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Articles By: RAND
Better Understanding the Rivalry Between Israel and Iran
Israel and Iran have come to view each other over the past decade as direct regional rivals, with Iran viewing Israel as being bent on undermining Iran’s revolutionary system and Israel viewing Iran as posing grave strategic and ideological challenges to the Jewish state. Such rivalry increases the risks for regional crises leading to military [...]
Hard Fighting: Israel in Lebanon and Gaza
When Israel fought Hezbollah during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, it discovered that it was ill prepared for the challenges posed by its “hybrid” adversary. Hybrid adversaries employ effective standoff weapons (e.g., antitank guided missiles, man-portable air-defense systems, mortars, rockets, unmanned aerial systems). Thus, defeating such opponents requires different tactical and operational concepts than [...]
Conflict with China: Prospects, Consequences, and Strategies for Deterrence
This paper presents some scenarios that, if they were to come to pass, could result in military conflict with China over the next thirty years. The authors begin by exploring different plausible sources of conflict — whether it be the collapse of North Korea, possible dwindling relations between Taiwan and China, or other contingencies involving [...]
Lessons From Security Force Assistance in Afghanistan
Security force assistance (SFA) is a central pillar of the counterinsurgency campaign being waged by U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. The outcome of the campaign hinges, in large measure, on the effectiveness of the assistance given to the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, and other security forces, assistance that the International Security Force [...]
Iran’s Nuclear Future: US Policy Choices
Dissuading Iran from developing nuclear weapons faces major obstacles, but it’s too soon to give up trying as it may still be possible to influence the outcome of Iran’s internal political debate, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today. The study, “Iran’s Nuclear Future: Critical U.S. Policy Choices,” describes the complex considerations underlying future [...]
Israeli Air Force Had “Flawed Strategy” During Lebanon War
Israel’s disappointing performance in its war against Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006 did not reflect a “failure of air power,” but rather a failure of Israel’s political and military leaders to properly assess the enemy, set achievable goals, apply an effective strategy and adequately manage public expectations, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today. [...]
Chinese Air Force Employment Concepts in the 21st Century
China’s air force is in the midst of a transformation. A decade ago, it was an antiquated service equipped almost exclusively with weapons based on 1950s-era Soviet designs and operated by personnel with questionable training according to outdated employment concepts. Today, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) appears to be on its way to [...]
What Do We Know About the North Korean Nuclear Threat?
North Korea has been very successful in denying the United States and others information about its nuclear weapon program. The result is a high degree of uncertainty about the size and character of the North Korean nuclear weapon threat, how it might be used, and what impact it might have. A Rand Corporation documented briefing [...]
Factors Contributing to Iraq’s Security After US Forces Withdraw
As it withdraws troops from Iraq, the United States must work not only to maintain security in that nation, but also focus on how the action will impact other regional interests, according to a study issued today by the RAND Corporation. The study presents an analytical framework for policymakers to examine the shifting motivations and [...]
