Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Jan. 9, 2025
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Dear Readers: We're grateful to those of you in the wider RAND community who have reached out with concern about the wildfires in Los Angeles. Our headquarters in Santa Monica is safe at time of writing, and we're offering support to staff who have been affected as we continue to monitor the situation. Our thoughts are with those colleagues, the firefighters and first responders working to protect others, and everyone in the Los Angeles area.
Combating Forced Labor: Is U.S. Trade Enforcement Working?
Forced labor is a global problem. About 28 million people--one in every 300 people worldwide--work against their will, bound through violence, threats, debt bondage, and other means of exploitation.
The United States has long imposed prohibitions on imports of goods made with forced labor. What are the impacts of these policies? A new RAND study aims to help the Department of Homeland Security understand the extent to which U.S. trade enforcement is eliminating the import of goods made with forced labor and helping to end forced labor globally.
Overall, the findings show that U.S. policies are making a difference, but there is still work to be done. For instance, the Department of Homeland Security could take a more comprehensive approach by working with other U.S. agencies and other countries to leverage the effectiveness of economic sanctions.
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Could Large Uncrewed Vehicles Reshape the Navy?
As U.S. competitors amass large numbers of precision weapons, uncrewed-vehicle technologies could be a boon to the U.S. Navy, potentially increasing capabilities, survivability, and resilience. A new RAND paper discusses uncrewed vehicles' potential to reshape the fleet over the next four decades. Among other insights, the authors emphasize the importance of a gradual transition toward uncrewed vehicles. This would give the Navy time to learn how best to use these systems, refine their design, or decide to pursue alternatives.
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How Track 2 Discussions Can Improve U.S.-China Relations
"Track 2" discussions can be a powerful tool for international diplomacy. These talks involve scholars, policy analysts, and other experts often working behind the scenes, away from the glare of big government-to-government meetings. A recent RAND study examines whether such lower-level dialogue could help prevent the rivalry between the United States and China from spiraling into a conflict. The researchers conclude that, with a lot of planning and a little luck, Track 2 discussions could help stabilize U.S.-China relations.
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** RAND Recommends
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- Mahshid Abir, a RAND researcher and practicing physician, explains the acute health risks related to wildfires and how people--especially children, pregnant women, and older adults--can protect themselves.
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- Is America's AI lead shrinking despite efforts to keep advanced semiconductors from China? RAND's Lennart Heim discusses in TIME.
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- In Nikkei Asia, RAND's Jeffrey Hornung discusses the looming leadership vacuum in the Indo-Pacific.
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** Events
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Admissions Webinar: Master of National Security Policy Faculty Panel
Thursday, January 23, 2025 (Online)
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Policy Lab: AI and Homeland Security
Thursday, January 30, 2025 (Online)
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