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

Blog
Trust in the CDC, Teaching Students with Disabilities, Russian Mercenaries: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses declining trust in the CDC, insights from educators about teaching students with disabilities, Russian mercenaries, and more.
Commentary
The Japan-U.S. Summit and Cooperation with South Korea
Scott W. Harold @ScottWHarold

The Biden administration's goal of renewed Japan–South Korea–U.S. trilateralism is laudable and promising, but at the same time substantial obstacles remain. The passage of time alone is not going to strengthen ties between South Korea and Japan. The United States may have to play a leading role if it wants to see relations between Seoul and Tokyo improve.
Commentary
What to Expect When You're Expecting So Much from the Quad
Jeffrey W. Hornung

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?
Multimedia
U.S.-Japan Alliance: Advancing Cooperation on Defense and Strategic Technology
Scott W. Harold @ScottWHarold, Caroline Kennedy, et al.

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.
Report
Third Offset Fostered Real Intellectual Change Within DoD
Gian Gentile, Michael Shurkin, et al.

In 2014, U.S. defense leaders began promoting the Third Offset, a strategy centered on the potential of technology to offset Chinese and Russian advances. Its core principles were adopted by the 2018 National Defense Strategy. DoD started to look at security problems in a new light and develop closer ties with Silicon Valley.
Event
The U.S- Japan Economic Relationship and Views of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
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
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.
Commentary
Vietnam Must Be Pleased with the Biden Administration—for the Most Part
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman

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.
Commentary
Biden's China Reset Is Already on the Ropes
Derek Grossman @DerekJGrossman

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.
Journal Article
Have Any of Xinjiang's Detention Facilities Closed?
Eric Robinson @RobinsonEricD, Sean Mann

This report employs a novel empirical approach to systematically assess the current operating status of known detention facilities in Xinjiang using nighttime lighting.