National Security Issues

This page offers an easy way for policymakers to access national security research and analysis that is relevant to current Congressional agendas. For additional information, to request documents, or to arrange a briefing, contact the RAND Office of Congressional Relations at ocr@rand.org or (703) 413-1100 x5643.

Recent Findings

  • Commentary

    Six Different Ways: Ukraine Lessons for Japanese Defense Planners

    Japanese leaders have already begun internalizing key lessons from Ukraine. But Japanese officials are silent on whether they are preparing for a short conflict or a long one. This matters because, as the Ukrainian war demonstrates, a protracted struggle could require different plans from the ones Japan is possibly making.

    Jun 23, 2023

  • Blog

    Teacher Well-Being, Russian PMCs, AI Conspiracy Theories: RAND Weekly Recap

    This weekly recap focuses on how America's teachers are doing, the proliferation of Russian private military companies, preparing for conspiracy theories about artificial intelligence, and more.

    Jun 23, 2023

  • Commentary

    So Many Questions, So Little Time for Pacific Logistics

    The United States has been struggling to “pivot to the Pacific” for over a decade, and one of the major missing pieces is logistics. It is critical that the logistics underpinning a credible military deterrent be figured out now and not wait any longer.

    Jun 23, 2023

  • Commentary

    Revive the Ram

    In the face of aggressive maneuvers by Chinese vessels, the U.S. Navy can brandish ramming USVs as a capability to inhibit threats while limiting the risk of escalation. These relatively simple, inexpensive vehicles could be used alongside a variety of nonlethal weapons to manage confrontations, giving commanders more options as they attempt to prevent China from dominating the seas.

    Jun 22, 2023

  • Commentary

    The AI Conspiracy Theories Are Coming

    Artificial intelligence is a technology ready-made for conspiratorial thinking. The time to counter conspiracy theories about AI is now—before they take hold in the minds of the public.

    Jun 22, 2023

More Research on National Security

Briefings

  • How Do We Prevent the Next Homegrown Terrorist?

    What is the right terrorism prevention strategy for the federal government? Brian Jackson will discuss the nature of the homeland terrorist threat, past and current terrorism prevention policies, and recommendations for policymakers. [Washington, D.C.]

    May 3, 2019

  • Approaches to Counter Russian Social Media Influence

    How can policymakers combat the threat of Russian social media influence? Elizabeth Bodine-Baron will discuss different approaches and policy options to respond to Russian influence via disinformation spread on social media in the United States. [Washington, D.C.]

    Mar 15, 2019

  • The Russian Way of Warfare

    The House of Representatives recently passed an act that states that it is the policy of the United States to sustain a credible deterrent against aggression and long-term strategic competition from Russia. Scott Boston and Dara Massicot will discuss findings from their recent report, including key characteristics of Russian warfare and implications for U.S. policy. [Washington, D.C.]

    Jun 15, 2018

  • Overcoming the Threats of Our Strategic Competitors

    What weapon systems and posture enhancements should Congress and the Defense Department consider to prepare the United States for potential conflicts? In a RAND Congressional Briefing, David Ochmanek will discuss solutions that could help defend against national security challenges. [Washington, D.C.]

    Mar 27, 2018

  • What Will It Take to Prevent a Security Decline in Mosul?

    After defeating ISIS in Mosul, what must be done to stabilize the region and prevent a slide back into violence? Shelly Culbertson and Linda Robinson will brief Congress on targeted actions to address humanitarian and stabilization needs, and implications for U.S. policy.

    Sep 22, 2017

More Work on National Security

Alerts & Newsletters

RAND periodically sends email alerts to update Congress on highlights of recent work concerning national security.

  • Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for the Department of Defense

    Integrating AI into our national security plans poses special challenges. RAND CEO Jason Matheny discusses some opportunities to improve DoD operations to defend against AI-related threats.

    Jun 6, 2023

  • Proxy Warfare in Strategic Competition

    New RAND research explores how the United States, China, and Russia might compete elsewhere in the world—primarily in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

    May 31, 2023

  • Proxy Warfare in Strategic Competition

    The prospect of the increasing use of proxy warfare has several implications for U.S. defense policy. Violent nonstate actors supported by states tend to be much more lethal than those without state support.

    Apr 27, 2023

  • Russian Military Operations in Ukraine

    One year has passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion against Ukraine. In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Dara Massicot reflects on the past 12 months of war, discusses the current Russian offensive, and outlines different scenarios in the year ahead.

    Mar 30, 2023

  • China's Overseas Military Diplomacy and Implications for U.S. Interests

    The expansion of China's global interests and the subsequent increase in its overseas security footprint have led the Chinese leadership to elevate the role of military diplomacy in supporting China's foreign policy objectives.

    Feb 24, 2023

  • What if Russia Were to Attack NATO?

    Although U.S. and NATO planners have long focused on preparing for the contingency of a large-scale conflict with Russia, the Ukraine war has created a unique set of circumstances that make a more limited Russian attack plausible. A new RAND paper outlines the characteristics of a potential Russian attack that are relevant to informing a U.S. or NATO response.

    Jan 26, 2023

  • National Security and International Affairs in the 118th Congress

    What are the biggest national security and international affairs policy issues facing the 118th Congress? RAND experts offer up insights on topics including competing with China, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, strategic competition, military personnel. and space policy.

    Jan 24, 2023

  • Understanding a New Era of Strategic Competition

    RAND researchers developed a framework for assessing competition between major powers and assembled high-level findings and recommendations to support immediate policy decisions to ensure the U.S. competitive advantage.

    Dec 15, 2022

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Testimony

2010 and prior

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Briefs

More Research on National Security