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.

Helping People Affected by Conflict: Q&A with Jacqueline Burns
Dec 22, 2021

From the Air Force to Africa to RAND, Jacqueline Burns resolved to help people whose lives have been torn apart by conflict or disaster. As a senior policy analyst she wants to be a part of finding better solutions to the complex questions of peace and security.
Addressing Climate Migration
Dec 7, 2021

As the effects of climate change increase in scope and severity, more people will relocate to preserve or enhance their lives and livelihoods. A review of how six countries are managing climate mobility provides options for policymakers considering the needs of climate migrants and their host communities.
Are Military Coups Back in Style in Africa?
Dec 1, 2021

There have been five coups in sub-Saharan Africa since August 2020. On a continent that was recently lauded for its democratic advancement, this backsliding suggests the military coup may be dangerously back in fashion. Why are more coups happening now?
What Does Africa Need Most Now: Russian Arms Sales or Good Vaccines?
Nov 17, 2021

Why is Russia's main export to Africa advanced conventional weapons at a time when other needs are so great? African leaders might think twice about aggressive Russian arms pitches and engagement of mercenaries, and prioritize measures to stem the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage economic growth.
Leadership Forum Empowers First Ladies Around the World
Nov 4, 2021

In many countries, the role of first lady doesn't come with a job description or even a staff. The Global First Ladies Alliance, born at the Pardee RAND Graduate School, helps first ladies lead, often with the assistance of America's own first ladies.
Nuclear Deterrence, COVID-19 and Infant Deaths, Criminal Justice Reform: RAND Weekly Recap
Oct 22, 2021

This weekly recap focuses on why the United States doesn’t need more nuclear weapons, increased infant deaths during the pandemic, preventing veteran suicide, and more.
Educating Newcomers: K-12 Public School for Undocumented and Asylum-Seeking Children
Oct 5, 2021

In recent years, record numbers of undocumented and asylum-seeking families and children from Mexico and Northern Triangle countries crossed the U.S. southwest border in search of safety and opportunity. In a new RAND report, researchers estimate how many of these undocumented and asylum-seeking children are now in primary and secondary schools in the United States.
Surges in Undocumented and Asylum-Seeking Children Prompt Need for Better K–12 Policies
Sep 30, 2021

Growing numbers of children from Central America and Mexico are arriving in the United States. As of March 2020, 321,000 undocumented and asylum-seeking children were enrolled in public schools. How are the schools managing, and what could be done to help them better prepare to assist these students?
What Drives China's Military Interventions?
Sep 27, 2021

China has undertaken two types of military interventions in its post-1949 history. A RAND report assesses which one of two patterns is likely to predominate in China's future and how this pattern might change.
U.S. Failure in Afghanistan, Critical Race Theory Bans, Income Inequality: RAND Weekly Recap
Sep 3, 2021

This weekly recap focuses on how early mistakes led to America's failure in Afghanistan, the potential effects of critical race theory bans, an art installation that breaks down RAND data on income inequality, and more.
Costa Rica Leads the Way in Cutting Carbon Emissions
Aug 30, 2021

Almost every country has pledged to slash carbon emissions to slow the gears of global warming. Costa Rica's plan provides a glimpse of what a carbon-neutral future will look like. It shows how nations can take action and make investments that hold up, regardless of what future comes to pass.
Strategic Airlift in Africa
Aug 20, 2021

A narrated presentation describes the Strategic Airlift in Africa project undertaken for the Movement Coordination Centre Europe (MCCE), including the study objectives, complexity of lift challenges, impact of poor coordination, opportunities for improving coordination, and areas for further investigation.
Opportunities for the Brazilian Navy to Employ Additional Unmanned Systems
Aug 10, 2021

The Brazilian Navy needs to have both the capabilities and capacity to meet a wide range of demands over vast and diverse geographic areas. What are some of the potential ways the Brazilian Navy could use unmanned systems to improve effectiveness and, potentially, reduce risks and costs?
The Fight Against COVID, Sexual Violence in the Military, Disinformation on Social Media: RAND Weekly Recap
Jul 23, 2021

This weekly recap focuses on the ongoing fight against COVID-19, countering sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military, disinformation on social media, and more.
The challenges and opportunities of strategic airlift in Africa
Jul 22, 2021

A complex mix of global and geographically specific challenges inhibit the coordination and optimisation for airlift into the African theatre. Researchers explored the potential use of other modes of transport to create multi-modal solutions.