Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Aug 3, 2023

How to Reverse the Erosion of U.S. and Allied Power and Influence

Since the Cold War, U.S. defense strategy has been predicated on military forces that were superior in all domains to those of any adversary. But the nature of warfare has evolved, and that superiority is gone.

In a new report, RAND's David Ochmanek and colleagues examine what can be done to address these shortcomings. The good news for the United States and its allies is that their forces do not require superiority to defeat aggression--even if that aggression comes from China or Russia.

The authors recommend a new approach for large-scale military operations. It focuses on prioritizing key aspects of force modernization, including force posture changes and technology and weapons upgrades, as well as building solidarity with allies and partners.

They emphasize that the United States does not appear to currently have the capabilities for such an approach, and note that major changes will be needed to execute this new strategy of "defense without dominance."

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Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in U.S. Jails

In the United States, people with mental health concerns are disproportionately jailed at a staggering rate. The situation in Los Angeles is especially dire: 41 percent of the jail population has a diagnosed mental illness, is experiencing mental health symptoms, or is taking psychiatric medication. According to RAND's Stephanie Brooks Holliday, eliminating cash bail and implementing pretrial diversion programs could help. "The goal shouldn't just be to release people from jail," she says, "but to make sure they don't end up there in the first place."

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To Defend Taiwan, 'Make Every Dollar Count'

Washington and Taipei agree on the goal of protecting Taiwan against a potential invasion by China. But even as U.S. security ties with Taiwan grow stronger, Washington is bristling over how much Taiwan's leaders are spending for defense--and what they're spending it on. RAND's Michael Lostumbo says these "long-simmering differences" can be addressed if the United States works with Taiwan to review its spending and discuss how its capabilities can complement American investments and support.

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** Events
Policy Lab: Addressing Violent Extremism in the United States
Wednesday, August 16, 2023 (Online)
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** About RAND
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