After decades of the draft becoming increasingly rare, more and more countries are either considering reinstituting military conscription or expanding an existing draft. According to RAND's Raphael Cohen, this trend stands in stark contrast to the dominant conception of the future of warfare, which has largely centered on the rise of machines. It turns out, Cohen says, that despite all the technological advancements, modern warfare is still manpower-intensive. “As much as we may be enamored with the idea of increasingly bloodless wars fought largely by machines, battlefield reality has proved the opposite.” Read more »

Survey data show that a growing number of American couples are choosing to sleep separately, a phenomenon that has been termed “sleep divorce.” But choosing to sleep apart is hardly a divorce, says RAND's Wendy Troxel. In fact, it can be a sign of a healthy relationship. Sleeping apart allows each partner to create a sleep environment tailored to individual preferences, whether that's a cooler room, a firmer mattress, or a different bedtime. And when both partners are well rested, it can lead to a stronger, more positive relationship. So, instead of filing for “sleep divorce,” Troxel says, think of it as forging a “sleep alliance.” Read more »