Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** April 1, 2025
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Hezbollah's Networks in Latin America
Since the 1990s, Hezbollah--the Lebanese organization backed by Iran--has been expanding its activities in Latin America. But according to a new paper by RAND's Marzia Giambertoni, the group's evolving presence in the region may be an "underappreciated challenge" facing U.S. efforts to address transnational terrorism.
Giambertoni writes that Hezbollah's Latin American networks could exploit cross-border vulnerabilities, manipulate existing trafficking routes into U.S. cities, and potentially leverage criminal networks for intelligence collection or operational support within the United States.
A key first step to addressing such threats is to advance public understanding of Hezbollah's Latin American presence. This would help ensure that the United States is able to anticipate and counter Hezbollah's strategic shifts before they materialize into direct challenges to U.S. national security or regional stability.
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How to Keep L.A. Renters Cool During Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can be dangerous and even deadly. That's why Los Angeles County recently set out to develop an ordinance establishing a maximum indoor temperature threshold for rental units. The simplest way landlords might comply with such an ordinance is to provide some form of air conditioning. But there are many factors to consider, including possible strain on the electrical grid during heat waves. A recent RAND analysis identifies different ways to keep renters cool and safe during hot weather, while also limiting the burden on the power grid and maintaining affordability for both renters and landlords.
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What Can Europe Do to Deter Russian Aggression?
Leaders in the United Kingdom, France, and other European nations are seeking ways to enhance deterrence against Russian aggression. According to RAND Europe's Paul van Hooft, such efforts will be particularly important if the United States is focused on nuclear threats from China and North Korea. The challenge Europe faces is to quickly build "both the hardware and habits of conventional and nuclear deterrence," van Hooft says. This means investing in advanced weapons but also finding an institutional forum for European states to coordinate deterrence activities.
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** RAND Recommends
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- In case you missed it, a RAND report published last week offers a plan to house displaced Palestinians while their communities are rebuilt. The authors outline steps that could be implemented as soon as the Israel-Hamas war ends.
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- In the South China Morning Post, RAND's Timothy Heath discusses the battle for air superiority between the United States and China.
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- Findings from a recent RAND study show that telelactation--video visits with lactation consultants--may reduce disparities in breastfeeding rates.
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