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

Project
Exploring the opportunities and challenges of research engagement with China
An independent and evidence-based study into UK academics' research engagement with China explored how and why UK academics engage with China on joint research activities with the goal of better understanding how UK research organisations manage any resulting risks.
Report
Determining the Military Capabilities Most Needed to Counter China and Russia
David A. Ochmanek

U.S. decisionmakers face difficult choices when investing scarce military resources into capabilities that can effectively thwart Russian and Chinese aggression. What is the blueprint for success?
Report
How a Nation's Social Condition Relates to Its Global Standing
Michael J. Mazarr @MMazarr

Certain societal characteristics are associated with national competitive success, including national ambition and will, unified national identity, and shared opportunity. Where does the United States stand in those areas? And what trends are working to weaken traditional U.S. advantages?
Commentary
Modi's Multipolar Moment Has Arrived
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman

Russia's war in Ukraine has benefited India as great powers are competing more vigorously for New Delhi's affection, particularly the United States and China. India has also prevented its Russia policy from spoiling partnerships with key European and Indo-Pacific partners. These trends, if sustained, will contribute to India's rise to great-power status and in turn, shift the global system toward even greater multipolarity.
Report
Use of Predictive Analytic Tools to Assess Technological Emergences and Acquisition Targets
Richard Silberglitt, Anna Jean Wirth, et al.

Which countries have historically held and currently hold leadership positions in the technology areas of interest to the Department of the Air Force? An analysis of patent filings indicates patterns in emerging technology areas.
Blog
Gun Policy, China and Taiwan, Russian Propaganda: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on reducing America's unacceptably high rates of gun violence, what would happen if China “quarantines” Taiwan, and Russia's “firehose of falsehood.”
Commentary
Russia's Invasion of Ukraine May Harden U.S. Indo-Pacific Allies
Jeffrey W. Hornung, Hayley Channer

The effects of Russia's war against Ukraine stretch worldwide as countries watch Ukraine's unfolding tragedy to glean possible lessons for their own security. Understanding how Australia and Japan are perceiving the conflict could be critical for allied strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
Report
Implications of a Coercive Quarantine of Taiwan by China
Bradley Martin, Kristen Gunness, et al.

It's possible that China could enact a quarantine of Taiwan, preventing it from sending exports or receiving imports. Quarantine exploits Taiwan's economic vulnerability but also has consequences for the United States and other allies. How might they respond?
Commentary
Three Principles for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security
Bruce W. Bennett @bwbennett, Young-jun Kim

In his inaugural address in 1998, former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung defined three principles for Korean Peninsula peace and security. How might these principles be adjusted to manage today's changing North Korean threats and the Korean security environment?
Blog
Extremism Online, Russia's Military, Preventing Police Killings: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on the internet's role in stoking extremism and hate, how Russia has failed its military personnel, a research roadmap to help prevent police killings in the United States, and more.