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National Security

RAND conducts a broad array of national security research for the U.S. Department of Defense. RAND also carries out an extensive research program in homeland security, homeland defense, and terrorism-related research for the U.S. Government, as well as selected research for key allied governments and ministries of defense. Through its long-term investment in federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), the U.S. government has built a network of institutions with unique analytical and technical capabilities.

National security research is conducted by the following RAND FFRDCs: RAND Project AIR FORCE, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force; RAND Arroyo Center, sponsored by the U.S. Army; RAND National Defense Research Institute, sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; RAND Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security.

Latest Research

3D Printing: Downstream Production Transforming the Supply Chain

Aug 11, 2017

RAND experts provide a framework to help understand the potential impacts of 3D printing technology in a military context—and help the DoD think about future impacts on its supply chain.
What Is Russia's Strategy in the Middle East?

Aug 7, 2017

Russia's regional strategy is an approach of ways and means, where broad principles take the place of prescribed ends. Moscow is constantly seeking to improve its short-term economic, military, and political advantages.
What Is the Quality of Mental Health Care in the Military?

Aug 7, 2017

The care provided by the Military Health System (MHS) is critical to maintaining a physically and psychologically healthy, mission-ready force. When it comes to PTSD and depression, the MHS demonstrates excellent care in some areas but could focus its efforts better in others.
Lessons from Israel's Wars in Gaza

Jul 26, 2017

The Israel Defense Force had to evolve to meet an adaptive and determined hybrid adversary during its wars in Gaza. The U.S. Army and the joint force can learn from the IDF's challenge of balancing intense international legal public scrutiny and the hard operational realities of urban warfare.
How to Achieve Stability in Iraq After ISIS

Jul 24, 2017

After major combat operations against ISIS in Mosul, recovery and stability will require redoubled efforts by Iraqis and the international community. How well humanitarian, security, and other needs are addressed will affect the immediate stabilization of Iraq, including whether civilians can return home.

National Security News

Statement on Death of Zbigniew Brzezinski

May 28, 2017

RAND notes with regret the death of Zbigniew Brzezinski, former chair of the advisory board of RAND's Center for Middle East Public Policy and exemplary public servant who mastered both the strategic and operational details of national security policy.
Hall Appointed Director of Defence, Security and Infrastructure

Dec 5, 2016

Alex Hall has been appointed Director of RAND Europe’s Defence, Security and Infrastructure Research Group which provides analytical and research support to a range of public policy clients in the UK and Europe.
Kepe Moderates Riga Conference Panel on Ambiguous Threats

Nov 2, 2016

RAND Europe analyst Marta Kepe moderated a RAND Europe–hosted panel at the annual Riga Conference. The topic was 'Dealing with Ambiguous Threats in the Nordic Baltic Region’.
Sladden Presents Research at RUSI Land Warfare Conference in London

Jul 1, 2016

RAND Europe analyst James Sladden and RAND senior international policy analyst Linda Robinson addressed the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Land Warfare Conference in London on 28 June 2016.
Persi Paoli Speaks at Arms Trade Treaty Workshop

Apr 11, 2016

RAND Europe expert Giacomo Persi Paoli participated in a workshop on building capacity for the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), hosted by the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific in cooperation with the Government of Thailand, on 4-5 April 2016 in Bangkok.