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** RAND research and commentary on the issues that matter most
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Apr 29, 2021
Superspreaders of Malign and Subversive Information on COVID-19
Both Russia and China have targeted Americans with malign and subversive information campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic. What do we know about these operations?
A new RAND study - part of our Countering Truth Decay initiative - examined data from social media and other channels from January 2020 to July 2020. Here's an overview of the findings:
* Both Russia and China aimed to tarnish America's reputation by making claims about the U.S. pandemic response.
* Both countries spread information that falsely accused the United States of developing and intentionally spreading the virus.
* Russia and China had different goals. Russia wanted to divide Americans, ultimately seeking to discredit, weaken, and destabilize the United States. China was focused on elevating its image and protecting its international reputation.
These campaigns could have ongoing implications for the fight against COVID-19 and resulting public health outcomes. As vaccine hesitancy remains high among Americans, public health messaging should account for the potential effects that Russian and Chinese messaging might have on vaccination uptake.
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President Biden's First Address to Congress: Insights from RAND
Last night, in his first address to a joint session of Congress, President Biden discussed a wide range of policy challenges - from addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and preventing gun violence to competing with China and investing in infrastructure. To develop effective, evidence-based solutions to these problems, policymakers will need to rely on objective and nonpartisan resources. That's why we've rounded up insights from RAND research, analysis, and expertise.
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Potential Consequences of a U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan
President Biden recently announced his plan to withdraw all U.S. combat troops from Afghanistan by September 11. According to RAND's James Dobbins, there are good reasons to stay. These include maintaining U.S. credibility, addressing the increased terrorist threat in the region, and the possibility that American troops may have to return to Afghanistan one day under worse conditions. The decision to withdraw unconditionally from an ongoing conflict is "a decision to lose," says Dobbins.
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Firearm Injury Hospitalizations in America
Accurate data on firearm injuries are critical to understanding the full cost and social burden of gun violence in the United States. But there is no single resource that provides this information. That's why RAND researchers have developed a database of firearm injury hospitalizations by state as part of our Gun Policy in America initiative. The tool can help decisionmakers understand whether trends in gun injuries are changing - and if existing efforts to reduce firearm-related harms are working.
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Guidance for a New Era in Space
Outer space used to be dominated by two superpowers. But today, there are more than 60 spacefaring nations, and the private space industry is growing rapidly. This increased activity introduces greater risk of extra-terrestrial collisions and conflict. But the rules and regulations for responsible space behavior haven't kept up. In a new paper, RAND experts recommend key first steps toward improving space governance.
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Disaster Recovery in Puerto Rico: Q&A with Marielena Lara
After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, the Federal Emergency Management Agency asked the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center operated by RAND to explore a path toward recovery. RAND senior physician policy researcher Marielena Lara, who grew up on the island, was part of the team that conducted this study. In a new Q&A, she discusses what they learned about the damage and needs across Puerto Rico, obstacles to recovery, and the inequity of disasters.
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** RAND Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy
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A new RAND research center is supporting innovative, high-impact racial equity research and analysis; creating a clearinghouse to help coordinate related efforts; and collaborating with other organizations dedicated to advancing racial equity.
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