Photo by PordeeStudio/Adobe Stock

Beware 'Vaccine Nationalism'

On Tuesday, the world's first COVID-19 vaccinations were administered in Great Britain. Yesterday, Canada approved the same vaccine. U.S. approval may be imminent. As large-scale manufacturing and distribution of vaccines begins, global coordination will be key. According to a RAND Europe study, if countries engage in “vaccine nationalism”—by prioritizing their own interests over global cooperation—it could cost the world up to $1.2 trillion per year in GDP. Read more »

South Korean President Moon Jae-in attends a meeting with senior advisers at the presidential office in Seoul, August 24, 2020. Photo by Blue House/Handout/Latin America

What Should the Biden Administration Expect from South Korea?

South Korean President Moon Jae-in appears eager to set a new tone for U.S.–South Korea relations. That's according to RAND's Soo Kim. This shift may be favorable to addressing key foreign policy issues, such as competition with China, Korea-Japan tensions, and denuclearization talks with North Korea. However, Moon is running short on time as he enters the final year of his term; this could create its own set of challenges. Read more »

The Polar Star, one of two existing U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers capable of operating in heavy polar ice. Photo by U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Needs More Polar Icebreakers

To maintain and expand its important operations in the Arctic and Antarctic, the U.S. Coast Guard requires vessels that can operate in heavy polar ice. Currently, only two ships are capable of icebreaking—both with limited time left in their operational life spans. As the Coast Guard moves forward with plans to build in an icebreaker fleet, RAND experts have explored key considerations, including the changing nature of polar environments themselves and the need for complementary investments, including personnel. Read more »

U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien and Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. at a ceremony in Manila, November 23, 2020. Photo by Eloisa Lopez/Reuters

Why the Philippines Is Sticking by America's Side

In 2016, there were concerns that newly elected Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte would undermine or undo the U.S.-Philippines alliance in favor of closer ties with China. That hasn't happened, says RAND's Derek Grossman. In fact, Manila has consistently prioritized Washington over Beijing. Why? Duterte simply cannot trust China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, Grossman says. Read more »

People talk near a downed tree in the street after Hurricane Zeta swept through New Orleans, Louisiana, October 29, 2020. Photo by Kathleen Flynn/Reuters

When Hurricanes Happen During Pandemics

During the 2020 hurricane season, COVID-19 complicated the challenge of preparing for and responding to major storms. RAND researchers created a model to better understand how to weigh the risks involved in such circumstances. Their analysis revealed several useful insights. For example, in areas that are not anticipating heavy storm damage, sheltering in place may be safer than evacuating. This is because the spread of COVID-19 in shelters would likely cause more deaths than the hurricane itself. Read more »