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Oct 6, 2022
Safeguarding Taiwan Is the Answer to America's Microchip Problem
Microchips are used in everything from cars to coffee makers to combine harvesters. Most are made in Taiwan. If China were to seize the island, then Taiwan's microchip factories might end up being controlled by Beijing, or they could be destroyed. Either way, a global catastrophe would ensue.
Writing in The Atlantic this week, RAND president and CEO Jason Matheny considers how to avoid such a disaster.
One popular idea is to build up microchip production elsewhere, including in the United States. But it would probably take decades for America to be able to manufacture the chips it requires. Another view is that Washington should leap to Taiwan's defense if China invades. However, a U.S. response may not come in time to save Taiwan's microchip factories.
Matheny recommends a third option: ensure that Taiwan has the weapon systems to defend itself against Chinese agression. After all, this strategy is already proving successful in Ukraine's defense against Russia. And unlike the other U.S. options for Taiwan, it could yield results within a couple of years, rather than decades.
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A Moment of Clarity in Ukraine
Russia's troop mobilization and annexation of four provinces in Eastern Ukraine raises several questions about the war. But one thing is clear, say RAND experts: There is no longer a viable path to a negotiated peace settlement. What's more, anything short of a Ukrainian victory will lead to a worse outcome for the international order. Without hope for a middle ground, a grand political bargain, or an easy out, two options remain. The West can ensure that Ukraine triumphs, or it can accept the consequences of defeat.
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It's Time for New Rules in Space
It's World Space Week, a good time to revisit a recent RAND paper on how to improve governance in outer space. According to the authors, the "New Space Era" calls for regulations that address the mounting risk of extraterrestrial collisions and conflicts. After all, there are more than 60 spacefaring nations today, plus a burgeoning private space industry. The existing means of space governance, however, rely on treaties from the '60s and '70s--when space was dominated by just two superpowers [[link removed]].
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What Might the No Surprises Act Mean for Health Care Markets?
Millions of Americans have been hit with surprise bills after receiving medical care from providers outside their insurance networks. The No Surprises Act, which went into effect in January, was created to help put an end to this. How might the new law influence other aspects of the health care industry, such as insurance and hospital consolidation, costs, and access? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asked RAND to assess the potential effects.
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Facts Still Matter, Say Gun Policy Experts
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a long-standing New York law restricting concealed carry of firearms is unconstitutional. What does the evidence say about such laws? With its ruling, the court suggests that the only relevant question is whether a regulation has some kind of analog in history and tradition. But gun policy experts say that "consigning all modern gun regulation to a game of 'What would James Madison have thought of AR-15s'" is not the inevitable result of the ruling. Rather, there is still room for research to inform court decisions about firearm laws.
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Helping Students Report Threats to Their Schools
Evidence suggests that about half of school shooters gave a warning before they acted, but most of those signs went unrecognized and unreported. Recent RAND research examines how schools can better support threat reporting. The findings provide some actionable tips for America's school leaders. For example, give students multiple ways to report threats, consider that students are often more comfortable submitting anonymous or confidential reports, and teach everyone what and how to report.
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** Events
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The View of the Taiwan Strait from the U.S.-Japan Alliance
October 10, 2022 (Virtual)
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Can South Korea Help the World Beat the Next Pandemic?
October 13, 2022 (Virtual)
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** Trending Reports
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How Are U.S. Public School Teachers Approaching Civic and Citizenship Education?
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Understanding Russian Coercive Signaling
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** RAND in the News
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The U.S. Should Not 'Overestimate the Divisions Inside of Russia,' Former Ambassador Says
PRX, The World
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Violent Protests Continue in Iran
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North Korea Tests World's Resolve by Sending Missile Over Japan
Wall Street Journal
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