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Economic Development

Economic development includes a host of issues—including energy supply; technology; and access to jobs, food, water, education, health care, and housing—that are fundamental to improving the economic status of communities and transforming impoverished nations. RAND takes a multidisciplinary approach to investigating opportunities for economic development, modeling future trends, and applying objective analysis to recommend policy solutions for global, national, and local economies.

Commentary

Democratic Bright Spots in the South Caucasus

Democratic bright spots are emerging in Armenia and Georgia despite their being wedged between less-than-democratic regional powers. Both countries seek to consolidate democratic gains and overcome poverty while managing daunting challenges from Russia and separatist conflicts. While pursuing these priorities, the countries deserve continued, strong Western support.

Jan 23, 2019
Journal Article

Journal Article

Conservation Geopolitics: Envisioning the Future of the 'Belt & Road Initiative' in the Mountains of Central Asia

China's Belt and Road Initiative offers Central Asia opportunity for rapid economic development through transport corridors. For such development to be sustainable, policy needs to focus on critical goals such as climate action and water resilience.

Oct 30, 2018
Commentary

Why We Should Measure the Economic Impact of Terrorism in the Middle East

Though physical impacts of terrorism in the Middle East should be the main focus of counterterrorism efforts, financial impacts should not be ignored. Officials could help mitigate devastating economic effects by identifying and protecting essential regional revenue streams like tourism and oil.

Sep 24, 2018
Commentary

Do States Need Their Own Trade Policies?

Now would not be the first time California's business and trade interests haven't aligned with those of Washington. While it's the federal government, not California, that sets American trade policy, there are steps those in California could consider in order to optimize for trade opportunities abroad.

May 13, 2018
Commentary

China's Strengthening of Communist Party Rule Is Not Just a Power Grab

Strengthening the leadership role of the Communist Party and removing term limits for President Xi Jinping have raised fears about increasingly authoritarian Chinese politics. While repression may well increase, boosting the party’s influence also increases the chance of badly needed reforms concerning governance and the economy.

Apr 2, 2018
Commentary

Putin's Boasting About Nuclear Weapons Won't Help Him in the Russian Election

In a March 1 address to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin evoked Soviet-era exaggeration, proclaiming barely feasible economic and social goals and boasting of nuclear arms that are unlikely to change the strategic balance. Continued exaggeration could sap public confidence in the legitimacy of Russia's ruling system and leaders.

Mar 15, 2018
Commentary

One Belt, One Road, One Ruler: China Term Limits Ban Imperils Progress

The abolition of presidential term limits in China represents a sea change in Communist Party politics and signals the consolidation of personalist rule by President Xi Jinping. Deviations from term limits are deleterious for good governance, political rights, and accountability.

Mar 6, 2018
Commentary

What Next for China-Pakistan Relations?

The recent downgrade in U.S.-Pakistan relations will present both opportunities and challenges for China. Beijing can use the recent strain to promote a new model of international development, but must be wary of becoming the sole external power responsible for maintaining stability in the region.

Feb 26, 2018
Dissertation

Dissertation

Regional Economic Growth and International Capital Flows: The Case of Ukraine

This dissertation examines divergent economic paths between regions in several countries and recommends specific steps for Ukraine's regional and overall economic policy.

Feb 26, 2018
Commentary

If We Don't Get the Peace Right, Iraq Will Slide Back into the Morass

Actions taken now by the United States, the Iraqi government, and private parties could determine the war-torn country's future. The message the Sunnis receive in these next six months will determine whether Iraq is on the path to stability.

Feb 12, 2018
Commentary

Unrest in Iran: An Opportunity for Democratic Change

As the unrest that began in Iran on Dec. 28 begins to wane following a crackdown, it is difficult to assess what may come next. But this is not the first time Iranians have come out on the streets to protest and challenge authoritarian rule, nor will it be the last; the Iranian people have a long history of seeking a democratic political order.

Jan 14, 2018
Essay

What Life Under ISIS Looked Like from Space

Satellite images show how ISIS attempted to govern in Iraq and Syria, the economic damage the group left behind, and what it will take to rebuild.

Jan 9, 2018
Journal Article

Journal Article

Estimating Productivity Spillovers Among Firm Networks in Indonesia

Clustering of firms in Indonesia only leads to substantial productivity spillovers in a few industries, suggesting the need to review cluster policies.

Dec 19, 2017
Commentary

Does the Annual Growth Survey Actually Make a Difference to EU Member States?

Much of the European Union (EU) budget follows Annual Growth Survey (AGS) priorities, but member states' budgets do not necessarily follow the country-specific recommendations. Doing so and addressing wider concerns about the AGS could help the EU and member states identify the benefits of the AGS.

Nov 21, 2017
Journal Article

Journal Article

Promoting the Sustainable Development of Transport and Economic Corridors Under the Belt and Road Initiative

We show in this paper that corridor developments historically began with transport linkages that were intended to facilitate development along intra-national routes.

Nov 21, 2017
Commentary

How to Help Syrians — Without Helping Assad

The U.S. and others have a major interest in ending the Syrian civil war, helping the millions of displaced Syrians, and preventing the re-emergence of the Islamic State. But they are naturally reluctant to assist rebuilding a country run by Assad and supported by Russia and Iran. What are their options?

Nov 3, 2017
Tool

Calculating the Economic Impacts of the Syrian Conflict: Operationalizing the World Bank's Damage and Needs Assessment

RAND has collaborated with The World Bank to develop an online calculator that allows the user to calculate and forecast the costs of the Syrian war.

Oct 18, 2017
Commentary

King Salman and Putin Deals Leave the U.S. Out in the Cold

Riyadh plans to invest in Russian energy assets and possibly arms. The deals will lead to the manufacture of arms in Saudi Arabia and likely the transfer of military technology. These agreements thwart the U.S.- and EU-led sanctions regime and send an important signal to Washington.

Oct 4, 2017
Journal Article

Journal Article

Synergies Between the Objectives Set Out in the Annual Growth Survey and the Contribution of the EU Budget and National Budgets

This study examines synergies between the objectives of the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) and EU and national budgets. It also assesses the impact of the guidance provided by the AGS and country-specific recommendations on national budgets with a view to supporting policies enhancing economic growth..

Sep 26, 2017
Report

Report

Wanxiang Innovation Energy Fusion City: Recommendations for Developing an Innovation Cluster

RAND authors develop a mission statement and recommend policies to help achieve the Wanxiang Group's vision of developing the Wanxiang Innovation Energy Fusion City into an innovative cluster built around smart and green automotive technologies.

Sep 20, 2017

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