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Globalization

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International trade policies and new technologies facilitate the flow of people, information, and products across national borders, in turn encouraging the integration of regional economies, societies, and cultures. RAND research has investigated how globalization affects and has been affected by policymaking throughout the world.

Essay
The Economic Returns of Foreign Language Learning
If just 10 percent more students in the United Kingdom mastered Arabic, Mandarin, French, or Spanish, the economic returns could be measured in billions of British pounds. Removing the language barrier reduces trade costs.
Jul 7, 2022
Report
Advancing Global Citizenship in America
Concerted international action is required to address climate change and sustainability, pandemics, global security, and economic growth. But such action requires a sense of common destiny and shared responsibility among people across nations. What are Americans' attitudes toward global issues, and what could encourage them to become citizens of the world?
Mar 24, 2022

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Commentary
The Global Order Will Outlast U.S. Leadership
Even if America bails on the international order there is plenty of evidence that Europe, China, Japan, and the rest of the developed world will maintain existing multilateral structures and build new ones. The order will survive but may become less liberal, less democratic, and perhaps less peaceful.
Aug 23, 2018
Commentary
The Roots—and Purpose—of the Post-War Order
As the world enters an era of greater international competition, U.S. policymakers should take care not to underestimate the importance of the postwar system. The order is far from a myth; it is the United States' most important competitive advantage.
Aug 7, 2018
Commentary
The Security Risks of a Trade War with China
As U.S.-China trade tensions continue to rise, many observers are focused on the potential for a full-fledged trade war that could destabilize the world economy. But there are security concerns as well. A China less constrained by and invested in economic ties with the United States could pose a greater challenge to U.S. foreign policy.
Aug 6, 2018
Commentary
China Prepares for an International Order After U.S. Leadership
In Beijing's estimation, key geopolitical developments have increased the possibility that China will face a power transition with the United States in coming years. In response, Chinese officials are laying the groundwork to manage that transition and ensure a leading role for their country in the emerging international order.
Aug 2, 2018
Commentary
Attempts to Order Geopolitics Have a Sobering History
Past efforts to introduce world order have resulted less from foresighted statecraft than from cataclysmic upheavals such as World War II. If the current international system erodes, what might have to happen for a new one to emerge?
Jul 25, 2018
Commentary
Book Review: Elizabeth Economy's The Third Revolution
The United States' attitude towards China is undergoing a significant recalibration, perhaps the most fundamental since Beijing's crackdown at Tiananmen Square almost three decades ago. Harnessing its resurgence while tempering its revisionism will likely be Washington's most vexing long-term policy challenge.
Jun 26, 2018
Commentary
We Need a New International Order. Here's Why
The postwar, rule-based international order is under unprecedented strain. The U.S. predominance so characteristic of the current order must give way to a more multilateral system, one that takes seriously the sometimes-differing perspectives of other major powers.
Jun 25, 2018
Commentary
Without Reform and Cooperation with China, the International System Cannot Hold
No rule-based international order can survive without Chinese support. Reforms are needed to address Beijing's concerns and provide it with a continued stake in the order. The trick is to decide where compromise is acceptable for U.S. interests and to draw clear lines around principles where it is not.
Jun 25, 2018
Report
China's Role in the International Order
China's engagement with the postwar order remains a complex, often contradictory work in progress. China will likely demand more influence in the international system as a condition for its support. What will this mean for U.S. policy?
May 21, 2018
Commentary
Book Review: The Sovereignty Wars by Stewart Patrick
“Sovereignty” is a complicated, multifaceted construct. The Sovereignty Wars is a timely and meticulous effort by author Stewart Patrick to clarify that concept, whose usage is a matter of both analytical interest and policymaking import.
May 17, 2018
Report
Building a Sustainable World Order
The growing threat to the rules-based postwar order is a defining feature of current discussions about world politics. A two-year project explored the existing international order, assessed the challenges facing it, and recommended policies to advance U.S. interests.
May 3, 2018
Commentary
What Role Will the United States Play in the World?
Under the leadership of President Trump, the United States is questioning the net strategic benefits of its participation in the postwar order as never before. Foreign policy priorities are increasingly disconnected from the day-to-day concerns of most Americans.
Apr 30, 2018
Report
U.S. Policy in Asia Under the Trump Administration
A conference on U.S. policy in Asia explored the arenas of U.S.-Asia engagement, developed an understanding of the outcomes of past interaction, and made the case for the terms of future engagement. Topics included climate change, trade and investment, national security, human rights, and macroeconomic issues.
Apr 18, 2018
Report
Testing the Value of the Postwar International Order
The postwar order offers significant value to U.S. interests and objectives and is worth the investment. It represents a leading U.S. competitive advantage. At a time of growing rivalry, nationalism, and uncertainty, a functioning multilateral order will be essential.
Jan 8, 2018
Commentary
The Multilateral Order Makes America Stronger
Skeptics have suggested that U.S. interests and support for the international community are somehow mutually exclusive. In fact, international institutions, rules, and norms have mostly worked in the U.S. interest, not against it. The Trump administration has an opportunity to build on that record with a strong agenda of reform and support.
Sep 26, 2017
Report
Measuring the Health of the International Order
The liberal international order that has been in place since 1945 is relatively stable. But the order is threatened by geopolitical and domestic socioeconomic trends that call into question its assumptions. U.S. support and engagement over the coming decade will be essential.
Sep 5, 2017
Report
Alternative Options for U.S. Policy Toward the International Order
The collection of rules, norms, and institutions that came to be understood as the international order after World War II has come under increasing strain. What alternative visions for the future order could respond to changes in politics? And what role could the United States play in each?
Aug 28, 2017
Periodical
RAND Review: September-October 2017
This issue highlights recent RAND research on North Korea; RAND's future workspace pilot project; and insights on the post--Arab Spring experience in the Middle East.
Aug 24, 2017
Periodical
RAND Review: July-August 2017
This issue highlights recent RAND research on the prevalence and burden of chronic health conditions; on the economic benefits of U.S. overseas security commitments; and on what RAND is doing to anticipate emerging global security challenges.
Jul 11, 2017
Commentary
China Stressed a Growing Interest in Global Trade and Governance at Davos
President Xi Jinping became the first Chinese leader to appear at the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum last week. He gave a keynote speech that defended global trade and criticized protectionism. His speech reflected, in part, the reality that China has profited enormously from decades of globalization.
Jan 24, 2017

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Research conducted by

Researcher Spotlight

Robin Meili

Associate Director, International

Robin Meili is associate director, International; director, International Programs; and a senior management systems scientist at the RAND Corporation. Her primary responsibilities include globalizing RAND's research portfolio, managing philanthropic advisory boards and RAND's international…
Angela O'Mahony

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Angela (Angel) O'Mahony is associate dean for academic affairs at Pardee RAND Graduate School and a senior political scientist at RAND.

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