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RAND's international affairs research comprises a range of cross-cutting issues, including global economies and trade, space and maritime security, diplomacy, global health and education, nation building, and regional security and stability. RAND also analyzes the policies and effectiveness of international organizations such as the UN, NATO, European Union, and ASEAN.

Commentary

Russia's Invasion of Ukraine May Harden U.S. Indo-Pacific Allies

May 26, 2022

The effects of Russia's war against Ukraine stretch worldwide as countries watch Ukraine's unfolding tragedy to glean possible lessons for their own security. Understanding how Australia and Japan are perceiving the conflict could be critical for allied strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
Report

U.S. Policy Toward the Taliban: Engage, Isolate, or Oppose?

May 26, 2022

With the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and a growing humanitarian crisis, the United States faces several policy options. While isolation is the usual response to an unwelcome regime change, engagement offers the only prospect to advance U.S. interests in the country, mainly counterterrorism and humanitarian relief.

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Report

Russian Military Forecasting and Analysis: The Military-Political Situation and Military Potential in Strategic Planning

In this report, the authors draw on a framework developed by the Russian military science community to gain insight into the likelihood and character of future war and the correlation of military potential between Russia and potential adversaries.

Jun 23, 2022
News Release

Don't Cut Research Ties with China, Say UK Academics

A new study from the not-for-profit research institute RAND Europe involving more than 80 UK-based academics from a range of disciplines and institutions finds a resounding appetite for continued collaboration with Chinese colleagues, despite acknowledged tension over security concerns.

Jun 22, 2022
Commentary

Has the War in Ukraine Damaged Russia's Gray Zone Capabilities?

Russia's actions are to blame for the damage done to its gray zone capabilities, but it's the West's choice to see whether this respite represents a short-term aberration or presents opportunities for some long-term fixes.

Jun 22, 2022
Commentary

Should Ukraine Settle with Russia?

Should the United States humiliate Russia—and Russian President Vladimir Putin specifically—over the Russo-Ukrainian War? It could lead to escalation and new wars, but the United States and NATO may need to think twice before offering concessions.

Jun 22, 2022
Report

How a Nation's Social Condition Relates to Its Global Standing

Certain societal characteristics are associated with national competitive success, including national ambition and will, unified national identity, and shared opportunity. Where does the United States stand in those areas? And what trends are working to weaken traditional U.S. advantages?

Jun 21, 2022
Report

Exploring Research Engagement with China: Opportunities and Challenges

This study explores the opportunities and challenges of UK academics' research engagement with China.

Jun 21, 2022
Research Brief

Exploring the opportunities and challenges of research engagement with China

A study exploring the opportunities and challenges of UK academics' research engagement with China

Jun 21, 2022
Commentary

What if Russia's Army Fails in Ukraine?

Fighting in Ukraine will likely continue. But battlefield advantages could continue to ebb and flow, too. The West should prudently prepare for Ukrainian success as well as a less favorable outcome.

Jun 20, 2022
Commentary

Do Americans Know Who Their Diplomats Are? Or What They Do?

Americans have a limited understanding of how diplomats are selected and how diplomacy interacts with other elements of the U.S. national security establishment. Efforts to better inform and engage the American public about the work of diplomacy and who American diplomats are would lead to a greater understanding of the job and its people.

Jun 20, 2022
Blog

Teachers' Stress, Drug Dealing in San Francisco, Preventing Mass Shootings: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on stress among America's educators, what state governments can do to prevent targeted violence, stopping open-air drug dealing in San Francisco, and more.

Jun 17, 2022
Commentary

Unblocking the Black Sea for Ukrainian Grain

As Russia has been blockading ports around Odesa, Ukrainian grain exports in May were more than 60 percent lower than a year ago. Global hunger has hit a new high while 22 million tons of grain in Ukraine could rot if not exported soon.

Jun 15, 2022
Report

Human Security and the 2022 NATO Strategic Concept: Knowledge, Insights and Lessons Learned.

These conference proceedings document the perspectives of human security experts brought together to provide recommendations on the importance of human security within the new Strategic Concept and the future of NATO.

Jun 15, 2022
Blog

RAND's New President, the U.S. Foreign Service, Transportation Equity: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on RAND's next president and CEO, Jason Matheny, insights into Americans' views on diplomacy and diplomats, solutions for transportation equity, and more.

Jun 10, 2022
Brochure

RAND Arroyo Center Annual Report 2021

This Annual Report illustrates the depth, breadth, and responsiveness of the studies that RAND Arroyo Center conducted for the Army in 2021.

Jun 10, 2022
Report

How Do Americans View Diplomacy and Diplomats?

A survey asked Americans what they think about diplomacy, the U.S. Foreign Service, and other officials who represent the nation abroad. Impressions were generally favorable, but some lacked understanding of what diplomats do, how they are selected, and the role of diplomacy in national security.

Jun 8, 2022
Report

Map of Online Violent Extremist Rhetoric Can Inform Counter-Efforts

An analysis of White identity terrorism and racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism discourse on social media finds that this content is largely created and fueled by users in the United States. A national strategy to counter these threats is needed.

Jun 7, 2022
Commentary

Modi's Multipolar Moment Has Arrived

Russia's war in Ukraine has benefited India as great powers are competing more vigorously for New Delhi's affection, particularly the United States and China. India has also prevented its Russia policy from spoiling partnerships with key European and Indo-Pacific partners. These trends, if sustained, will contribute to India's rise to great-power status and in turn, shift the global system toward even greater multipolarity.

Jun 6, 2022
Report

How to Reduce Violent Nonstate Actors' Abilities to Adapt

Violent nonstate actors—terrorist groups, drug trafficking organizations, and others—pose durable and direct threats to U.S. security interests. Why are they so capable of adapting to changes in their environments, and how might the Army detect and mitigate such adaptations before they occur?

Jun 6, 2022
Commentary

The Return of 'Don’t Poke the Bear'

Some argue that, in order to avoid antagonizing Russia, the West should call for Ukraine to back down and move toward a negotiated peace. But this strategy comes with its own set of consequences.

Jun 3, 2022
Blog

Gun Policy, Ukraine's Best Chance for Peace, Equity and Public Policy: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses what the scientific evidence says about gun laws, a potential pathway toward peace in Ukraine, helping incarcerated parents, and more.

Jun 3, 2022

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RAND Topic:
International Affairs

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