We discuss China's approach to competition with the United States; how the coronavirus may have emerged; what parents think about kids returning to classrooms in the fall; income inequality in America; improving health and wellness in two Pittsburgh neighborhoods; and myths about couples' sleep.
Photo by NASA and RomoloTavani/Getty Images
China's Quest for Global Primacy
What is China's approach to competition with the United States? And how does China define success in this competition? A new RAND report seeks to answer these questions by positing Beijing's international and defense strategies.
The authors propose that China will aim to establish regional and global primacy by relying on economic prowess and diplomatic maneuvers. The goal: gain a position of advantage from which China cannot be dislodged by the United States.
Notably, China would pursue these goals through peaceful methods and attempt to avoid war with the United States. But that does not rule out the possibility of militarized crises or even limited conflicts, such as proxy wars.
Photo by Stockcrafter/Getty Images
Understanding the Coronavirus Origin Story
The White House recently charged the U.S. intelligence community with redoubling its efforts to determine whether the coronavirus “emerged from human contact with an infected animal or from a laboratory accident.” But there are more than just two scenarios to consider, says RAND's Daniel Gerstein. And regardless of how the virus began to spread, biosafety and biosecurity measures can be taken to minimize the risk of another pandemic.
An empty classroom at Heather Hills Elementary School in Bowie, MD, August 26, 2020
Photo by Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/Sipa USA via Reuters
What Do Parents Think About Kids Returning to the Classrooms?
Last month, RAND surveyed more than 2,000 parents about their willingness to send their children to school in person in the fall. Eighty-four percent said that they planned to have their kids back in the classroom, while 12 percent were unsure. Even after accounting for urban, suburban, or rural locations, Black and Hispanic parents were most hesitant about sending their children back—primarily because of concerns about COVID-19 safety.
Photo by Andrii Zastrozhnov/Getty Images
Income Inequality in America
For the vast majority of Americans, income growth over the last few decades has lagged behind overall economic growth. In fact, a 2020 RAND study found that, from 1975 to 2018, the only group of workers for which income gains exceeded the economic growth rate were those near the 99th percentile of earners. If the incomes of the bottom 90 percent of U.S. adults had kept pace with economic growth, then their cumulative income would have been $47 trillion higher by 2018.
The goal of the PHRESH project is to understand the health and well-being of residents of Pittsburgh's Hill District and Homewood communities
Photos by YaMomzHouse
Helping Pittsburgh Residents Shape the Future of Their Neighborhoods
For more than a decade, RAND's PHRESH project has focused on understanding how investments in two predominantly Black Pittsburgh neighborhoods affect the health and well-being of residents. This research has shown that when residents are involved in the decisions that shape their environment, communities can become healthier and happier. With that important takeaway in mind, we've launched a new series of videos that highlight individual voices from these neighborhoods.
Photo by VTT Studio/Getty Images
Advice for Couples: How to Sleep Better Together (or Not)
More and more couples are making the decision to sleep apart. But the idea that happy couples share a bed and unhappy ones don't is a myth, says RAND's Wendy Troxel. She recently dispelled this and other misconceptions about the coupled nature of sleep in Time magazine (and in her new book). What matters most, Troxel says, is working together to ensure that both partners get better sleep, which can improve life in and out of bed.
Get Weekly Updates from RAND
If you enjoyed this weekly recap, consider subscribing to Policy Currents, our newsletter and podcast.
