Don’t poke the bear. This idiom summed up an American strategy that argued, essentially, that the West should avoid antagonizing Russia, lest it enrage the beast. After the invasion of Ukraine, the approach fell out of favor. But as Ukraine has pushed Russian forces back from Kyiv, the school has witnessed an unexpected resurgence. A… Continue reading The Return of ‘Don’t Poke the Bear’
Tag: Intel
Shortwave Follow-up: Why the BBC’s Service Matters
On March 25, 2022 Rand published an article “Why the BBC World Service’s New Ukrainian Shortwave Service Matters” (see: https://bit.ly/3LPiFd4, which is also a photo source). One of the reasons I think shortwave is under-rated is because most everyone else is focused on Social Media. While Social Media is important, it is not… Continue reading Shortwave Follow-up: Why the BBC’s Service Matters
American Psychological Association: The role of psychological warfare in the battle for Ukraine
Something a bit different today. Rather than analysis I am providing some highlights from a well respected academic and professional source – the American Psychological Association. As an online instructor for American Military University and the Monterey College of Law I am often asked about ‘peer reviewed scholarly journals’ for students’ use in… Continue reading American Psychological Association: The role of psychological warfare in the battle for Ukraine
You Don’t Have to Like It
The 4th PSYOP Group (Fort Bragg, NC) created quite a hullaballoo with their May 2, 2022 recruiting video “Ghosts in the Machine” (which you can find at: https://bit.ly/3GeYEuX and is a photo source). The video employs Koko the Clown, which first appeared in Out of the Ink Well from 1918 – 1929. You can… Continue reading You Don’t Have to Like It
Gun Policy, Ukraine’s Best Chance for Peace, Equity and Public Policy: RAND Weekly Recap
This week, we discuss which gun laws work—and which ones don’t; a toolkit to help defend against mass attacks; one plausible path toward peace in Ukraine; programs that support families affected by incarceration; how to address homelessness in Los Angeles; and RAND’s role in the Evidence and Equity Collaborative. Photo by Veronica G. Cardenas/Reuters On… Continue reading Gun Policy, Ukraine’s Best Chance for Peace, Equity and Public Policy: RAND Weekly Recap
Modi’s Multipolar Moment Has Arrived
In every crisis, someone always benefits. In the case of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, that someone is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. By refusing to condemn Moscow and join Western-led sanctions, Modi has managed to elevate India’s global stature. Each of the other major powers—the United States, Russia, and China—are intensely courting India to deny… Continue reading Modi’s Multipolar Moment Has Arrived
How Can Commercial Buildings Become Needed Housing?
The state recently ordered cities across Southern California to plan for the construction of 1.3 million more housing units in the next eight years, including 8,874 in Santa Monica and more than 450,000 in the City of Los Angeles. Converting commercial buildings into housing is one approach that has been seized upon by local policymakers,… Continue reading How Can Commercial Buildings Become Needed Housing?
Mail Voting and Election Legitimacy
Although it had been a feature of elections in some parts of the United States for years, the phenomenon of mail-ballot voting exploded in the 2020 election. In the midst of the COVID pandemic, jurisdictions around the country expanded use of mail voting, sometimes sending ballots to every registered voter. Steps were taken to facilitate… Continue reading Mail Voting and Election Legitimacy
Problems in U.S. Schools, Conflict with Russia, Opioid Trafficking: RAND Weekly Recap
This week, we discuss school district leaders’ concerns about mental health and political polarization; how to bring stability to Russia’s backyard; what satellite images reveal about China’s treatment of the Uyghur people; the final report from the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking; what the U.S. military can do to prevent civilian casualties; and how… Continue reading Problems in U.S. Schools, Conflict with Russia, Opioid Trafficking: RAND Weekly Recap
For Valentine’s Day, a Good Night’s Sleep May Be the Best Gift
With Valentine’s Day approaching, many may be pondering traditional gift-giving strategies. Maybe it’s flowers, chocolates, or jewelry? But consider this: As we continue to endure the challenges of pandemic living, perhaps the greatest gift you could give to your partner (and yourself) is a good night of sleep. As I describe in my book, “Sharing… Continue reading For Valentine’s Day, a Good Night’s Sleep May Be the Best Gift