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February 2021

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Sexual Assault in the Military Is Unacceptable. Here's How to Fix It
Despite some steps taken by the Department of Defense, sexual assault and harassment prevention within the services and at individual installations could be substantially improved. The services could address the problem more systematically and comprehensively.
Feb 26, 2021

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Five Reasons to Be Wary of a New Domestic Terrorism Law
Momentum is building in Congress for legislation to deal with domestic terrorism. Here are five purely pragmatic reasons to be wary of addressing domestic terrorism with a new law.
Feb 24, 2021
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A Strong Japan-UK Alliance Needed to Counter China
With Brexit behind it, Britain faces a question about what role it should play in the world. Assuming it wants to remain a power that can shape—but not dominate—international relations, it makes sense to partner with like-minded states, such as Japan.
Feb 24, 2021
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Shared Prosperity: The Crying Need for Inclusive Globalization
The disaffection of a wide swath of the American population has been linked to the political polarization of the country, as well as its divisive tendencies. While globalization is not the only reason for this disaffection, it is an apt lens through which to view the revolt against elitism, expertise, and changing demographics.
Feb 23, 2021
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Giving Teachers the Tools They Need to Provide 21st-Century Civics Education
The Capitol attack has rightfully led to many calls for teachers to address civic education in a much more robust way in their classrooms. However, a national survey of social studies teachers suggests that teachers lack the critical training and incentives to do so.
Feb 23, 2021
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Japanese Public Needs to Know SDF to Appreciate It
Although Japan does not call the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) a military, externally it is widely respected as a modern armed force fielding advanced defense capabilities. Given the threats facing Japan, it may benefit the Japanese public to better understand the value of the SDF as an armed force and the military cooperation that takes place with the United States.
Feb 19, 2021
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California Needs a More Flexible Approach to Sea Level Rise Planning
Rising seas create significant risk to the health, safety, and economic vitality of California's coast communities, and we must prepare. A contingency-planning approach would provide flexible action over time and would build capacity that California and the nation need to respond to the many other serious and growing climate-related risks.
Feb 18, 2021
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Myanmar's Coup and Its Recent Elections: Institutions Matter
What was the Myanmar military's calculus in deciding to stage a coup against the government? The history of coups and elections provides some insights.
Feb 15, 2021
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Choosing Classroom Materials Is Complicated. Here's What Principals and District Leaders Can Do to Support Teachers
What do teachers want when it comes to instructional materials, particularly during the pandemic? Knowing the answer to this question can help district and school leaders select online materials that teachers are more likely to use and guide curriculum developers to create resources with these features in mind.
Feb 12, 2021
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The Essential Role of DHS in the Economic Recovery from COVID-19
The name Department of Homeland Security belies an important set of roles, missions, and functions of the department related to the economic security of the United States. Wielding these powers to their full extent during the COVID-19 pandemic could set the conditions for a more rapid recovery.
Feb 11, 2021
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Tech Alone Isn't Enough to Create a Successful Smart City
Smart-city initiatives are popping up in small communities and large metropolitan regions alike. But these initiatives have run into significant hurdles. Some cities have developed frameworks to overcome these challenges, but many continue to struggle.
Feb 10, 2021
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Lost Learning and the Costs of COVID-19
President Biden's plan calls for $130 billion to help schools safely reopen and identifies summer school or other supports to help students compensate for lost learning time as permissible uses of this funding. Recent RAND research can shed light on how Congress might consider divvying up these funds to support students over the next year.
Feb 10, 2021
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Humility and Limits
When it spurns global institutions and norms and throws its considerable military weight around, the United States destroys its greatest competitive advantage—the prized role as the hub of a predominant network of global power.
Feb 9, 2021
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The COVID-19 Bed-Spread
Sleep science has traditionally viewed sleep as an individual phenomenon. But how well (or poorly) we sleep is clearly tied to the quality of our closest relationships. COVID-19 has further highlighted the critical importance of both healthy sleep and healthy relationships.
Feb 9, 2021
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Afghanistan: Give Peace a Chance
The timetable set out in the Afghan peace agreement was always unrealistically ambitious. If the Biden administration postpones the May withdrawal of U.S. troops, then this could provide the two Afghan sides more time to address core issues that must be resolved if any settlement is to stick.
Feb 9, 2021
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Other Voices: Striking Rates of Food Insecurity in the Hill District and Homewood
The number of Americans experiencing food insecurity has increased since the pandemic began. And rates are higher among African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. Proactive and aggressive policy actions could help reduce the inequities in places like Pittsburgh's Hill District and Homewood neighborhoods.
Feb 9, 2021

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