Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Nov. 21, 2023
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How New York City Can Make Housing More Affordable
New York City's housing crisis has reached unprecedented levels. The demand for homes far outruns the supply, making New York rents some of the most unaffordable in the world. The problem is so bad that New Yorkers with subsidized housing vouchers often have nowhere to use them.
A recent RAND study identified six promising policy reforms to help address this, such as adjusting zoning regulations to allow larger buildings near subway and rail stops. The authors estimated that these approaches could help clear a path for nearly 300,000 new homes.
Increased housing production alone might not be enough to make New York affordable. But it's a critical step forward. After all, the cost of housing affects almost everything about our daily lives--not only where we live but how well we live.
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War in Gaza: There Is No Happy Medium
As Israel's military operation continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening. Many have argued that, while Israel has the right to defend itself, its response to Hamas's attack has been disproportionate. This criticism may fail to acknowledge a grim reality, says RAND's Raphael Cohen: The battlefield geography of Gaza means that even a more targeted operation there would "turn into what we see unfolding today: a bloody, highly destructive ground operation, with a lot of civilians caught in the crossfire."
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To Protect U.S. Elections, 'Call China's Bluff' on AI
The Chinese government has pledged opposition to using AI to manipulate public opinion, spread disinformation, or intervene in other countries' affairs. Unfortunately, China is lying, says RAND's Nathan Beauchamp-Mustafaga. Generative AI is a "dream come true" for Chinese propagandists and will likely be quickly adopted by Beijing. China's lie, however, could be the start of something good--assuming the United States seizes the opportunity and takes action to safeguard the 2024 elections from Chinese interference.
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** RAND Recommends
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- After a meeting last week between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Biden, military-to-military communications between the United States and China were reopened. This doesn't necessarily reduce the possibility of mishaps, accidents, or escalating tensions, said RAND's David Ochmanek, but "it does offer a relief valve if something risky happens."
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- In a conversation with Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security, RAND's Michelle Woods spoke about her career and offered advice for other women of color in the national security field.
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- Some officials in Seoul are calling for suspension of the 2018 military agreement signed by South Korea and North Korea. RAND's Naoko Aoki and Bruce Bennett discussed the potential implications in The Korea Times.
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** Events
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Policy Lab: Supporting Veterans After the Yellow Ribbons Fade
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 (Online)
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Pardee RAND Admissions Webinar: On-the-Job Training and Working at RAND
Thursday, November 30, 2023 (Online)
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Looking Ahead in Ukraine: What Could Increase the Risk of Escalation?
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 (Washington, D.C.)
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