2015

commentary

China's Airfield Construction at Fiery Cross Reef in Context: Catch-Up or Coercion?

Even if China really sees itself as undertaking legitimate activities to protect its rightful interests, it is not surprising that its rival claimants, as well as the United States and other countries in the region, see Beijing's island building activities as efforts to improve China's abilities to bully its neighbors.

Michael S. Chase, Benjamin Purser

commentary

Climate Targets: Values and Uncertainty

Policymakers know that the risks associated with climate change mean they need to cut greenhouse-gas emissions. But uncertainty surrounding the likelihood of different scenarios makes choosing specific policies difficult.

Robert J. Lempert @RobertLempert

announcement

Law Enforcement Cyber Center: A New Internet Resource for Combating Cybercrime

The Law Enforcement Cyber Center provides vital information and resources to police chiefs, police officers, cybercrime investigators, and prosecutors.

Sasha Romanosky, Laura Patton

essay

Struggling with Dementia

The costs of dementia are staggering. A recent RAND analysis quantifies the scope of the problem in the United States and serves as a wake-up call to policymakers everywhere.

commentary

Aung San Suu Kyi's Trip to China: Sino-Myanmar Relations as the Countdown to the November Elections Begins

For Aung San Suu Kyi and the rest of the National League for Democracy (NLD) delegation, meeting with Chinese leadership provided a forum for bilateral engagement with one of Myanmar's most important neighbors in the region, relations that will expand given the NLD's likely success at the polls in November.

Cristina L. Garafola @CLGarafola

commentary

When the School Bell Tolls Too Early

School schedules can bring sleep-defying stresses to kids and teens. But there are strategies for parents to get their families 'sleep-ready' for the school year.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

commentary

Political Scientists and the Military

For civilian academics interested in bridging the political science–military gap, five recommendations to acquire basic information about the military could encourage improved interaction, better policy-relevant scholarship, and an enhanced policy process.

Paula G. Thornhill, Rachel Whitlark

commentary

Obama Commutes Sentences of 46 Drug Offenders. Now for the Hard Part

Last month, President Obama commuted more sentences in a single day than any president since Lyndon Johnson. But commutation doesn't erase a criminal conviction.

Lois M. Davis @LoisMDavis

commentary

The Cost of Resistance and the Attack of the Microbes

If left unaddressed, the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance and the rise of 'superbugs' could devastate the world economy and pose a deadly threat to humanity.

Marco Hafner, Jirka Taylor

commentary

Apply Principles of Professional Change Management to Any Acquisition Reform, or Risk More Failure

If Congress enacts substantial changes to acquisition processes as part of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, then it has a responsibility to ensure that the DoD has the opportunity and resources to implement proven change management principles to increase the chances for its success.

Cynthia R. Cook @CynthiaRCook, Laura H. Baldwin

commentary

Out of the Mushroom Cloud's Shadow

With Japan's nuclear restraint no longer the article of faith it once was, the significance of the nuclear pacts struck decades ago will become ever more consequential.

Jonathan Reid Hunt

blog

The 2015 Summer Reading List for Congress

With Capitol Hill slowing for August recess, this list of must-read research and commentaries will help ensure that policymakers are ready to dive right back in this fall.

commentary

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Internet of Things

Late last month, Fiat Chrysler recalled 1.4 million cars to fix a defect that allowed hackers to imperil drivers from afar. In essence, what was considered a huge threat was converted into a solved or at least solvable problem.

Martin C. Libicki

commentary

Opening Iran After the Nuclear Deal

The nuclear accord paves the way for Iranian-Americans to help Iranians know the United States not for past perceived misdeeds, but future possibilities.

Alireza Nader, Morad Ghorban

commentary

Can Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Improve Health Care?

A review in 2017 of the adequacy and use of Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust Funds will be used to determine whether funding levels should be continued or adjusted after its authorization runs out in 2019. Researchers ought to take stock of the work in patient-centered outcomes research.

Thomas W. Concannon @tconcannon