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Economics

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Economics is a discipline concerned with the consumption, production, and transfer of wealth by and among individuals (microeconomics) and communities or nations (macroeconomics); subspecialties range from economic development and planning to health economics and international economic relations. RAND's many economists contribute to multidisciplinary research projects by exploring the intersections where economics informs social, military, and governmental policy decisions.

Report
The Abraham Accords Could Have Wide-Reaching Economic Benefits
The Abraham Accords between Israel and Muslim nations represent a possible new chapter in the region's development—away from conflict and toward a shared vision of economic prosperity. Israel's partners could gain 150,000 new jobs. And that could grow to 4 million new jobs over a decade if other nations join.
Mar 18, 2021
Research Brief
A New Approach to Measuring Income Inequality
A new method for measuring income inequality reveals that, from 1975 to 2018, the only group for which actual income gains exceeded U.S. GDP growth was the group near the 99th percentile of income distribution.
Apr 30, 2021

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Commentary
Understanding Iran's Nuclear Escalation Strategy
Throughout 2019, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. What are its goals in doing this? Why has it adopted this strategy? And perhaps most importantly, how far does Iran intend to go?
Dec 12, 2019
Commentary
Don't Expect a Thaw in Iran
Iran's recent protests could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Iran's domestic politics. Whatever happens inside the country, though, it will not likely change Iran's foreign policy.
Dec 11, 2019
Commentary
What Does Beijing Want from the Pacific Islands?
China's recent activities in Oceania highlight a formidable two-pronged strategy of diplomatic and economic engagement that Washington and its allies and partners will have to vigorously compete against to maintain their preeminence in the Pacific.
Dec 9, 2019
Commentary
With Chaos in the Streets of Iran, Here's How the United States Could Help the Iranian People
The Iranian people deserve American support. But current U.S. policies are hurting the cause that Iranians are fighting for while failing to achieve any strategic objectives.
Dec 3, 2019
Report
Russian Strategy in the Middle East Is Limited
The unrest in Syria and the Arab Spring gave Russia the opportunity to increase its economic and political activities across the Middle East. But the strengths of Moscow's strategy in the short term—its transactionalism, its balancing of multiple partners—may turn out to be its undoing in the long term.
Nov 26, 2019
Journal Article
When Antibiotics Fail: The Expert Panel on the Potential Socio-Economic Impacts of Antimicrobial Resistance in Canada
Researchers examined the current impacts of AMR on Canada's healthcare system, the future impact on Canada's GDP, and how widespread resistance could influence the day-to-day lives of Canadians.
Nov 21, 2019
Report
A More Physically Active Population Could Increase GDP by Billions
Exercise affects workplace performance, longevity, and the economy. If people walked just an extra 15 minutes each day, the world economy could grow by about $100 billion a year. Gains are attributed to improved productivity and reduced mortality rates, sick leave, and health care costs.
Nov 5, 2019
Commentary
Russia's Risky Game Plan for Syria
It will take time to assess the extent to which Russia has “won“ in Syria. Absent a peaceful end to the conflict and an infusion of large-scale Western aid, downside risks for Russia could take some of the bloom off of its rose in Syria.
Oct 29, 2019
Commentary
Zimbabwe’s Neighbors Express Solidarity Against a False Enemy
The notion that sanctions are primarily responsible for the economic collapse in Zimbabwe is a useful fiction promoted by that country's authoritarian elite. In reality, the ruling party, in power for 39 years, has no one to blame but itself.
Oct 25, 2019
Commentary
Economic Experiments for Global Impact
Implementing effective solutions for global socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation is a daunting challenge. However, RAND has seen over its decades of work in this area that data-based decisions can improve the welfare of the world's most vulnerable populations.
Oct 23, 2019
Commentary
U.S. Economic War on China Weakens Nuclear North Korea, Too
An effective way to bend North Korea toward denuclearization may be exerting consistent and targeted pressure on China. Diminishing Beijing's relevance isn't a cure-all. But it could pierce Kim's illusion of invincibility and place him in a bind to make some concessions.
Oct 18, 2019
Report
Poor indoor climate, its impact on child health, and the wider societal costs
This study looked at the impact of poor indoor climate on child health and at the costs for society at large. It covered the following indoor climate hazards: damp; mould; indoor air pollution; noise; radon; excess cold; lack of daylight.
Oct 9, 2019
Commentary
The Emerging U.S.–China Strategic Competition and the Role of Trans-Atlantic Cooperation
When competing with China, what role should U.S. alliances, especially the transatlantic relationships the United States has with its European partners, play? This question is potentially decisive for whether or not any strategy adopted by the U.S. to compete with China will succeed or fail.
Oct 8, 2019
Report
Proposal for a Revised Regional Order in Post-Soviet Europe and Eurasia
Disputes over the regional order in post-Soviet Europe and Eurasia are at the core of the breakdown in relations between Russia and the West and have created major challenges for the states caught in between. A new approach to the order could boost security and prosperity in the region.
Oct 8, 2019
Research Brief
Options for funding the NHS and social care in the UK: How the UK general public would prefer extra funds to be raised
What is the publicly preferred way to raise additional funds needed to meet growing demand for health and social care. Options are taxation, insurance, or user charges. We analyse the preferences of the UK general public using a choice experiment.
Oct 7, 2019
Journal Article
Study for the Evaluation of the EMA Fee System: Final Report
Researchers examined the European Medicines Agency fee system and its relationship to the underlying costs associated with its services, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the system, and whether fees are founded on a sound economic basis.
Oct 4, 2019
Journal Article
Study for the Evaluation of the EMA Fee System: Summary Report
Researchers examined the European Medicines Agency fee system and its relationship to the underlying costs associated with its services, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the system, and whether fees are founded on a sound economic basis.
Oct 4, 2019
Journal Article
Study for the Evaluation of the EMA Fee System: Methodology Note
Researchers examined the European Medicines Agency fee system and its relationship to the underlying costs associated with its services, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the system, and whether fees are founded on a sound economic basis.
Oct 4, 2019
Commentary
The China Dream: Never Closer, yet Never More Elusive
To achieve its goals of national rejuvenation, China needs to become a true world power. But a softening economy and political gridlock make it seem less and less likely that Beijing will realize all of its objectives.
Oct 1, 2019
Commentary
How Not to Confront China
There are several key reasons why current U.S. policy toward China may not help advance America's competitiveness or enlist much support abroad. Most notably, the administration has yet to explain what it ultimately hopes to accomplish.
Sep 23, 2019

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RAND Topic:
Economics

Research conducted by

Researcher Spotlight

William D. Phillips

Senior Analyst

Will Phillips (he/him) is a senior analyst at RAND Europe working in the health and wellbeing research group. His work has spanned a range of topics including transport, education, and health and wellbeing. His primary research interest is in mental health and workpace wellbeing research. He has…
Steven W. Popper

Senior Economist

Steven W. Popper is a senior economist at the RAND Corporation and professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. As associate director of the Science and Technology Policy Institute (1996–2001), Popper provided analytic support to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and other…

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