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.

  • Beijing street scene

    Blog

    How China Sees America

    Sep 1, 2012

    Just as Americans wonder whether China's rise is good for U.S. interests or represents a looming threat, Chinese policymakers puzzle over whether the United States intends to use its power to help or hurt China, write Andrew J. Nathan and Andrew Scobell.

  • Dormation drills during a passing exercise in the South China Sea

    Blog

    Conflict with China: What It Would Look Like, How to Avoid It

    Aug 14, 2012

    While China's overall military capabilities will not equal those of the United States anytime soon, it will more quickly achieve local superiority in its immediate neighborhood, first in and around Taiwan and then at somewhat greater distances, writes James Dobbins.

  • aircraft carrier USS George Washington

    Blog

    Beijing Unflustered by Cool Ties With Seoul

    Aug 14, 2012

    In light of deeply-rooted policy differences, so clearly on display in China’s treatment of South Korea over the past two years, no amount of tweaking around the margins of policy, inspired by internet polling, is likely to lead to dramatic improvements in the bilateral relationship, writes Scott Warren Harold.

  • Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta passes and reviews members of the Indian military during an honors ceremony in Delhi, India

    Commentary

    America and India: Growing Partners in Afghanistan

    Aug 10, 2012

    A comprehensive Indian military training effort in Afghanistan would balance Pakistan's own involvement in the country, build upon a decade of American achievements in fighting the Taliban and al-Qaeda, and contribute to peace and security in the region, write Larry Hanauer and Peter Chalk.

  • Gen. David Petraeus, commander of ISAF and commander of USFOR-A, visited Afghan National Civil Order Police (ANCOP) headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, December 14, 2010

    Blog

    Building an Afghanistan Security Force: What the US Experience in Iraq (and the Soviet Experience in Afghanistan) Can Teach Us

    Jul 18, 2012

    The United States and its partners should work with the Afghans to define what sort of police development can be realistically envisioned for Afghanistan, and devote resources and assistance to developing that into the future.

  • North Korean soldiers

    Blog

    North Korean Defense Chief's Retirement Has Hallmarks of Purge

    Jul 17, 2012

    It is notable that North Korea's Politburo made the Ri announcement, suggesting a rise in power of the party relative to the military. The choice of Ri's successor is also curious, writes Bruce Bennett.

  • U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta meets with Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, in Delhi, India, June 5, 2012

    Blog

    Indian Military Assistance Is Needed in Afghanistan

    Jul 11, 2012

    In the long run, a more robust Indian military role in Afghanistan represents one of the best ways to advance New Delhi's strategic interests while fostering Kabul's continued security and economic development after US and NATO forces begin to withdraw in 2014, write Larry Hanauer and Peter Chalk.

  • A Filipino worker cleans the statue of late U.S. General Douglas MacArthur October 7, 1994 for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the landing of U.S. and allied troops on Leyte island in the Japanese-occupied Philippines during World War II

    Announcement

    John Gordon Receives Arthur Goodzeit Book Award for 'Fighting for MacArthur'

    Jun 8, 2012

    John Gordon won the 2011 Arthur Goodzeit Book Award for Fighting for MacArthur: The Navy and Marine Corps' Desperate Defense of the Philippines, a World War II history. The award was presented by the New York Military Affairs Symposium.