From the RAND Blog

Below, you'll find the most recent commentary from RAND experts on topics related to Asia. For a complete list of all commentaries by RAND staff, visit The RAND Blog.

  • Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (R) and Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne (L) participate in the inaugural Quad leaders meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in a virtual meeting in Sydney, Australia, March 13, 2021, photo by Dean Lewins/Reuters

    Commentary

    What to Expect When You're Expecting So Much from the Quad

    Mar 31, 2021

    In March, the leaders of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia met virtually for their first Quadrilateral Security Dialogue group meeting. What are the goals of the Quad? What tangibly can or will the Quad do and what does it look like in practice?

  • The modern creative communication and internet network connect in smart city, photo by Blue Planet Studio/AdobeStock

    Multimedia

    U.S.-Japan Alliance: Advancing Cooperation on Defense and Strategic Technology

    Mar 31, 2021

    In its ongoing U.S.-Japan Alliance conference series, RAND hosted two virtual events in February 2021 to tackle important topics facing the United States and Japan.

  • Blue futuristic background. Bitcoin and blockchain. Electronic cryptocurrency and technology, photo by vit_mar/AdobeStockBlue futuristic background. Bitcoin and blockchain. Electronic cryptocurrency and technology, photo by vit_mar/AdobeStock

    Event

    The U.S- Japan Economic Relationship and Views of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

    Mar 24, 2021

    This conference is part of the U.S.-Japan Socioeconomic Policy Exchange event series. It will first set the stage for with a discussion of the importance of the overall development of the U.S.-Japan economic relationship and then delve into the perspectives of blockchain and cryptocurrency experts from the U.S. and Japan. [Virtual]

  • Blog

    Game Theory to Help the Vaccine Rollout, Abraham Accords, Telehealth: RAND Weekly Recap

    Mar 19, 2021

    This weekly recap focuses on how game theory can help the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, potential economic benefits of the Abraham Accords, telemedicine use during the pandemic, and more.

  • Rear Adm. Jim Kirk, commander of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, observes ship formation from the USS Nimitz in the South China Sea, February 9, 2021, photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Katarzyna Kobiljak/U.S. Navy

    Commentary

    Vietnam Must Be Pleased with the Biden Administration—for the Most Part

    Mar 16, 2021

    After four years of steadily strengthening U.S.-Vietnam security relations under the Trump administration, the presidential transition to Joe Biden naturally carries some measure of uncertainty for Hanoi. Early signs from the Biden administration, however, are extremely positive for Vietnam.

  • The guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) transit the South China Sea, February 9, 2021, photo by MC3 Cheyenne Geletka/U.S. Navy

    Commentary

    Biden's China Reset Is Already on the Ropes

    Mar 15, 2021

    The prospects of a U.S.-China reset are rapidly fading, and both sides bear some measure of responsibility. Beijing has refused to change its own assertive behavior. And all signs thus far point to a Biden administration that plans to take an exceptionally hard line against China.

  • Japan's Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi attend a video conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Defence Minister Ben Wallace (on the screen) at the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, Japan, February 3, 2021, hoto by Franck Robichon/Reuters

    Commentary

    A Strong Japan-UK Alliance Needed to Counter China

    Feb 24, 2021

    With Brexit behind it, Britain faces a question about what role it should play in the world. Assuming it wants to remain a power that can shape—but not dominate—international relations, it makes sense to partner with like-minded states, such as Japan.

  • Hardware security, computer data protection and electronic technology concept, circuit board and shield icon on blue background with digital code By CybrainHardware security, computer data protection and electronic technology concept, circuit board and shield icon on blue background with digital code, photo by Cybrain/AdobeStock

    Event

    The U.S.-Japan Alliance: Advancing Cooperation on Strategic Technology and Defense

    Feb 23, 2021

    This two-day conference is part of the ongoing U.S.-Japan Alliance event series. On February 23, speakers will address the next phase in U.S- Japan defense cooperation. On February 25, the focus will be the challenge of building trusted 5G communications networks. [Virtual]