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

  • View from the end of the Ilulissat Icefjord to the town Ilulissat at the Disko Bay in western Greenland at midnight in July, photo by renelo/Getty Images

    Climate Change and U.S. Security in the Arctic

    Sep 19, 2019

    The Arctic's ongoing changes in climate promote both challenges and opportunities. These are influenced by technology, economic, and other factors. Why does climate change in the Arctic matter? And what does the United States need to do about it from a security perspective?

  • Riflemen compete in the Lithuanian Best Infantry Squad Competition at Rukla Training Area, Lithuania, August 24, 2017, photo by Lithuanian Land Forces

    Why Understanding 'Will to Fight' Is Crucial

    Sep 13, 2019

    Arguably, will to fight is the most important factor in war. The best technology in the world is useless without the force of will to use it and to keep using it even as casualties mount and unexpected calamities arise. Ignoring will to fight can contribute to tactical or even strategic defeat.

  • A mental health professional takes notes while talking with a soldier, photo by asiseeit/Getty Images

    Quality Matters in Mental Health Care for Veterans

    Sep 9, 2019

    High-quality mental health care is treatment that has been proven effective and is safe, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. Veterans who receive such care are much more likely to improve and recover. Ensuring that they get the care they need also helps their families.

  • Illustration of a network, security information, and AI technology, image by issaronow/Adobe Stock

    'Hostile Social Manipulation' Is a Growing Threat to the United States

    Sep 4, 2019

    Hostile social manipulation includes social media campaigns, sophisticated forgeries, cyberbullying, and spreading rumors and conspiracy theories to cause damage to a state. As these techniques are used by Russia and China, the United States should invest more resources to understand and counter them.

  • Kimberly Curry Hall summarizes research on improving female retention in the Coast Guard.

    Improving Gender Diversity in the U.S. Coast Guard

    Sep 1, 2019

    For active-duty women, many complex factors influence the decision to stay in or separate from the Coast Guard. In this video, RAND's Kimberly Curry Hall summarizes research on these factors and makes recommendations for improving female retention in the Coast Guard.

National Security News