Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** March 5, 2024
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Understanding Older Americans’ Media Habits
People of all ages are susceptible to misinformation. But research suggests that false and misleading information could have an outsized influence on older adults. This could make older Americans a target for those seeking to influence U.S. elections.
To help safeguard against this risk, decisionmakers need a deeper understanding of older Americans' media habits and preferences. A new RAND survey of adults aged 55 and older offers some key insights:
- About one-third said that they look at social media posts about political or social issues every day, but only about five percent said they create, share, or comment on posts daily.
- Three-quarters reported being very concerned about the spread of misinformation and disinformation online, but few said that they were worried about being fooled by either.
- Overall, respondents said they viewed posts by public figures, radio talk show hosts, and national news media as less trustworthy sources of information than information received directly from conversations with family and friends.
In addition to these new findings, RAND recently published a tool to help Americans of all ages counter false and misleading information online.
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What's Needed for a Chance at Peace in Gaza
The United States and its allies have been ramping up calls for a cease-fire in Gaza. But according to RAND's Raphael Cohen, "the international community cannot dictate a solution to the Israel-Hamas war by fiat." In fact, even if a cease-fire deal were reached, Israel would likely respond by tightening its blockade of Gaza, citing the threat from Hamas. This would potentially halt desperately needed reconstruction. Further, the fighting between Israel and Hamas would only resume. If the international community actually hopes to end the tragedy in Gaza, Cohen says, then it needs to offer feasible solutions that address both Palestinian grievances and Israeli security concerns.
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Technology That Could Help Defend Taiwan
There are growing concerns about America's ability to defend against a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. RAND researchers brought together technologists from the private sector and defense experts to explore technological solutions that could have a "game-changing impact" in such a contingency. The ideas considered include real-time translation tools to enable communication between U.S. and Taiwanese personnel; the use of deep learning to prevent China's information operations; and AI-enabled maritime mines that can reposition themselves and swarm targets. These and other solutions, the researchers write, "could meaningfully enhance America's ability to defend against Chinese aggression."
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** RAND Recommends
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- RAND's Michael Bohnert was interviewed on the Telegraph podcast, Ukraine: The Latest, about Europe's ability to re-arm Ukraine should the United States suspend aid. (Interview begins around 15:40.)
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- Why are many U.S. educators choosing on their own to limit the discussion of social or political topics in the classroom? RAND's Ashley Woo explains findings from a recent study she led.
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- In the Indo-Pacific Defense Forum, RAND's Jeffrey Hornung explains why developing space capabilities is a "sweet spot" for Japan.
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** Events
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Policy Lab: Understanding Climate Science and the Pursuit of Climate Equity
Thursday, March 14, 2024 (Online)
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Climate Change and Conflict: Implications for U.S. Central Command
Thursday, March 14, 2024 (Washington, D.C., or Online)
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How Could Evolving State Policies Affect LGBTQ+ Veterans' Health?
Thursday, March 21, 2024 (Online)
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