NSRD Publications Archive - 2016

The Russian "Firehose of Falsehood" Propaganda Model: Why It Might Work and Options to Counter It 2016

Christopher Paul, Miriam Matthews

Since its 2008 incursion into Georgia, there has been a remarkable evolution in Russia's approach to propaganda. The Russian propaganda model is high-volume and multichannel, and it disseminates messages without regard for the truth. It is also rapid, continuous, and repetitive, and it often lacks consistency. Effective solutions to the Russian model can be found in the same psychology literature that explains its surprising success.

Fostering Innovation in the Defense Department: Examples from RAND's Federally Funded Research and Development Centers 2016

Describes examples of how the Department of Defense (DoD) has used RAND analysis across the spectrum of DoD activities to innovate and otherwise solve problems in meeting its mission objectives.

The Implications of Allowing Transgender Personnel to Serve Openly in the U.S. Military 2016

Agnes Gereben Schaefer, Radha Iyengar Plumb, Srikanth Kadiyala, Jennifer Kavanagh, Charles C. Engel, Kayla M. Williams, Amii M. Kress

To inform a potential change in policy, a RAND study examined the health care needs of transgender military personnel, costs of gender transition–related care and potential readiness implications of allowing transgender personnel to serve openly.

Assessing the Implications of Allowing Transgender Personnel to Serve Openly 2016

Agnes Gereben Schaefer, Radha Iyengar Plumb, Srikanth Kadiyala, Jennifer Kavanagh, Charles C. Engel, Kayla M. Williams, Amii M. Kress

The U.S. Department of Defense is considering a change in policy to allow transgender military personnel to serve openly. A RAND study examined the health care needs of transgender personnel, the costs of gender transition–related care, and the potential readiness implications of a policy change. The experiences of foreign militaries that permit transgender service members to serve openly also point to some best practices for U.S. policymakers.

U.S. Department of Defense Experiences with Substituting Government Employees for Military Personnel: Challenges and Opportunities 2016

Jennifer Lamping Lewis, Edward G. Keating, Leslie Adrienne Payne, Brian J. Gordon, Julia Pollak, Andrew Madler, H. G. Massey, Gillian S. Oak

This report examines recent patterns in military-to-civilian conversion — that is, converting military positions to government civilian positions — to identify the primary impediments to such conversions. The authors reviewed relevant statutes and policies, held discussions with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) subject matter experts, and analyzed administrative data on DoD military and civilian personnel.

U.S. Department of Defense Experiences with Substituting Government Civilian Employees for Military Personnel: Executive Summary 2016

Jennifer Lamping Lewis, Edward G. Keating, Leslie Adrienne Payne, Brian J. Gordon, Julia Pollak, Andrew Madler, H. G. Massey, Gillian S. Oak

This report summarizes research on recent patterns in military-to-civilian conversion — that is, converting military positions to government civilian positions — to identify the primary impediments to such conversions. The authors reviewed relevant statutes and policies, held discussions with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) subject matter experts, and analyzed administrative data on DoD military and civilian personnel.

The People's Liberation Army and Contingency Planning in China 2016

Andrew Scobell, Arthur S. Ding, Phillip C. Saunders, Scott W. Harold

This books brings together leading experts from the United States and Taiwan to examine how the People's Liberation Army (PLA) prepares for a range of domestic, border, and maritime contingencies.

PLA Influence on China's National Security Policymaking 2016

Phillip C. Saunders, Andrew Scobell

This book seeks to assess the "real" relationship between the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and its civilian masters by moving beyond media and pundit speculation to mount an in-depth examination and explanation of the PLA's role in national security policymaking.

China Ponders Post-2014 Afghanistan: Neither "All In" nor Bystander 2016

Andrew Scobell

Since 2001, China has warily watched the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan and associated footprint in Central Asia.

China's Aircraft Carrier Program: Drivers, Developments, Implications 2016

Andrew Scobell, Michael McMahon, Cortez A. Cooper III

This paper examines first the drivers, the operational capabilities, and then the future trajectory of China's carrier program. We evaluate the implications of the carrier program for the balance of maritime power in the western Pacific and beyond.

How China Sees America: The Sum of Beijing's Fears 2016

Andrew J. Nathan, Andrew Scobell

China has become one of a small number of countries that have significant national interests in every part of the world and that command the attention of every other country and every international organization, and is the only country widely seen as a possible threat to U.S. predominance.

China's International Relations Think Tanks: Evolving Structure and Process 2016

David Shambaugh

Over the past two decades China's international relations (IR) think tanks have come to play increasingly important roles in China's foreign policy making and intelligence analysis, as well as serving as an increasingly important liaison to officials and specialists in foreign countries.

Party-Army Relations Since the 16th Party Congress: The Battle of the "Two Centers"? 2016

James C. Mulvenon

The 12 months between the 16th Party Congress in October 2002 and the party plenum in November 2003 provide a fascinating snapshot of party-army relations in China.

China's Real Strategic Culture: A Great Wall of the Imagination 2016

Andrew Scobell

The Great Wall is frequently held up as the most striking symbol of the potency of a persistent Chinese pacifist, non-expansionist, defence-minded strategic stance. What is the impact of this depiction on China and the Asia-Pacific region?

U.S. International Economic Strategy in a Turbulent World 2016

Howard J. Shatz

This report presents strategic choices America faces regarding the international economy over the term of the next U.S. administration, focusing on policy choices in the areas of maintaining and improving the rules-based international economic system; working with China and better integrating it into the existing system; supporting economic growth of allies and partners; and using sanctions to change unwanted behavior and counter adversaries.