National Security Issues

This page offers an easy way for policymakers to access national security research and analysis that is relevant to current Congressional agendas. For additional information, to request documents, or to arrange a briefing, contact the RAND Office of Congressional Relations at ocr@rand.org or (703) 413-1100 x5643.

Recent Findings

  • Commentary

    Resilient Reconstruction in Ukraine

    Kyiv may be prudent to invest in resilience as it rebuilds energy and other utilities, transport, economic and health infrastructure, and housing. Doing so could put Ukraine in a stronger position during the war and give it a jump start on peacetime rebuilding.

    Dec 7, 2023

  • Commentary

    The Nuclear Shadows of the Ukraine War as Seen Through a Chinese Lens

    China-U.S. relations are once again on an upward trajectory after the meeting between presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit. But the good news should not obscure lingering bilateral tensions with respect to nuclear weapons.

    Dec 6, 2023

  • Report

    Disrupting the Chinese Military in Competition and Low-Intensity Conflict

    There are certain tasks required for China's military to execute key competition and low-intensity conflict missions. Those tasks have potential vulnerabilities that the United States could leverage to disrupt China's strategic goals and constrain its ability to harm U.S. interests.

    Dec 5, 2023

  • Report

    China's Global Energy Interconnection Initiative

    China aims to build a worldwide power grid that addresses the growing demand for electricity while supporting the transition to net zero. Could the potential global security implications of a super grid governed by China outweigh its benefits?

    Dec 5, 2023

  • Commentary

    North Korea's Satellite Launch: Part of a Bigger Problem for Kim Jong-un?

    On November 21, North Korea made its third attempt of 2023 to launch a reconnaissance satellite despite this launch violating multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions and despite the urging of many other countries. It may well have been a desperate move by North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un.

    Dec 4, 2023

More Research on National Security

Briefings

  • How Do We Prevent the Next Homegrown Terrorist?

    What is the right terrorism prevention strategy for the federal government? Brian Jackson will discuss the nature of the homeland terrorist threat, past and current terrorism prevention policies, and recommendations for policymakers. [Washington, D.C.]

    May 3, 2019

  • Approaches to Counter Russian Social Media Influence

    How can policymakers combat the threat of Russian social media influence? Elizabeth Bodine-Baron will discuss different approaches and policy options to respond to Russian influence via disinformation spread on social media in the United States. [Washington, D.C.]

    Mar 15, 2019

  • The Russian Way of Warfare

    The House of Representatives recently passed an act that states that it is the policy of the United States to sustain a credible deterrent against aggression and long-term strategic competition from Russia. Scott Boston and Dara Massicot will discuss findings from their recent report, including key characteristics of Russian warfare and implications for U.S. policy. [Washington, D.C.]

    Jun 15, 2018

  • Overcoming the Threats of Our Strategic Competitors

    What weapon systems and posture enhancements should Congress and the Defense Department consider to prepare the United States for potential conflicts? In a RAND Congressional Briefing, David Ochmanek will discuss solutions that could help defend against national security challenges. [Washington, D.C.]

    Mar 27, 2018

  • What Will It Take to Prevent a Security Decline in Mosul?

    After defeating ISIS in Mosul, what must be done to stabilize the region and prevent a slide back into violence? Shelly Culbertson and Linda Robinson will brief Congress on targeted actions to address humanitarian and stabilization needs, and implications for U.S. policy.

    Sep 22, 2017

More Work on National Security

Alerts & Newsletters

RAND periodically sends email alerts to update Congress on highlights of recent work concerning national security.

  • Assessing the Russia-Iran Partnership

    Since February 2022, Russia and Iran have increased their defense and economic cooperation and explored options that could transform the relationship into a broad-based strategic partnership. A new RAND paper describes the factors that drive (and constrain) Russian-Iranian cooperation and examines how the relationship might evolve.

    Nov 29, 2023

  • Report on the Arctic Capabilities of the U.S. Armed Forces

    Researchers presents findings on the U.S. and other armed forces' capabilities in the Arctic, including how effectively the U.S., its allies, and prospective rivals can operate in different parts of the region.

    Nov 1, 2023

  • Understanding the Risk of Escalation in the War in Ukraine

    Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has imposed devastating losses on the Russian military and on Ukraine's military and civilian populations, but both sides have avoided certain escalatory options. New RAND research evaluates the potential for further escalation.

    Oct 27, 2023

  • How Ukrainian Civilians Resist Russia

    Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the ways in which civilians can support a nation's effort to defend itself against an external occupying power. A new RAND report offers a broad characterization of Ukrainian approaches to civilian-based resistance during the first four months of the war.

    Sep 28, 2023

  • 2023 Summer Reading List for Congress

    To help members and staff prepare for the fall session, we’ve curated a list of the latest RAND research on topics likely to be at the top of Congress’ agenda in the coming months, including artificial intelligence, health care consolidation, opioids, teacher well-being, and veterans’ mental health.

    Aug 30, 2023

  • The Will to Fight of Russian Private Military Actors

    In Ukraine, Syria, several African countries, and other conflict hotspots, private contractors are operating on behalf of, yet are ostensibly separate from, the Russian state. Reliance on these actors allows Russia to expand its military footprint while maintaining plausible deniability.

    Aug 25, 2023

  • Can Taiwan Resist a Large-Scale Military Attack by China?

    An accurate assessment of Taiwan's ability to withstand a large-scale attack by China could help U.S. decisionmakers better anticipate and respond in such a situation. New RAND research develops a framework for assessing a country's capacity to resist a large-scale military attack and then assesses Taiwan's capacity to resist an attack by China for 90 days.

    Jul 28, 2023

  • What Is China’s Strategy in the Pacific Islands?

    In congressional testimony, Derek Grossman outlined the broad contours of Chinese strategy toward the Pacific Islands region, provided an analysis of Chinese strategy in the Freely Associated States and U.S. territories in the Pacific, and offered policy recommendations for Congress and the U.S. government.

    Jun 29, 2023

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Testimony

2010 and prior

More Testimony

Briefs

More Research on National Security