RAND >

Latest Insights

Our full reports (available free of charge in electronic format), commentary, and summary content are always a click away.

RAND research reports are peer-reviewed and undergo our rigorous quality assurance process.
The RAND Blog lets our policy experts weigh in with timely insights and analysis on the issues of the day.
Short-form content, including multimedia and infographics, summarizes important findings and recommendations.

Reports

Firearms

U.S. Weapons Are the Main Source of Illegal Arms on the Dark Web

Jul 19, 2017

Persi Paoli @GPersiPaoli, et al.

The dark web enables an illicit market for firearms, explosives, and ammunition. Its potential to anonymously arm criminals and terrorists, as well as vulnerable and fixated individuals, is the most dangerous aspect. Sixty percent of the arms for sale are from the United States.
Water Resources Management

Pittsburgh's Options to Address Lead in Its Water

Jul 18, 2017

May, et al.

The City of Pittsburgh is struggling to address the issue of lead in its water. It has initiated various solutions, but there is ongoing debate about whether current actions are sufficient to protect residents, which actions are proving most effective, and what new measures should be considered.
Adolescent Health

Depression Affects Teenage Girls More Often Than Boys

Jul 14, 2017

Breslau @JoshuaBreslau, et al.

Depression among young people can be linked to low grades, substance abuse, irritability, relationship problems, and suicidal thoughts. In the United States, 36.1 percent of girls experience depression by age 17, compared with 13.6 percent of boys. And the gender gap may start even earlier than previously thought.
International Economic Relations

British Public Rejects “No Deal” on Brexit

Jul 13, 2017

Rohr, et al.

The British people disagree with the claim that “no deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain” when it comes to negotiations for leaving the European Union. They want a deal on Brexit and are willing to compromise to get one.
Terrorism Threat Assessment

The Terrorist Diaspora: After the Fall of the Caliphate

Jul 13, 2017

Clarke @ColinPClarke

As operations against ISIS in Mosul conclude, militants are likely already fleeing—and preparing to wage jihad elsewhere. How can the United States identify and mitigate the threat posed by these foreign fighters?
Al Qaida

How Al-Qaida Could Resurge

Jul 13, 2017

Jones @SethGJones

Several factors may impact al-Qaida's rise or decline over the next several years. Most of these are outside of al-Qaida's control, but much would depend on how al-Qaida or similar groups responded to them.

Blog Posts

Cyber Warfare

Russian Information Warfare: A Reality That Needs a Response

Jul 21, 2017

McClintock

For the last three decades, Russia has exploited its growing capabilities in cyberspace to spy on, influence, and punish others. The West will continue to struggle to hold Moscow accountable, in part because international law falls far short of fully defining the rules or resolving conflicts.
Drug Courts

Should California Drop Criminal Penalties for Drug Possession?

Jul 20, 2017

Kilmer @BeauKilmer, et al.

Californians have a lot to consider when it comes to decriminalizing possession. But now is the time for a rigorous discussion about removing criminal penalties for drug possession, rather than rushing to judgment in the heat of a future election season.
Underage Substance Use Prevention

Anti-Drug Education: Time for a New Bumper Sticker

Jul 20, 2017

Chinman

Effective drug prevention in America could start by helping school districts adopt evidence-based programs that work. Unlike DARE, which failed, there are programs that teach children to make wise and responsible decisions about drugs, and won't break the bank.
Peacekeeping and Stability Operations

Moving Beyond Mosul

Jul 18, 2017

Robinson @RobinsonL100, et al.

The Islamic State group has been defeated in Mosul. But this military routing isn't enough to ensure lasting stability, either in Mosul or in Iraq more broadly. What comes next will require careful planning, diplomacy, implementation, and coordination.
Violent Crime

A Colombian Survivor's Crusade to Strengthen Punishment for Acid Attacks

Jul 17, 2017

Woldetsadik

Acid attacks, one of the most extreme forms of violence against women and girls, can have devastating consequences. Officials could address this problem by making it tough to get dangerous chemicals, punishing perpetrators, and helping survivors.
Ballistic Missiles

A Surgical Strike Against North Korea? Not a Viable Option

Jul 14, 2017

Bennett @bwbennett

North Korea's July 4 launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit American soil has renewed talk of military intervention. But an effective limited military strike with minimal collateral damage and no escalation simply won't work.

Multimedia and Infographics

Veteran Health Care

Creating Better Support for Our Nation's Hidden Heroes

Jun 14, 2017

An overview of the testimony presented by Terri Tanielian before the Senate Special Committee on Aging on June 14, 2017.
Marijuana

States vs. the Federal Government: Marijuana Legalization in the United States

Jun 9, 2017

In this June 9th, 2017 congressional briefing, Beau Kilmer, codirector of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center, provides an overview of recent changes in marijuana policies as well as options for the federal government.
North Korea

China and North Korea

Jun 8, 2017

Overview of testimony presented by Andrew Scobell before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on June 8, 2017.
Analytic Gaming

Gaming Solutions to Global Problems

Jun 8, 2017

In this Call with the Experts, RAND senior international research analyst, David Shlapak, talks about how serious games can help find solutions to global problems.
Refugees

Preventing a Syrian Lost Generation: RAND's Work on Refugees

Jun 7, 2017

To help shape policy that will improve the lives of refugees over the longer term, RAND focuses its work on the greatest challenges related to the crisis: humanitarian assistance, education, jobs, and regional and global security.
North Korea

Security Tensions in Northeast Asia

Jun 1, 2017

In this Events @ RAND podcast, RAND's Bruce Bennett, an expert in Northeast Asian military issues, discusses efforts by the U.S., its allies, and China to defuse the current situation and halt North Korea's development of nuclear weapons.