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International Affairs Issues

This page offers an easy way for policymakers to access International Affairs 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

What Does America's Political Polarization Mean for Competition with China?

Nov 9, 2018

Political polarization in the United States potentially carries significant implications for America's strategic competition with China. Leaders in Washington will need to work to mitigate the effects of polarization and manage competition with China in a stable, effective manner.
Commentary

Is Major Realignment Taking Place in the Middle East?

Oct 31, 2018

The shifting alignments in the Middle East have intensified since the murder of the Saudi journalist Khashoggi in Istanbul. Turkey has drifted away from NATO and toward Iran and Russia. Like Tehran and Moscow, Ankara is now more anti-Western than at any point in recent memory. What does this mean for the United States?
Commentary

Merkel's Departure: A Star Begins to Dim

Oct 31, 2018

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to not seek re-election may signal an end to two key features of post-WWII Europe.
Report

Alternative Paths to Korean Unification

Oct 31, 2018

There are many ways in which Korean unification could occur or be attempted, and each holds vast uncertainties. What actions could South Korea and the United States take to set the conditions for stable reunification?
Commentary

Japan's Chance to Shine?

Oct 30, 2018

Japan may never be a global leader in a way comparable to the United States. But Tokyo does have the power to provide leadership that will sustain key elements of the crumbling international order.

More Research on International Affairs

Briefings

Overcoming the Threats of Our Strategic Competitors

Mar 27, 2018

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.]
United States and China: Trends in Military Competition

Oct 5, 2015

Eric Heginbotham discusses relative U.S. and Chinese military capabilities, including the evolution of Chinese military capabilities, steps the United States can take to limit the impact of a growing Chinese military on deterrence, and other U.S. strategic interests.
Strategic Rethink: Choices for America in a Turbulent World

Jul 24, 2015

How does America envision its role in a turbulent geopolitical environment with growing challenges? Ambassador James Dobbins, Howard Shatz, and David Ochmanek examine the most consequential choices that are likely to face this president and the next.
Congressional Options and Their Likely Consequences for a Nuclear Deal with Iran

Dec 16, 2014

With nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 now extended beyond the original Nov. 24 deadline, some members of Congress might now attempt to intervene legislatively. RAND analyst Larry Hanauer will discuss eight potential courses of action that Congress could take that might either facilitate, hinder, or block implementation of a deal.
Israeli, Saudi, and Iranian Responses in the Days After a Deal With Iran: What Are the U.S. Options?

Jun 4, 2014

RAND experts will discuss the likely concerns and reactions of Israel and Saudi Arabia and the internal power dynamics and motivations of the Iranian government. Understanding these factors and U.S. options to address them will be critical for policymakers to implement a final nuclear agreement.

More International Affairs Briefings

Alerts & Newsletters

RAND periodically sends alerts and newsletters to update Congress on highlights of recent work about international affairs.

The Dawn of China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Nov 8, 2018

As China continues to build relationships with the developing world through the Belt and Road Initiative, U.S. policymakers will be challenged with determining whether and how to encourage China to act as a cooperative partner.
In Case You Missed It: Current Trends in Terrorism and Illicit Finance

Oct 10, 2018

Terrorist organizations rely on funding in order to operate and achieve their objectives. It is important to keep these organizations from acquiring funds, and there are ways the United States and its partners can combat terrorist financing.
In Case You Missed It: Evolution of the U.S. Overdose Crisis

Sep 21, 2018

RAND's Bryce Pardo discusses China's role in the production and supply of synthetic opioids and outlines some actions lawmakers can take to reduce this problem beyond traditional drug policy tools.
In Case You Missed It: Russian Nuclear Forces and Prospects for Arms Control

Aug 2, 2018

RAND's Austin Long discusses Russia's newest nuclear delivery systems and the current barriers to reaching an arms control negotiation.
Overcoming the Threats of Our Strategic Competitors

Apr 13, 2018

What weapon systems and posture enhancements should Congress and the Defense Department consider to prepare the United States for potential conflict? David Ochmanek provides recommendations for revising U.S. forces and force planning.
In Case You Missed It: North Korea's Continuous Provocations

Aug 9, 2017

Bruce Bennett briefed congressional staff North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, China's role on the Korean Peninsula, and implications for U.S. policy.
In Case You Missed It: A Close Look at China's Relationship with North Korea

Jun 23, 2017

As North Korea's only formal ally, China is a crucial player in any effort by the U.S. to exert influence on Pyongyang. What is the potential for U.S.-China cooperation on the issue? RAND's Andrew Scobell recently testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
National Security Issues in the 115th Congress

May 30, 2017

RAND experts testify and answer questions for congressional staff on a variety of national security topics. For the 115th Congress , RAND offers insights into the Russian threat, China's military transformation, the Syrian conflict, and terrorism.
Managing U.S. Relations with Russia After Moscow's Meddling in the Election

Feb 6, 2017

RAND experts provide insights to policymakers on how to deter foreign cyberattacks, manage security risks with Russia, and counter Russian propaganda.
2016 Hill Highlights

Dec 15, 2016

In 2016, RAND experts conducted briefings on Capitol Hill, provided testimonies before congressional committees, hosted workshops, and published reports on some of the nation's most pressing issues, including health care for veterans, autonomous vehicles, NATO military posture, and cyber policy.
Russia's Firehose of Falsehood: Using New Technology to Spread Not-So-New Propoganda

Oct 5, 2016

To help further its national security goals, Russia regularly delivers false and misleading propaganda via the Internet and social media. What steps might U.S. policymakers take to counter this propaganda?
After Brexit, What's Next?

Jul 28, 2016

Now that British voters have opted to leave the European Union, how will Brexit affect the transatlantic alliance and future trade agreements with the United States?
In the Wake of Weapons Tests, How Stable is Kim's Regime?

May 25, 2016

In the months leading up to its first Workers' Party Congress since 1980, North Korea attempted missile tests and a nuclear weapons test in order to demonstrate Kim Jong-un's power. But many of these tests and his other initiatives were failures, raising serious questions about the true stability of his regime.
The Iran Nuclear Deal: Considerations for Policymakers

Jul 15, 2015

Now that the P5+1 and Iran have struck a deal on Tehran's nuclear program, what will the agreement mean for Congress, our broader strategy on Iran, and our allies and partners in the region? RAND researchers explore considerations for policymakers and what may be coming next.
Analyzing the Economic Costs of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Jun 8, 2015

When examining the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, the economic costs are often overlooked. Recently, RAND experts analyzed how both economies are harmed by the lack of a two-state solution and found that a significant peace dividend could be achieved if the conflict could be resolved.
What Might Follow a Potential Nuclear Agreement with Iran?

Apr 3, 2015

With the framework for an Iran nuclear deal in place, policymakers should consider what might happen in the days after a final deal is reached. RAND experts explore this issue, including Congress's role in implementing an agreement, regional responses, and implications for the nuclear nonproliferation regime.
Days After a Deal With Iran: Congress' Role in Implementing a Nuclear Agreement

Feb 9, 2015

Throughout the course of the nuclear negotiations between the P5+1 (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany) and Iran, RAND experts have been engaged in a broad exercise to explore what the "Days After a Deal" might look like for a variety of actors and issues.
RAND.org's Redesign: New Homepage and Navigation Optimization for All Devices

Mar 20, 2014

RAND.org has been reimagined to make high quality research and insights more accessible to Hill staff like you. The new homepage and updated navigation optimize content delivery for your preferred device and place our most timely content at your fingertips.
RAND Study Evaluates Airpower Options for Syria Intervention

Sep 3, 2013

An examination of five options for U.S. and allied military intervention in the Syrian civil war using airpower warns that destroying or grounding the Syrian air force is operationally feasible but would have only marginal benefits for protecting civilians.
RAND Experts Available on Latest Developments in Egypt

Jul 11, 2013

RAND Middle East experts are available to discuss the latest events in Egypt, including the shooting deaths of protesters in Cairo and the possibility the U.S. will halt its Egyptian foreign aid program.
Newsletter

Intervention in Mali

Feb 21, 2013

With Mali facing an uncertain future, it is unclear what role regional and international actors will play as the struggle for control of Mali continues. RAND has several country and regional experts that have examined the conflict from several perspectives.
Newsletter

SOTU Policy Preview

Feb 11, 2013

Preparing for the State of the Union address? Here is a preview of topics from President Obama's inaugural address that he may cover on Tuesday night, along with helpful links to related RAND analyses, reports, and commentary.
Newsletter

Who Are the Muslim Brotherhood Youth and What Does That Mean for U.S. Policy?

Jan 24, 2013

The Muslim Brotherhood (MB) emerged as one of the most consequential actors in post-Mubarak Egypt, operating the Freedom and Justice Party that won a strong plurality in the 2011-2012 parliamentary elections and claimed the presidency. But generational divides constitute a major challenge to the MB's organizational cohesion.
Newsletter

Do Targeted Killings Work?

Oct 23, 2012

Can the targeted killing of militant leaders be an effective component of a security strategy? In recent work, RAND's Patrick Johnston argues that past targeted capture/kill operations have weakened militant organizations.
Newsletter

Must-Reads for Tonight's Foreign Policy Debate

Oct 22, 2012

RAND experts analyze six foreign policy issues that the next U.S. president will have to confront in 2013 and beyond.

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Testimony

Evolution of the U.S. Overdose Crisis: Understanding China's Role in the Production and Supply of Synthetic Opioids

Bryce Pardo
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations on September 6, 2018.
Russian Social Media Influence: Understanding Russian Propaganda in Eastern Europe: Addendum

Todd C. Helmus
Document submitted August 30, 2018, as an addendum to testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on August 1, 2018.
Russian Social Media Influence: Understanding Russian Propaganda in Eastern Europe

Todd C. Helmus
Testimony presented before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on August 1, 2018.
The Challenges and the Benefits for U.S. National Security of Providing Foreign Assistance to Afghanistan: Addendum: Responses to Post-Hearing Questions for the Record

Laurel E. Miller
Document submitted June 28, 2018, as an addendum to testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management, on May 9, 2018.
Russian Nuclear Forces and Prospects for Arms Control

Austin Long
Testimony presented before the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade on June 21, 2018.
The Challenges and the Benefits for U.S. National Security of Providing Foreign Assistance to Afghanistan

Laurel E. Miller
Testimony presented before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management, on May 9, 2018.
PLA Military Modernization: Drivers, Force Restructuring, and Implications

Cortez A. Cooper III
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on February 15, 2018.
PLA Rocket Force Modernization and China's Military Reforms

Michael S. Chase
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on February 15, 2018.
Jihadist Violence in the Caucasus: Russia Between Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency

Colin P. Clarke
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade and Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats on November 7, 2017.
China and North Korea: Bolstering a Buffer or Hunkering Down in Northeast Asia?

Andrew Scobell
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on June 8, 2017.
Managing the Long War: U.S. Policy toward Afghanistan and the Region

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade on April 27, 2017.
Chinese Contingency Planning for Regional Hotspots

Mark R. Cozad
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on April 13, 2017.
Chinese Political and Military Thinking Regarding Taiwan and East and South China Seas

Timothy R. Heath
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on April 13, 2017.
Fifteen Years After 9/11: A Preliminary Balance Sheet: Addendum

Brian Michael Jenkins
Document submitted on January 11, 2017 as an addendum to testimony presented before the House Armed Services Committee on September 21, 2016.
Fifteen Years After 9/11: A Preliminary Balance Sheet

Brian Michael Jenkins
Testimony presented before the House Armed Services Committee on September 21, 2016.
Implications of China's Aerospace Industrial Policies

Chad J. R. Ohlandt
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on April 27, 2016.
PLA Expeditionary Capabilities and Implications for United States Asia Policy

Kristen Gunness
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on January 21, 2016.
Developments in China's Military Force Projection and Expeditionary Capabilities

Timothy R. Heath
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on January 21, 2016.
PLA Joint Training and Implications for Future Expeditionary Capabilities

Mark R. Cozad
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on January 21, 2016.
The Implications of the Paris Terrorist Attack for American Strategy in Syria and Homeland Security

Brian Michael Jenkins
Testimony presented before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on November 19, 2015.
The Syrian Refugee Crisis and U.S. National Security

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security on November 19, 2015.
The Dynamics of the Conflicts in Syria and Iraq and the Threat Posed by Homegrown Terrorists and Returning Western Fighters

Brian Michael Jenkins
Testimony submitted before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Homeland Security Committee on November 18, 2015.
An Assessment of the Counter-ISIL Campaign: One Year after Mosul: Addendum

Linda Robinson
Document submitted August 24, 2015 as an addendum to testimony presented before the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities on June 24, 2015.
An Assessment of the Counter-ISIL Campaign: One Year After Mosul

Linda Robinson
Testimony presented before the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities on June 24, 2015.
The Terrorism Threat to the United States and Implications for Refugees

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence on June 24, 2015.
Historical Lessons for the Wars in Iraq and Syria

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa on April 30, 2015.
The Growing Strategic Threat of Radical Islamist Ideology

Rick Brennan, Jr.
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on February 12, 2015.
Defeating the Islamic State in Iraq

Ben Connable
Testimony presented before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on September 17, 2014.
The Effectiveness of China's Industrial Policies in Commercial Aviation Manufacturing

Keith Crane
Testimony presented before the Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, Subcommittee on Aviation, Operations, Safety, and Security on July 31, 2014.
Back to the Future: The Resurgence of Salafi-Jihadists

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Armed Services Committee on February 4, 2014.
Preparing for the Possibility of a North Korean Collapse

Bruce W. Bennett
Briefing presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on January 29, 2014.
The Role of Terrorism and Terror in Syria's Civil War

Brian Michael Jenkins
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade on November 20, 2013.
The Challenge of North Korean Biological Weapons

Bruce W. Bennett
Testimony presented before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities on October 11, 2013.
The Terrorist Threat from Al Shabaab

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on October 3, 2013.
Re-Examining the Al Qa'ida Threat to the United States

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade on July 18, 2013.
Rouhani's Election: Regime Retrenchment in the Face of Pressure

Alireza Nader
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa on June 18, 2013.
The Threat of a Mumbai-Style Terrorist Attack in the United States

Brian Michael Jenkins
Testimony submitted before the House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence on June 12, 2013.
Lashkar-e Taiba and the Threat to the United States of a Mumbai-Style Attack

Jonah Blank
Testimony presented before the House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence on June 12, 2013.
The Terrorist Threat from Syria

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence on May 22, 2013.
The Relationship between Natural Resources and Tensions in China's Maritime Periphery

Lloyd Thrall
Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on April 4, 2013.
Managing September 12th in Cyberspace: Presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats

Martin C. Libicki
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats on March 21, 2013.
After the Withdrawal: A Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Joint Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa and Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific on March 19, 2013.
Embassy Security: From The Outside In

William Young
Testimony presented before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on November 15, 2012.
The Case for Expanding Assistance to the Syrian Opposition

James Dobbins
Testimony presented before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on August 1, 2012.
Iran's Human Rights Abuses

Alireza Nader
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on The Middle East and South Asia on September 22, 2011.
The Future of Al Qa'ida

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade on May 24, 2011.
Transitioning to Afghan-Led Counterinsurgency

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on May 10, 2011.
The Al Qa'ida Threat in Pakistan

Seth G. Jones
Testimony presented before the House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence on May 3, 2011.
The Muslim Brotherhood in the West: Characteristics, Aims and Policy Considerations

Lorenzo Vidino
Testimony presented before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, subcommittee on Terrorism, HUMINT, Analysis, and Counterintelligence on April 13, 2011.
The J-20 Episode and Civil-Military Relations in China

Andrew Scobell
Written testimony submitted to the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission on March 10, 2011.
Joint Anti-Access Operations: China's "System-of-Systems" Approach

Cortez A. Cooper III
Testimony presented before the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission on January 27, 2011.
Anti-Access Measures in Chinese Defense Strategy

Roger Cliff
Testimony presented before the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission on January 27, 2011.

2010 and prior

June 18, 2010
Considerations for the Use of Private Security Contractors in Future U.S. Military Deployments

Molly Dunigan

Testimony presented before the Commission on Wartime Contracting.

May 20, 2010
Potential Effects of Chinese Aerospace Capabilities on U.S. Air Force Operations

Jeff Hagen

Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

May 20, 2010
The Development of China's Air Force Capabilities

Roger Cliff

Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

March 18, 2010
Questions of Balance: The Shifting Cross-Strait Balance and Implications for the U.S.

David Shlapak

Testimony presented before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

February 22, 2010
Stabilization from the Bottom Up

Seth G. Jones

Testimony presented before the Commission on Wartime Contracting.

International Affairs Issues

Recent Findings

Briefings

Alerts & Newsletters

Testimony

2010 and prior

June 18, 2010 Considerations for the Use of Private Security Contractors in Future U.S. Military Deployments

May 20, 2010 Potential Effects of Chinese Aerospace Capabilities on U.S. Air Force Operations

May 20, 2010 The Development of China's Air Force Capabilities

March 18, 2010 Questions of Balance: The Shifting Cross-Strait Balance and Implications for the U.S.

February 22, 2010 Stabilization from the Bottom Up

January 28, 2010 Reconstructing Haiti

December 15, 2009 Iran Sanctions: Options, Opportunities, and Consequences

November 17, 2009 Examining U.S. Counterterrorism Priorities and Strategy Across Africa's Sahel Region

June 11, 2009 The PLA Navy's "New Historic Missions": Expanding Capabilities for a Re-emergent Maritime Power

May 6, 2009 NATO After the Summit: Rebuilding Consensus

May 5, 2009 From Strategy to Implementation: The Future of the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship

April 2, 2009 U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan

March 26, 2009 Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan

March 11, 2009 Antecedents and Implications of the November 2008 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Attack Upon Several Targets in the Indian Mega-City of Mumbai

February 26, 2009 Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan

September 24, 2008 U.S.-Pakistan Relations: Assassination, Instability, and the Future of U.S. Policy

July 15, 2008 Does America Need A New Grand Strategy?

April 3, 2008 An Iraqi Modus Vivendi: How Would It Come About and What Would It Look Like?

April 2, 2008 Getting Back on Track in Afghanistan

June 18, 2010
Considerations for the Use of Private Security Contractors in Future U.S. Military Deployments

May 20, 2010
Potential Effects of Chinese Aerospace Capabilities on U.S. Air Force Operations

May 20, 2010
The Development of China's Air Force Capabilities

March 18, 2010
Questions of Balance: The Shifting Cross-Strait Balance and Implications for the U.S.

February 22, 2010
Stabilization from the Bottom Up

January 28, 2010
Reconstructing Haiti

December 15, 2009
Iran Sanctions: Options, Opportunities, and Consequences

November 17, 2009
Examining U.S. Counterterrorism Priorities and Strategy Across Africa's Sahel Region

June 11, 2009
The PLA Navy's "New Historic Missions": Expanding Capabilities for a Re-emergent Maritime Power

May 6, 2009
NATO After the Summit: Rebuilding Consensus

May 5, 2009
From Strategy to Implementation: The Future of the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship

April 2, 2009
U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan

March 26, 2009
Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan

March 11, 2009
Antecedents and Implications of the November 2008 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Attack Upon Several Targets in the Indian Mega-City of Mumbai

February 26, 2009
Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan

September 24, 2008
U.S.-Pakistan Relations: Assassination, Instability, and the Future of U.S. Policy

July 15, 2008
Does America Need A New Grand Strategy?

April 3, 2008
An Iraqi Modus Vivendi: How Would It Come About and What Would It Look Like?

April 2, 2008
Getting Back on Track in Afghanistan