This week, we discuss what the evidence says about U.S. gun laws; containing the COVID-19 outbreak in China; whether or not Americans are growing tired of the war in Ukraine; sexual harassment and sexual assault in military settings; measuring “civic infrastructure” to assess the health of democracy; and what space might look like in 2050.
Photo by Alexandor Filon/Adobe Stock
What Does the Evidence Say About U.S. Gun Laws?
Since we first launched the RAND Gun Policy in America initiative in 2018, there has been a surge in scientific research focused on firearms. This week, we published a significant update to our review of the evidence, to include 29 new studies on the effects of 18 different gun laws.
Among the key findings, there is now supportive evidence that child-access prevention laws reduce firearm homicides and self-injuries among youth. There is also supportive evidence that stand-your-ground laws and “shall-issue” concealed-carry laws increase levels of firearm violence.
States with gun policies that are not in line with this evidence should consider making changes as a strategy to reduce deaths and injuries.
RAND experts will continue to review available data on the effects of gun laws. The goal is to establish a shared set of facts to improve public discussions and support the development of fair and effective gun policies.
A man takes a COVID test in Guiyang, Guizhou province, China, December 8, 2022
Photo by Costfoto/Sipa USA/Reuters
Containing China's COVID Outbreak
China is facing a tsunami of COVID-19 infections. In Beijing alone, an estimated 18 million people were symptomatic by New Year's Eve, and recent reports indicate that hospitals and crematoriums are overwhelmed. RAND epidemiologist Jennifer Bouey explains what led to this outbreak and what can be done about it. Shifting to a strategy that relies on vaccines and pharmaceutical treatments—and away from one focused on nonpharmaceutical interventions—could be a worthy next step, she says.
A worker installs Ukrainian and U.S. flags along Pennsylvania Avenue ahead of a visit by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Washington, D.C., December 21, 2022
Photo by Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
The Myth of America's Ukraine Fatigue
As Russia's war in Ukraine grinds into its second year, some media reports and polls have suggested that the United States and its allies are growing tired. RAND's Raphael Cohen and Gian Gentile cast doubt on this notion. To start, few Americans are actively engaged in the conflict. Further, the United States is not suffering losses on the battlefield or enduring energy shortages. Americans aren't paying higher taxes either. In other words, “Ukraine fatigue is more myth than reality,” they say.
Photo by Prostock-Studio/Getty Images
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault in Military Settings
In a new study, RAND researchers review the evidence on sexual assault and sexual harassment during military service, the mental health conditions associated with sexual trauma, the effectiveness of treatments, and barriers to accessing and receiving care. The findings may help the Department of Defense improve the health care response for service members who have been victims of sexual assault or harassment.
A voter waits to cast his ballot in the 2022 U.S. midterm elections at Considine Little Rock Recreation Center in Detroit, Michigan, November 8, 2022
Photo by Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
How's Democracy Doing? To Find Out, Measure Civic Infrastructure
Last year's midterm elections saw high voter turnout in many states. This is a good sign, but it may not mean that American democracy is on the upswing, say RAND experts. While voting is a useful measurement of public participation in the democratic process, it doesn't tell the whole story. Finding ways to measure and monitor other important aspects of “civic infrastructure,” such as voter laws, civic education opportunities, and trust in government, could help fill in the gaps.
Illustration by GeorgePeters/Getty Images
What Might Space Look Like in 2050?
Could humans soon grow food, play sports, or film movies in space? Researchers at RAND Europe looked at how trends in more than a dozen economic sectors could play out in space between now and 2050. They found it would not take huge breakthroughs to make space and space travel a much bigger part of everyday life. In fact, if the cost to launch people and payloads into space continues to drop, then it could kick off a new era of extraterrestrial development.
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