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**RAND Research and Commentary on the Issues That Matter Most
July 6, 2023
Could Taiwan Fend Off a Chinese Attack?
It's essential for U.S. decisionmakers to understand Taiwan's ability to sustain a defense against a potential invasion by Beijing. A new RAND report examines this topic, assessing key factors that affect a country's ability to resist a large-scale military attack.
The authors find that, without a robust U.S. military intervention, China's enormous advantage in military resources would likely allow it to eventually subjugate the island. That's why U.S. officials should continue to help Taiwan strengthen its military and counter Chinese information operations and economic coercion.
Importantly, the report also notes that the speed, clarity, and credibility of any pledged U.S. military support could be a critical factor in sustaining Taiwan's ability to resist a Chinese incursion.
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More Insights on Taiwan
- In a RAND paper published today, Timothy Bonds looks at the vulnerabilities of Taiwan's information networks. He proposes actions to help build the island's "digital resilience" in the event of an attack by China: [link removed]
- Small, light, inexpensive drones may be key to frustrating China's attempts to invade Taiwan, say RAND's Andrew Hoehn and Thom Shanker, director of the Project for Media and National Security at George Washington University: [link removed]
- RAND's Jeffrey Hornung writes about the role Japan could play in a Taiwan conflict--and draws lessons from the Ukraine war to help defense planners better prepare for such a contingency: [link removed]
Addressing Gun Violence in America
The long Fourth of July weekend saw several deadly mass shootings across the United States. Meanwhile, residents of Highland Park, Illinois, mourned those who were killed one year ago when a gunman opened fire during an Independence Day parade. These tragedies are yet another reminder of America's unacceptably high rates of gun violence. Since 2018, the RAND Gun Policy in America initiative has analyzed scientific evidence to support the development of fair and effective gun policies--and help save lives.
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'Finances, Freedom, and Fear' Motivate Wagner Fighters to Stay
It's been two weeks since Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's aborted "march of justice" against Moscow. What will become of the tens of thousands of fighters he leads? RAND's Molly Dunigan expects that few will quit. Most Wagner mercenaries joined up for a paycheck or for a ticket out of jail. Thus, they will likely remain loyal to Prigozhin--or his successor--not because they want to but because they have few better options.
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America's Opioid Crisis: Adopting an Ecosystem Approach
More than 109,000 Americans died of a drug overdose in the 12 months ending in January 2023. Research often zooms in on specific aspects of the opioid crisis, such as the police response or the lack of treatment options. But a recent RAND study zoomed out, approaching it as an ecosystem where all parts of the crisis are interconnected. Viewing the problem in this way reveals barriers that may not be apparent otherwise. It also highlights the need for innovative solutions that can reduce the harms associated with opioid use.
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The Impact of Defense Counsel at Bail Hearings
Roughly half of U.S. counties do not provide defense counsel at bail hearings. But according to a recent RAND study, providing counsel can decrease the use of monetary bail and pretrial detention. These findings are especially significant because pretrial detention is associated with worse outcomes for defendants--and society--including longer jail stays and higher chances of conviction in the short term, as well as lower employment and higher rates of rearrest over the long term.
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It's Time for a Plan to Manage Arctic Fisheries
A moratorium on fishing in the Arctic high seas will sunset in 2037. According to RAND's Katherine Anania, when this happens, a combination of overfishing and climate change may lead to the collapse of multiple fish stocks, decreasing supply and increasing prices. At the same time, demand is expected to keep rising. A multilateral fisheries management plan can help, Anania says. This would boost economic and food security, whereas a lack of coordination could result in conflict and further environmental degradation.
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**Events
The Pentagon's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer: One Year In
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 (Washington, D.C. and Online)
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Preparing for Great-Power Conflict: How Experience Shapes U.S. and Chinese Military Training
Thursday, July 13, 2023 (Washington, D.C. and Online)
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A Better Future for Ukraine and Its Partners
Monday, July 17, 2023 (Washington, D.C. and Online)
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Political Extremism Among Veterans: Understanding Its Roots, Identifying Those Who Have Caused Harm, and Creating Opportunities for Prevention
Thursday, July 20, 2023 (Online)
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**Trending Reports
Cyberstalking: A Growing Challenge for the U.S. Legal System
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Home and Community-Based Services: Veterans' Issues in Focus
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**RAND in the News
Wagner Mutiny Leads to Questions About Russia's Military Leadership, The World from PRX
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The Army Is Desperate for Smart, Fit Soldiers. How These $200M Fit Camps Get Recruits into Shape, USA Today
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U.S. Military Calls for Better Weapons to Fight Artificial Intelligence, Defense News
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