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

Journal Article
Minding the Gaps: US Military Strategy Toward China
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman, John Speed Meyers
The U.S. national security community continues to consider the proper military response to China's ongoing military modernization efforts, but many aspects of the debate remain unresolved. If analysts writing on US military strategy toward China want to improve the public debate, these analytical gaps must be filled.
Commentary
What Does Beijing Want from the Pacific Islands?
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman, Michael S. Chase
China's recent activities in Oceania highlight a formidable two-pronged strategy of diplomatic and economic engagement that Washington and its allies and partners will have to vigorously compete against to maintain their preeminence in the Pacific.
Blog
Hong Kong, Reducing Crime, Medical Marijuana: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on what the U.S. can do about Hong Kong, reducing crime in Chicago, medical marijuana, and more.
Commentary
U.S. Policy Options for Hong Kong
Scott W. Harold @ScottWHarold
After six months of escalating police violence and protester resistance, matters in Hong Kong have come to a head. What steps could the United States consider to reduce the prospect of a resurgence in violence?
Project
Supporting the Asia's Healthiest Workplace Competition
For three years, RAND Europe has supported AIA Vitality's contest. Doing so enables researchers to explore the health trends—employee lifestyle, clinical indicators, mental health and other areas of concern—among participating Asia-Pacific workplaces.
Commentary
Hong Kong's Historic Election Probably Won't Reverse Current Trends
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman
Whatever fate awaits Hong Kong, recent trends leave little reason for optimism. It is becoming an increasingly violent and polarized place that might prompt Chinese military action, and the crisis has opened a new wound in U.S.–China relations. The best hope is that the recent election reminds all sides why Hong Kong is worth saving.
Blog
Medicare, Climate Change, 'Superbugs': RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on opening Medicare to Americans at age 50, how to assess climate change plans, antibiotic-resistant "superbugs," and more.
Event
The U.S.-South Korea Alliance: Where do we go from here?
RAND Center for Asia Pacific Policy is hosting a seminar about the various challenges facing the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Experts will discuss the state of the alliance and options to address these challenges. [Santa Monica, CA]
Commentary
Vietnam Needs to 'Struggle' More in the South China Sea
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman
With the standoff between China and Vietnam at the disputed Vanguard Bank ended, it makes sense to take stock of how Hanoi's security strategy fared in countering Chinese coercion. It may be time for Vietnam to consider a careful recalibration to allow for more “struggle” and less “cooperation.”
Blog
Disinformation, Drug Policy, Artificial Intelligence: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on tools to fight disinformation online, the negative consequences of punishing pregnant women for drug use, how to ensure public trust in artificial intelligence, and more.