The newsletter for policy people | Policy Currents
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** March 20, 2025
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Can AI Models Respond Appropriately to Suicidal Ideation?
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among people under 50 in the United States. The rate of suicide has grown sharply in recent years.
A new RAND study examines the potential ability of AI tools to respond to people who are experiencing suicidal ideation. The findings reveal that AI platforms are nearly on par with--or sometimes surpass--mental health professionals in evaluating appropriate responses to people who exhibit suicidal thoughts. (Importantly, the study did not evaluate any direct interactions between AI tools and suicidal individuals.)
This project is among the first to gauge AI tools' knowledge about suicide. The researchers' goal is to help policymakers and technology developers recognize the promise and the limitations of using large language models in mental health.
"We are pressure-testing a benchmark that could be used by tech platforms building mental health care, which would be especially impactful in communities that have limited resources," says lead author Ryan McBain. "But caution is essential--these AI models aren't replacements for crisis lines or professional care."
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The Case for Redefining NATO's Relationship with Turkey
As NATO looks to bolster European defense postures, RAND Europe's Rebecca Lucas says a key partner may be "hiding in plain sight." Turkey offers a large military, a robust defense industry, and diplomatic reach beyond Europe. But deepening NATO's partnership with Turkey would require European leaders to accept a transactional relationship in which shared interests take precedence over ideological alignment. "Turkey is not an ideal ally," says Lucas, "but in today's geopolitical climate, ideal allies are a luxury NATO cannot afford."
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The Future of U.S. Military Power: Q&A with David Ochmanek
In a recent interview with Small Wars Journal, RAND's David Ochmanek tackles important questions about the future of American military power and influence. Much of the discussion focuses on the U.S. approach to warfare since the Cold War--and what a new strategy might look like. In today's turbulent world, he says, the United States might only have a matter of days to prepare for a potential war, instead of weeks or months. "That means changing our posture, it means having more combat power available more quickly in the advent of hostilities becoming probable."
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** RAND Recommends
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- RAND's Christine Eibner discusses recent trends in American health insurance in the Minnesota Star Tribune.
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- It should not be surprising that the Iran-backed Houthis have not folded despite recent U.S. strikes on the group in Yemen, RAND's Raphael Cohen tells Al Arabiya. "Deterring the Houthis from future attacks will take significant effort."
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- RAND's Gerard DiPippo speaks to the BBC about China's efforts to increase consumer spending.
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** Events
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Policy Lab: Why AI Projects Fail
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 (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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