Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Aug. 27, 2024
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Kursk May Be Ukraine’s Path to Victory
During more than two years of conflict in Ukraine, the West's restrictions on Ukrainian incursions into Russia have forced Ukraine to fortify its entire line. Russia, meanwhile, has enjoyed the luxury of safety along its border. But Western restrictions were recently loosened, paving the way for Ukraine's bold invasion of the Kursk region in western Russia.
The Kursk operation "changes the equation," says RAND's Michael Bohnert. Russia must now reinforce its entire border, which requires tens of thousands of troops, hundreds of vehicles, and fortification resources. The Kremlin will have to devote months' worth of recruitment and resupply to this effort.
The surprise offensive provides Ukraine with many potential benefits. It could buy much-needed time for Western aid to arrive and allow for the replenishment of Ukrainian forces. And despite Russian bombardments in eastern Ukraine this week, Kyiv's incursion could slow Russian ground and air operations over the next few months.
In short, the Kursk offensive creates a path toward victory, Bohnert says, and an opportunity that Ukraine's supporters should not squander. "Ending the conflict quickly is the goal," he says, "but it must be from a position of Ukrainian strength."
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Emergency Departments Are Essential to Critical Infrastructure
Emergency departments are on the front line of America's response to a range of disasters and crises--from terrorist attacks and mass shootings to hurricanes and heat waves, to epidemics and pandemics. Despite the essential services they provide, however, emergency departments often lack sustained funding and resources. Reversing this trend is critical, says RAND's Mahshid Abir, a policy researcher and practicing emergency physician. Emergency departments need adequate resources, and they should be systematically incorporated into regional disaster networks--a true partner in disaster planning.
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A Toolkit for Countering Anti-Asian Hate
The COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to a new wave of anti-Asian hate throughout the United States. To better understand this problem, RAND researchers conducted a survey of Asian Americans living in New York City and Los Angeles. In partnership with Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, our researchers used the responses to create a toolkit to help community-based organizations better support those affected by anti-Asian discrimination and violence. This essential resource explains the differences between terms used to describe Asian hate; lists options for responding to hate incidents and crimes; and describes how to overcome common barriers that people might face when seeking help from community organizations.
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** RAND Recommends
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- Could India help broker peace between Russia and Ukraine? This scenario is unlikely for a few reasons, RAND's Derek Grossman told Al Jazeera, "perhaps most importantly because India doesn't have any strong incentives to do so."
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- RAND's Benjamin Young explains why it may be time for the United States to designate Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism.
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- Hybrid work is the new norm, but it could backfire for companies that don't get it right, says RAND's Nelson Lim. "What they need is 'hybrid-native' managers."
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** Events
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The Math Equity Equation
Thursday, August 29, 2024 (Online)
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Policy Lab: New Evidence for the Effects of U.S. Gun Policies
Thursday, September 26, 2024 (Online)
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** Learn the Tools of Defense Policy Analysis
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Applications are open for Pardee RAND Graduate School's new Master of National Security Policy degree program. Full-time and part-time schedules are available at our campuses in Santa Monica, CA, and Arlington, VA.
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