This week, we discuss why China likely won't attack Taiwan anytime soon; what Putin might be fighting for in Ukraine; preparing for nations to start mining in space; challenges working moms face this winter; teachers' use of new instructional materials; and remembering RAND's David Johnson.
Photo by EyePress News/Reuters
China Likely Won't Attack Taiwan Anytime Soon
U.S. government and military officials have increasingly cited 2027 as Chinese President Xi Jinping's potential deadline to invade Taiwan. Some have even warned that an attack could happen next year. But according to RAND's Derek Grossman, 2027, let alone 2023, is likely too soon.
Why? First, Xi's latest rhetoric on Taiwan has been quite reserved. Second, Beijing may have concerns about its ability to successfully conduct joint operations against Taiwan. Third, key U.S. allies appear poised to assist American military efforts to prevent China from conquering Taiwan.
At least for now, China is not signaling a war, Grossman says. And rather than start one, Xi is more likely to dial up the use of coercive measures against Taiwan, including diplomatic, economic, and military pressure coupled with cyber and psychological operations.
Russian President Putin remotely in Moscow, September 29, 2022
Photo by Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik via Reuters
Nuclear Weapons and Putin's 'Holy War'
As the costs and mistakes of his war in Ukraine mount, it’s worth asking what Russian President Vladimir Putin is fighting for. Krystyna Marcinek of the Pardee RAND Graduate School says it's possible that Putin has subscribed to a “holy war” narrative—viewing the conflict as a battle for Russia's imperial identity and the very soul of its people. If this is true, then Putin might use nuclear weapons simply to show that he will stop at nothing to prevail.
NASA illustration of Artemis astronauts on the moon
It's Time to Make Rules for Mining in Space
Last week, NASA launched its Artemis I mission, a potential first step toward establishing a permanent human presence on the moon. The mission also represents a move toward mining the moon for precious materials—especially water, a highly valuable resource for humans operating in space. According to RAND experts, as the United States and other nations embark on a new space race focused on exploiting such materials, cooperation and governance is essential. Without these, the risk of conflict will only increase.
Photo by Fly View Productions/Getty Images
Teachers' Use of New Instructional Materials
Introducing new instructional materials can place considerable time and learning demands on teachers. New results from a RAND survey show that roughly half of educators regularly use new instructional materials. However, they typically don't use them for the bulk of their teaching time. Many teachers also report spending their own money on instructional materials and a need for materials that better engage students.
Photo by Vesnaandjic/Getty Images
What Working Moms Face This Winter
Children get sick. A lot. And with an expected “tripledemic” of surging COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases hitting this winter, kids may be spending even more days at home than usual. This introduces the difficult task of what RAND economist Kathryn Edwards calls “winter mom math,” estimating how many days of work will be lost because of a child's illness. Her request: Judge working moms for the job they do, not the days they miss.
David Johnson at the 2014 RAND International Programs board meeting in Washington, D.C., June 2014
Photo by Dori Walker/RAND Corporation
Remembering RAND's David Johnson
Last month, David Johnson, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, RAND researcher, and leading intellectual in national defense and military history, passed away following a long illness. Johnson's colleagues recently wrote about his legacy—defined by mentorship, a passion for history, and decades of brilliant writings. “He made everyone around him think better,” said General Christopher G. Cavoli, commander U.S. European Command. “Dave made each of us better.”
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