The recent NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, left the world asking a hard question: “Are we in a new Cold War with Russia?” Our answer is to a different, and harder, and more important question: Is Russia already at war with the West? Vladimir V. Putin has been in perpetual war with the West—defined by… Continue reading It Should Not Have Been a Surprise: The Threat from Putin’s Russia
Category: Intel
Truth Decay and National Security
The line between fact and opinion in public discourse has been eroding, and with it the public’s ability to have arguments and find common ground based in fact. We at RAND call this diminishing role of facts and analysis in American public life “Truth Decay.” Everyone can feel how it affects their day-to-day lives—the family… Continue reading Truth Decay and National Security
Ukrainian Refugees, U.S. and Allied Defense Strategy, Threats from AI: RAND Weekly Recap
This week, we discuss why European host countries shouldn’t treat Ukrainian refugees like short-term visitors; how to reverse the erosion of U.S. and allied power and influence; Washington’s concerns over Taiwan’s defense spending; addressing the mental health crisis in U.S. jails; tackling existential threats from artificial intelligence; and how the conflict in Sudan is creating… Continue reading Ukrainian Refugees, U.S. and Allied Defense Strategy, Threats from AI: RAND Weekly Recap
Book Review: ‘Delete the Adjective: A Soldier’s Adventures in Ranger School’ by Lisa Jaster
In 2013, then–Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta initiated the process to formally open all military jobs and units to women. Two years later, 19 women were among the 399 candidates who began the first-ever integrated U.S. Army Ranger School class. Delete the Adjective: A… Continue reading Book Review: ‘Delete the Adjective: A Soldier’s Adventures in Ranger School’ by Lisa Jaster
Stacking Certificates and Degrees
In the minds of most Americans, going to college means pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a major in a traditional academic field like psychology, history, or mathematics. But in the last 10 to 15 years, many public community colleges and regional universities have greatly expanded their applied and technical programs, particularly in fields like health… Continue reading Stacking Certificates and Degrees
The Russo-Ukrainian War Has Bolstered Ukraine’s Nonstate Alliance Network
President Vladimir Putin and Russia have given Ukraine an excuse to provide a haven for organizations aimed at destroying the current Russian state and its allies in Chechnya and Belarus. Since 2014, militant groups from Russia, Belarus, Chechnya, and elsewhere have established themselves as allies of Ukraine in its fight against Russia and its aligned… Continue reading The Russo-Ukrainian War Has Bolstered Ukraine’s Nonstate Alliance Network
Why DoD Needs Greater Focus on Nonlethal Weapons, Intermediate Force Capabilities
Nonlethal weapons (NLWs) can play a critical role in military operations. Diverse systems that emit long-range sounds, create dazzling glare, disable engines, entangle propellers, or cause heating sensations can enable mission success in a variety of non-combat contexts. When facing gray-zone confrontations with rival powers, such as standoffs at sea, nonlethal capabilities can push back… Continue reading Why DoD Needs Greater Focus on Nonlethal Weapons, Intermediate Force Capabilities
Shapiro Could Be the First Prominent Democrat to Deliver School Choice
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro could still be the first in his party to provide genuine school choice for his constituents. Part of Shapiro’s original allure was his ability to think and act for himself. When, as a gubernatorial candidate, he expressed his support for Lifeline Scholarships, Shapiro captured the attention of voters and pundits alike. Bucking… Continue reading Shapiro Could Be the First Prominent Democrat to Deliver School Choice
Do Generals Dream of Electric Tanks?
Members of the House Armed Services Committee have expressed concerns over the electrification of Army combat vehicles. Though such concerns have some merit, there is also a larger issue motivating research and development efforts—the growing demand for energy on the battlefield. Strategists analyzing a potential U.S.-China conflict will often comment on the challenges presented by… Continue reading Do Generals Dream of Electric Tanks?
Private Military Contractors, China’s Efforts to Imprison Tibetans, Truth Decay: RAND Weekly Recap
This week, we discuss how the U.S. and its allies can undermine Russia’s private military contractors; what nighttime lighting reveals about China’s efforts to imprison Tibetans; how “Truth Decay” is damaging U.S. national security; the evidence on stackable credentials; growing the film industry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and the Air Force’s fiscal shortfalls. Photo released by… Continue reading Private Military Contractors, China’s Efforts to Imprison Tibetans, Truth Decay: RAND Weekly Recap