🇨🇳 China's industrial strategy has changed—and the stakes are global. Under Xi, Beijing has shifted from chasing economic growth to pursuing technological self-reliance and national security. A new RAND report maps how this system actually works. What's the issue: The Party-state now steers firms, finances, and…
New study: The use of AI chatbots for mental health advice among U.S. adolescents and young adults rose by more than 40% over the past year, with nearly 1 in 5 now reporting they have used AI tools for support. "Many young people appear to be using AI chatbots for mental health advice privately, without the knowledge…
We're accepting applications for our new 1-year Master of Policy Analysis program at @RANDschooledu. Apply now to join our first cohort this fall. ⬇️
📲 Do school cell phone bans work? To find out, we asked middle and high school students about their phone use during class, how they might be sidestepping the rules, and more. Here's what we found: ➡️ Strictness matters. Stricter school policies are associated with less student phone use during class. Enforcement…
Why does it cost so much to build apartments in California? Recent RAND research finds that the cost of building multifamily housing in California is 2.3x higher than it is in Texas. Jason Ward outlines the key factors driving up costs—and what policymakers can do to help.
Nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper are critical components in everything from batteries to advanced weapons. For now, the global market for them runs through China. But seabed mining could give the U.S. a new, more secure source.
Lower wages. Worse health outcomes. More interactions with the criminal justice system. These are just some of the consequences for America's "disconnected" youth—those who are out of school, out of work, and not in career training.
New research outlines options for those considering changes to cannabis policy in Indiana, ranging from reducing penalties for cannabis possession to regulating and licensing supply and sales to adults. https://t.co/DwIueDpyFK
Some of the best data available on psychedelic use and policy come from RAND. Researchers have studied the options—and the trade-offs—as some states begin to ease access to psychedelics.
The race toward artificial general intelligence poses serious national security risks. In a new paper, RAND experts offer a strategic approach that could help the United States navigate the transition to an AGI world.
Here's how RAND's Robert Lempert is using his expertise to help his community rebuild after the 2025 L.A. fires:
As AI systems assume more decisionmaking roles in government, the economy, and society, a question emerges: Will humans retain the capacity to shape collective outcomes?
Could deep sea mining break China's grip on critical minerals? Here's what our research says about the challenges facing Washington:
New study examines what could happen if Indiana—typically considered one of the more restrictive U.S. states—changes its approach to cannabis.
"We need to find alternative sources of these critical minerals that don't involve China. This is an all-of-government, all-hands effort. Seabed mining is one way we might accomplish it."
💸 Today is Tax Day. America's tax system raises trillions in revenue to fuel the government, but the text itself is a labyrinth. That makes it hard to understand the true effects of any proposed changes to the tax code. Even small "fixes" can cause ripple effects and unintended
China's spy network in the U.S. may be developing the skills to physically sabotage critical infrastructure during a conflict, explains RAND's Ian Mitch. Is there time to address this possibility?
Decades of experience have shown that military efforts to dislodge the Houthis are unlikely to be effective, says RAND's Alexandra Stark. "Instead of retaliatory strikes, the U.S. should favor a diplomatic approach."
"The biggest nuclear state has invaded the state that officially gave up nuclear weapons. It might serve as a lesson on why countries should not give up these capabilities if they possess them."
Russia's "firehose of falsehood" approach to propaganda has 4 distinctive features, say experts: 1️⃣ high-volume and multichannel 2️⃣ rapid, continuous, and repetitive 3️⃣ lacks commitment to objective reality 4️⃣ lacks commitment to consistency
Four ways the Biden-Harris administration could rebuild trust in government and public institutions: 🔸 increase transparency 🔸 elevate experts 🔸 build a diverse administration 🔸 invest in civic education and development https://t.co/erMGJM9XcC via @michaeldrich @jekavanagh
In any TikTok deal, what's required to ensure U.S. user data is fully protected? RAND experts discuss two main security concerns: https://t.co/FrlzFJcvu4 via @gonzadan
The narrative that China is attempting to exploit the #COVID19 crisis for geopolitical gain is exaggerated, says @DerekJGrossman. Beijing's assertive behavior isn't new.
China is using "simplistic mask diplomacy" to try to make other nations forget about Beijing's role in the pandemic, says RAND's Jeffrey Hornung.
"One of the central challenges for the United States and Europe will be to forge a more united approach to China's resurgence, lest its growing ambitions and influence erode the foundations of the European and transatlantic projects."
Russia's use of hostile measures is not infallible. On the contrary, it is tactically adroit but strategically shortsighted. Russia typically fails to achieve strategic success. This trend points to opportunities to deter and counter its hostile measures.
"Now is the time for Washington to keep faith with its friends, its values, and its interests and ensure that all sides know that the United States stands together with peoples struggling for freedom, democracy, dignity, and the rule of law."
"Any return to normalcy is going to require both parties—the Hong Kong government and protesters—to make difficult, even risky, compromises. But if done in good faith, Hong Kong can finally move past this painful moment in its history." — @DerekJGrossman
"Since the beginning of 2018, Kim has surrendered and dismantled no nuclear weapons, but has likely built 5-9 new nuclear weapons. So he has not frozen his nuclear program and he has certainly not been denuclearizing; instead, he has been nuclearizing."
ICYMI, we released a study on #TruthDecay — the diminishing role of facts and analysis in American public life — and how to fight it. Don't have time to read all 324 pages? Here's a summary. [thread]
We're excited to announce our first research report on the diminishing role of facts and analysis in American public life. We call this phenomenon #TruthDecay. https://t.co/N8klXkKcsD via @jekavanagh & @michaeldrich