Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Feb. 1, 2024
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Charting a Path to Thoughtful Allied Space Power
As outer space becomes more contested, congested, and competitive, U.S. cooperation with allies in this domain is critical. However, there appears to be a growing gap between what the United States says and what the United States does when it comes to allied space cooperation. This has created a perception among some U.S. allies that space cooperation is an afterthought--rather than an activity Washington is pursuing "by design."
A new RAND study identifies ways to address this. To start, the authors say, the United States should be "forthright, consistent, and clear" with allies about when and where space cooperation and information-sharing are possible. Further, U.S. decisionmakers should consider how to overcome regulatory and practical constraints on sharing classified information with allies.
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How the West Can 'Up the Ante' in Ukraine
After nearly two years of intense combat, the Russo-Ukrainian war might be at a tipping point. According to RAND's William Courtney and Peter Wilson, soldiers on both sides may be exhausted, but Russian morale appears to be low. Moscow's failed ground strategy has left it with old, low-quality equipment, while Ukraine has modern Western munitions. Still, Putin has made it clear that he seeks total conquest, so Ukraine "should not be lured by the siren song of negotiations or a cease-fire." Instead, the United States and NATO might consider raising the stakes and providing Ukraine with longer-range weapons.
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How China Could Use Generative AI--and What to Do About It
There are many reasons to be concerned that China will incorporate generative AI into its existing cyber capabilities. For one, Beijing can use this technology to expand its efforts to undermine U.S. elections. RAND's Nathan Beauchamp-Mustafaga testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission today to discuss ways to reduce this risk. (Another RAND expert, Edward Parker, also testified before the commission; his remarks explored China and quantum computing: [link removed]) Beauchamp-Mustafaga's recommendations include requiring social media platforms to label generative-AI content, and taking steps to promote media literacy among government employees and the public.
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** RAND Recommends
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- Following a drone strike that killed three American soldiers in Jordan earlier this week, RAND's Raphael Cohen spoke to The National: "The fact that [attacks by Iran-backed groups] haven't killed Americans from Oct. 7 until now is more a testament to American air defenses and, frankly, lots of good luck, rather than a lack of intent."
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- HealthDay featured a story about a new RAND study on the future of Alzheimer's treatment in America. The findings emphasize the importance of enabling primary care providers to screen for and diagnose cognitive impairment.
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- Take a dive into the RAND archives with our archivist, Cara McCormick. In a series of Instagram videos, she discusses notable moments from RAND's 75-year history, including our very first report (which explored the prospect of satellites more than a decade before Sputnik), the groundbreaking JOHNNIAC computer, and how one RAND researcher became "the father of windsurfing."
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** Events
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Reforming DoD's Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Process for a Competitive Future
Thursday, February 8, 2024 (Online)
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America's Opioid Problems: How Additional Approaches Can Stem the Tide
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 (Online)
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