Asia-Pacific Research Forum

The Asia-Pacific Research Forum is an informal community of interest supported by the RAND Center for Asia Pacific Policy and Defense and Political Sciences Department to give Asia-Pacific scholars at RAND a platform to share resources, information, and ideas, as well as to create a channel for external stakeholders and thought leaders interested in Asia-Pacific issues to access relevant RAND research, researchers, and events.

Recent Publications and Events

Event
China, Taiwan, and the United States: The Coming War?
In this Policy Lab, RAND experts explain how the United States figures into the defense of Taiwan and break down the possibility of a large-scale Chinese military attack on Taiwan.
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.
Bruce W. Bennett @bwbennett
Research Brief
What Climate-Related Conflict Could Mean for U.S. Central Command
Climate change will hit the Middle East and Central Asia especially hard, with effects on both personal well-being and regional stability. It will likely create increased demand for stabilization operations, non-combatant evacuation operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Karen M. Sudkamp, Jeffrey Martini, et al.
Testimony
Enhancing Security in a Changing Arctic
Security in the Arctic requires continuous effort to maintain, particularly in periods of transition—from climate change to demographic shifts to economic opportunities and risks to geopolitical dynamics. As an Arctic nation, it is the United States’ responsibility to take steps toward enhancing regional security.
Abbie Tingstad
Research Brief
How Could the United States Gain Greater Access to Asia During a Conflict?
Ensuring access to the territories of Indo-Pacific allies and partners in the event of a future conflict with China is a critical concern. How are Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and India likely to make access decisions? And can the United States influence their decisions?
Bryan Frederick, Kristen Gunness, et al.
Commentary
South Korea's Surprisingly Successful China Policy
When South Korea's president, Yoon Suk-yeol, entered office last year, the odds rose that a frostier bilateral relationship with China might take hold. But for now, at least, Yoon and his government have successfully managed China, and perhaps offered a road map for how others can too.
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman
Commentary
Deterrence of North Korean Limited Nuclear Attacks
No single action is likely to deter North Korean nuclear weapon use. But a combination of efforts may convince Kim Jong-un that any use of nuclear weapons for coercion would be very dangerous to his future, and could be a powerful approach to deterring North Korea.
Bruce W. Bennett @bwbennett
Journal Article
A Comparative Look at Various Countries' Legal Regimes Governing Automated Vehicles
What is the nature of different AV legal regimes around the world? A summary of the makeup of AV legal regimes of Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom highlights some key contrasts.
Brittany Eastman, Shay Collins, et al.
Report
The United States and China—Designing a Shared Future
The U.S.-China rivalry is intensifying, causing mistrust and stifling the impacts of Track 1.5 and Track 2 dialogues. A new Track 2 effort focused on long-term coexistence is needed to stem the decline in U.S.-China relations.
Amanda Kerrigan @AmandaLKerrigan, Lydia Grek, et al.
Blog
'Israel's 9/11,' Promoting the 988 Hotline, the Future of Space: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on why the Oct. 7 attack wasn't Israel's 9/11, humanity's future approach to space, the pressing need to ensure more people know about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and more.