News Archive - Latin America and Africa in the News

RAND researchers often write commentaries for publications on a variety of topics. This page lists commentaries and op-eds about or related to Latin America and Africa. For a complete list of commentaries and op-eds by RAND staff, visit the RAND Newsroom.

RAND Has Not Studied an Alternative Homeland for Coptic Christians in Egypt
Oct 26, 2011

Some Arabic-language news outlets have reported that the RAND Corporation has published a study regarding an "alternative homeland" for Coptic Christians in Egypt. RAND has undertaken no such study.
An Open Door in Libya
Oct 20, 2011

The days and weeks after a victory like this are a golden hour that set in motion either a virtuous cycle of increasing security and economic growth, or a downward spiral into insecurity, factionalism and economic chaos, write Christopher S. Chivvis and Frederic Wehrey.
First Ladies of Africa Partner with RAND, DoS, CCA to Advance Women's Leadership and Economic Empowerment in Africa
Sep 23, 2011

Nearly a dozen current and former first ladies joined RAND, the U.S. Dept. of State's African Women Entrepreneurship Program and the Corporate Council on Africa to promote women's leadership and economic empowerment across Africa. Now in its third year, the RAND African First Ladies Initiative partners with first ladies, supporting their efforts to become champions of change in their own countries on issues related to Millennium Development Goals.
Beyond the Shadow of 9/11
Sep 1, 2011

The 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks warrants a thoughtful review of America's progress and future strategy. In this RAND Review cover story, RAND experts offer perspectives on Afghan-led solutions, ways to counter al Qaeda, air passenger security, and compensation for those affected by terrorism.
Commanding Democracy in Egypt: The Military's Attempt to Manage the Future
Aug 25, 2011

The SCAF's attempts to curtail dissent and the democratic process have fueled doubts about its true intentions. Will the military fulfill its promise to support democracy? Or will it seek to replace Mubarak's rule with its own or that of a friendly autocrat? write Jeffrey Martini and Julie Taylor.
Libyan Nation Building After Qaddafi
Aug 23, 2011

If Libya is to have a chance of replacing Qaddafi with something better, the United States, its allies, and the rest of the international community will need to pivot very quickly from the rather straightforward requirements of war fighting to taking seriously the complex and demanding tasks of peace building, write James Dobbins and Frederic Wehrey.
Workshop Contributes to Ethiopian Stabilisation
Aug 8, 2011

As part of RAND Europe's contribution to the UK government's Peace and Development Programme in Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa, Matt Bassford facilitated a two-day workshop in Addis Ababa for the Department for International Development, with the aim of developing a Theory of Change for the programme. Workshop participants included the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence, and regional experts.
Africa Needs Its Own Indicators of Scientific Innovation
Jul 6, 2011

Policies to stimulate African development require evidence that is difficult to obtain using existing indicators, writes Watu Wamae.
Latin American Cocaine Trade Persists Despite Gains Made by U.S. Efforts
Jun 15, 2011

Efforts by the United States to combat Latin American cocaine smugglers have disrupted drug supplies and captured key cartel leaders, but they have not significantly reduced the region's overall narcotics trade.
How Might bin Laden's Demise Affect Business?
May 25, 2011

Given how markets are responding thus far, Osama Bin Laden's death is likely to have a modestly positive and buoyant effect on equity markets, writes Charles Wolf, Jr.
In Obama Speech, Will There Be Aid for Arab Spring Nations?
May 19, 2011

Assisting Arab democratic transitions will not eliminate religious extremism. But successful transitions would directly challenge the jihadist brands that promote attacks on America, writes Julie Taylor.
How Will Demographic and Economic Trends in the Arab World Affect U.S. Policy?
May 12, 2011

An assessment of likely demographic and economic challenges in the Arab world through 2020—such as population growth rates and continued global oil production—provides a better-informed platform on which to build U.S. defense planning and policy.
Arab Spring, not Osama bin Laden's Fall, Will Determine Middle East's Fate
May 9, 2011

The unanswered question is just what will endure in the Arab world: comparatively peaceful demonstrations leading to regime change, or brutal tactics by authoritarian regimes to crush dissent and cling to power, writes John Parachini.
Is the Arab World Changing for the Better?
May 3, 2011

If some measure of democracy does result, the elected governments likely will reflect the popular antipathy that the "Arab street" has for both the United States and Israel, writes David Aaron.
A Recipe for Military Disaster: Mixing Idealism and Realism
Apr 30, 2011

In many cases, idealism and realism conflict, as evidenced by U.S. military interventions over the past four decades, writes Harold Brown.