
Jan 8, 2019
The Wall Street Journal
The Trump administration has taken steps that represent a significant retreat from the norm-based, world order that the United States has championed since 1945. If this shift continues, what might be the impact?
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Taiwan
commentary
Is a Sustainable Peace Possible in the Taiwan Strait?
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman
Jan 7, 2019
Foreign Policy
Between now and the next Taiwanese presidential election in 2020, the prospects of forging a sustainable peace between Taiwan and China are exceptionally low. Both Chinese President Xi and Taiwanese President Tsai are dug into their respective positions.
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International Diplomacy
commentary
Economic Officers for the Future
Charles P. Ries @charles_ries
Jan 7, 2019
Foreign Service Journal
Economic officers must be, first of all, accomplished political officers. They should also have all the reporting, public speaking, and representational skills of any political or public diplomacy officer, coupled with a strong understanding of economic issues.
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Postsecondary Education
essay
Pardee RAND Reimagines the Future of Public Policy Problem Solving
Susan L. Marquis @susanlmarquis
Jan 7, 2019
The Pardee RAND Graduate School is taking a new approach to public policy education. Three new streams of study and action will better align with today's policy needs. Faculty and students will shift the focus from coming up with solutions to actually implementing them.
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Physics
blog
Science Met Art in Early Data Visualization at RAND
Jan 4, 2019
Ivan Finkle, a computer scientist at RAND from 1957 to 1968, used a plotter printer to make Lissajous figures. He fed equations into the computer to give the coordinates of each point. The printer photographed the result and compiled the lines into artful shapes.
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Community-Based Health Care
essay
Faith-Based Organizations Promote Well-Being in Underserved Communities
Jan 4, 2019
Kathryn Derose, a senior policy researcher at RAND and an Episcopal deacon, works with Latino and African-American churches to address health issues in their communities. Her research has shown the power of the pulpit to fight health disparities, counter stigma, and encourage healthy living.
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blog
Data Breaches, Marijuana, Turkey: RAND Weekly Recap
Jan 4, 2019
This weekly recap focuses on consumer reactions to data breaches, understanding teen marijuana use after legalization, why the United States can't rely on Turkey to defeat ISIS, and more.
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The Islamic State (Terrorist Organization)
commentary
The United States Can't Rely on Turkey to Defeat ISIS
Colin P. Clarke, Ahmet S. Yayla
Jan 2, 2019
Foreign Policy
Relying on Turkey to shoulder the burden of countering the Islamic State will provide the terrorist group with an opportunity to revive itself at a critical stage in the fight. Turkey's main focus is on the Kurds and Erdogan's opposition. Eradicating the Islamic State is a secondary priority that has often been ignored.
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