Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Nov. 26, 2024
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Decoupling Russia and China in the Arctic
Russia has held a powerful position in the Arctic for centuries. And China's interest and activities in the region have grown significantly in recent decades. This means that the Arctic is now the sole part of the globe in which the two primary U.S. competitors are operating in close proximity to North America and across different domains--economically, in the information environment, and even militarily. (Russian and Chinese warships have been observed operating together near Alaska in recent years.)
What might be done to limit China-Russia cooperation in this geopolitically important region? RAND researchers consider this question in a new paper, concluding that Western policies focusing on the differences between Beijing and Moscow may be effective. To put such a strategy into action, the United States and its northern NATO allies could develop separate approaches for dealing with China and Russia when it comes to Arctic affairs.
However, the authors also note that there may be no need to drive a wedge between Russia and China in the region. That's because one may already exist: The two countries have very different Arctic interests, influence, and postures--not to mention a difficult history together.
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Construction Apprenticeship Is Growing, but Not Enough
Apprenticeships are increasingly viewed as a key strategy for mitigating construction labor shortages, fostering long-term growth in the construction industry, and, in turn, helping to address the housing crisis. While enrollment in construction apprenticeships has been increasing, it's not enough to meet anticipated labor demand. What's more, an estimated 40 percent of apprentices drop out of their programs. A new RAND paper explores this issue. "Whether through expanding apprenticeships or through other workforce pathways," the authors write, "the United States must first rebuild its construction workforce in order to rebuild the country."
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Preparing for Climate Migration
Storms, droughts, flooding, and heat can all affect people's decisions about where to live or relocate. This phenomenon is known as climate migration. Many questions remain about how to plan for climate migration, including how many people will be affected. But according to RAND's Shelly Culbertson, what we do know is that most people will stay where they are, some will have to leave, and those who move will need a place to land. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken now to "avert the worst and prepare for the inevitable," she says. "The question is whether humanity can rise to the challenge."
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** RAND Recommends
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- In an interview with Reuters, RAND's Michael Bohnert discusses Russia's recent strike on Ukraine using a new hypersonic ballistic missile. "This is not going to have any significant effect on the conflict," he says. And it shouldn't influence Western reasons for supporting Ukraine.
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- This series of short reports offers insights on AI governance issues important to policymakers in the United States and Europe.
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- RAND Europe's Mary Keeling and Edward Bryan discuss the UK's release of a digital Veteran Card in 2025, a "major step" toward improving access to services.
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**Events
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Veteran Families in America
Thursday, December 5, 2024 (Online)
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Policy Lab: AI and the Future of Work
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 (Online)
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The RAND/USC OPTIC Method for Policy Expert Ratings
Friday, December 13, 2024 (Online)
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** Apply for RAND's Summer Associate Program
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Are you a graduate student? Do you want to help tackle the world's toughest policy problems? Applications for our Summer Associate Program are now open. Apply by December 2nd for an opportunity to spend summer 2025 at RAND.
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