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March 2019

commentary

Where Do U.S.–North Korea Relations Go in the Aftermath of the Hanoi Summit?
If Kim Jong-un is sincere about denuclearization, it is time for him to match his words with actions. If North Korea's nuclearization continues, the U.S. government may eventually face some pressure to take military action to stop it.
Mar 13, 2019
commentary

After the Hanoi Summit
The best-case scenario for U.S.-North Korea relations is that President Trump and Kim Jong-un remain committed to diplomacy. In the worst-case scenario, both countries' frustrations could spiral out of control.
Mar 13, 2019
commentary

The Hidden Components of the North Korean Military Challenge
In an era of global competition in which U.S. military resources are stretched thin, the United States should consider looking for opportunities to scale back potential overcommitment. The current inter-Korean dialogue presents such an opportunity.
Mar 12, 2019
commentary

Increasing Groundwater Reliance in L.A. County Means Dealing with Extensive Contamination
As the Los Angeles region increases its reliance on groundwater sources to become more resilient in the face of drought and to reduce demand for imported water sources, advances in the information available on groundwater quality and contamination could help community water systems avoid health hazards and better ensure a safe drinking water supply.
Mar 12, 2019
commentary

Building a Capacity Framework for U.S. City Diplomacy
As U.S. cities are home to two thirds of the population, the practice of city diplomacy has become essential for local communities to thrive in a globalized society. What are the necessary skills, capabilities, and resources required to craft an effective global engagement strategy?
Mar 11, 2019
commentary

How to Design a Research Funder
Emerging challenges are leading to an increased emphasis on the impact of research beyond academia. At the same time, funders must adapt to changing expectations about what research can and should deliver, financial austerity, and developments in the topics and methods of research.
Mar 11, 2019
commentary

Trump's Latest Move on Afghanistan Is a Repeat of Obama's
So far, both Presidents Obama and Trump have chosen “not to lose” in Afghanistan. As time goes on and the American public's patience grows shorter, this choice becomes more difficult.
Mar 11, 2019
commentary

Jobs Can Improve the Lives of Syrian Refugees and Their Host Communities—and Support Stability in the Middle East
Host governments, international development agencies, and donor countries like the United States could take several steps to improve Syrian refugee employment. This would increase self-reliance among Syrian refugees and ease pressures on host communities.
Mar 11, 2019
commentary

Managing U.S. Military-to-Military Relations with China, a Strategic Competitor in an Era of Renewed Great Power Competition
The United States National Security Strategy describes a return of great power rivalry with China as the leading challenger, and the National Defense Strategy prioritizes strategic competition. What are the implications for U.S.-China military-to-military relations?
Mar 8, 2019
commentary

Public Evidence of Huawei as a Cyber Threat May Be Elusive, but Restrictions Could Still Be Warranted
Although a “smoking gun” of Huawei involvement in government-directed espionage remains elusive, the United States has compelling security and economic reasons to consider limiting the involvement of Chinese telecommunications companies in its domestic networks.
Mar 7, 2019
blog

Roberta Wohlstetter: A Military Analyst Ahead of Her Time
RAND researcher Roberta Wohlstetter is known for her theory about why the attack on Pearl Harbor took the United States by surprise. Her book was later used as a lens for analyzing the Cuban Missile Crisis and the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Mar 7, 2019
commentary

Hadrian's Wall Was a Policy Statement; So Is Donald Trump's
It's not clear if Hadrian's Wall was necessary to prevent Scottish fighters from invading the Roman Empire. Neither is it clear how effective Trump's wall would be at repelling undocumented immigration and smugglers. Hadrian's Wall may have been of symbolic value to those on both sides of it. Trump's could be, too.
Mar 6, 2019
essay

What the Speed of Life Means for Security and Society
Dozens of technologies with the power to transform human life, from 3D printing to cognitive implants, could become as ordinary as a cellphone by 2040. Society will have to adapt, on the fly, in ways it never has. The speed of life itself could pose a security challenge.
Mar 6, 2019
commentary

Can the U.S. Attain Foreign Policy Goals with 'Maximum Pressure' Campaigns?
The Trump administration's record in two of today's most pressing nuclear nonproliferation challenges, North Korea and Iran, highlights the potential dangers of a “maximum pressure” strategy.
Mar 6, 2019
commentary

Opioid-Dependent Newborns in My West Virginia Hometown Point to a Path Out of Drug Crisis
In small, rural towns like Bluefield, West Virginia, economies are hurting, the opioid epidemic is growing, and together they are taking a toll on a surprising population: pregnant women and their babies.
Mar 6, 2019

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