March 2020

commentary

China Remains Unfazed by Warming U.S.-Vietnam Security Ties

In early March, the United States sent an aircraft carrier to Da Nang, Vietnam, in a display of goodwill and deepening security ties between the former adversaries. China is well aware of U.S.–Vietnam moves, and yet its public reaction to the USS Theodore Roosevelt can be summed up in one word: unfazed.

Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman

q&a

The Social Distancing Economy: Q&A with RAND Experts

Congress and the White House are weighing economic policies to help people acutely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Here are insights from RAND experts on what might be effective in terms of fiscal policy, stimulus spending, and emergency relief to affected workers.

q&a

U.S. COVID-19 Cases on the Rise: Q&A with RAND Experts

COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, is now in all 50 states. And more and more U.S. cases and deaths are being reported. As orders to close schools and restaurants take effect across America, RAND researchers answer some questions about the crisis.

q&a

Truth Decay in the Coronavirus Moment: Q&A with Jennifer Kavanagh

Jennifer Kavanagh, who wrote the RAND book Truth Decay about the diminishing role that facts play in making important public policy decisions, calls the unfolding situation with the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 a worst-case scenario.

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Why Prioritizing Sleep in the Time of Coronavirus Is So Important

The coronavirus has required many people to drastically alter their daily schedules, which can wreak havoc on sleep. But there are simple strategies that can help support sleep and well-being during this trying time.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

commentary

Why the UK May Be Sending Troops to Mali

The UK government's decision to deploy an additional 250 soldiers to join the United Nations mission in Mali might be in Britain's security interests. Such deployments display the UK's commitment to international security and may well form a critical part of its post-BREXIT diplomacy.

Michael Shurkin

commentary

Economic Development: A Recipe for Social Cohesion in India

Given the staggering economic challenges that need attention, how might India refocus its attention away from sectarian divides to economic development? While there is no easy answer, focusing on inclusive growth and development might offer one potential route.

Krishna B. Kumar @kbkumar_, Rafiq Dossani

commentary

Peace Hasn't Broken Out in Afghanistan

The United States and the Taliban signed a preliminary peace deal in February, aimed at ending nearly 19 years of war in Afghanistan and calling for the United States to gradually withdraw its troops. But talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government called for in the agreement and scheduled to begin on March 10 did not happen. What happens now?

James Dobbins @Jim_Dobbins

blog

I'll Take RAND Researchers on Game Shows for $400, Alex

Did you know that RAND researchers have appeared on game shows? Pam Mueller and two teammates took third in the Jeopardy! All-Star Games. Richard Mason has won about $85,000 on many different shows. He and Walter Nelson both won Ben Stein's money.

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Coronavirus, Telemedicine, and Dustbusters

Telemedicine has been with us for decades. And yet it hasn't transformed health care in the way that ATMs have transformed banking or cordless vacuums have transformed household cleaning. But the coronavirus pandemic could forever change how telemedicine is used.

Ateev Mehrotra, Lori Uscher-Pines

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Coronavirus Forces Colleges Online. Will Learning Ever Be the Same?

Colleges and universities have turned to online courses to help slow the spread of COVID-19. But distance learning may also hold promise as a long-term strategy to help make higher education more accessible and affordable.

Charles A. Goldman, Rita T. Karam

blog

COVID-19, Out-of-Network Hospital Payments, Russia's Economy: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on COVID-19, limiting out-of-network hospital payments, Russia's sluggish economy, and more.

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COVID-19: A Stress Test for a U.S. Health Care System Already Under Stress

There are many things hospitals and health systems could be doing in the coming weeks to best prepare for the advancing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Evaluating their surge response plans will be critical.

Mahshid Abir, Christina Cutter, et al.

commentary

Estimates of COVID-19's Fatality Rate Might Change. And Then Change Again.

With infections of the new coronavirus confirmed in countries around the world, people are following the daily tally of COVID-19 cases, wondering exactly how lethal this new disease is. The truth is, it's hard to know.

Raffaele Vardavas, Courtney A. Gidengil @c_gidengil, et al.

essay

The Right Technology Can Help Refugees Stay Connected

Nearly 71 million people globally are displaced by conflict and persecution. There have been some real advances in technology to help them, but innovations have often been fragmented, without a larger vision. A more strategic approach to technology could better serve their needs.