Policy Currents. | The latest RAND updates
View in Browser: [link removed]
** RAND research and commentary on the issues that matter most
------------------------------------------------------------
Oct 14, 2021
How the China-Russia Relationship Affects U.S. Interests
China and Russia are neighbors with a long history. Over the past 70 years, their relationship has been defined by both conflict and cooperation. Since 2014, the two powers have strengthened their political, military, and economic ties.
A new RAND report examines this history, explores how Sino-Russian relations might evolve in the future, and outlines the potential implications for U.S. national security.
The authors conclude that Beijing and Moscow will continue to cooperate, and - given current U.S. priorities - there is little that Washington can or should do to change this. However, U.S. leaders can prepare for the effects. For example, the U.S. military must be ready to encounter increasingly sophisticated weapon systems as Chinese-Russian military technical cooperation continues.
Read more: [link removed]
Could a Minimum-Wage Increase Cost Workers Their Health Insurance?
For every $1 increase in the minimum wage, low-wage workers and their families became one percentage point less likely to have job-based insurance coverage. That's according to a new RAND study. The authors say that this finding doesn't necessarily eclipse the potential benefits of raising the minimum wage. But it does suggest that policymakers who favor an increase should also also consider whether workers have alternative sources of insurance coverage.
Read more: [link removed]
The Benefits of Increasing Funding for Women's Health Research
Increasing investments in women's health research could help transform women's lives. It could also offer large societal gains. The results of a new RAND study show that society could see large aggregate cost savings if funding for women's health research is increased in three key areas: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias ($932 million), coronary artery disease ($1.9 billion), and rheumatoid arthritis ($10.5 billion).
Read more: [link removed]
How Can the U.S. Increase Supply Chain Resilience?
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of global supply chains. While it's clear that greater resilience is necessary, private and public decisionmakers have limited insights into supply chains. RAND's Caolionn O'Connell testified about this topic today before a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee. Given the breadth of the problem, O'Connell says that a whole-of-government solution, including investments in research and development and human capital, is likely required.
Read more: [link removed]
One Key to Countering Extremism in the Military
U.S. military commanders are currently leading the fight against extremism in the ranks. But existing resources - such as chaplains, family readiness groups, and behavioral and military health professionals - could be better leveraged to address this problem, says RAND's Marek Posard. Making use of existing programs that are designed to help military personnel and their families may help confront the "broader social headwinds" that are often at the heart of extremism. Read more: [link removed]
Crossing the Digital Divide: How Refugees Use Technology
For millions of refugees around the world, mobile phones provide a connection to the past and can open doors to a better future. The role that technology plays in the lives of refugees was the topic of a 2019 RAND study, and it's now the inspiration for the latest creation in our Art + Data program. In developing this new visualization, artist Wael Morcos was inspired by his own experience - not as a refugee, but as a migrant.
Read more: [link removed]
** Trending Reports
------------------------------------------------------------
Can Four Equal Five?
Assessing the Four-Day School Week [link removed]
Speeding While Black: Black Motorists Face More-Serious Charges for Excessive Speeding Than White Motorists Do
[link removed]
** RAND in the News
------------------------------------------------------------
China Is 'Really Frustrated' with Deepening U.S.-Taiwan Ties, Says Defense Analyst
CNBC
[link removed]
The End of Student Loan Forbearance Will Be Tougher on Women
Associated Press
[link removed]
Disagreement on North Korea Sanctions Feared to Weaken Seoul-Washington Alliance
The Korea Times
[link removed]
** Subscribe to the Policy Currents Podcast
------------------------------------------------------------
You already get the latest insights from RAND in your inbox. Why not your earbuds?
Policy Currents is available as a weekly podcast. New episodes every Friday.
Subscribe now: [link removed]
** FOLLOW RAND
------------------------------------------------------------
The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis.
[link removed]
Twitter
[link removed]
Facebook
[link removed]
LinkedIn
[link removed]
Instagram
[link removed]
Privacy statement
[link removed]
Unsubscribe
[link removed]
Manage your subscriptions
[link removed]
RAND Corporation
1776 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401-3208
RAND is a registered trademark.
