Articles By: RAND

What Do We Know About the North Korean Nuclear Threat?

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

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 [...]

Political Context and Military Aspects of the China-Taiwan Dispute

Political Context and Military Aspects of the China-Taiwan Dispute

The relationship between China and Taiwan is more stable in 2009 than it has been in years, but China has nonetheless not renounced its “right” to use force to forestall Taiwan’s “independence”. At the same time, the cross-strait military balance is shifting in ways that are problematic for Taiwan’s defense: the growing size and quality [...]

Fighter Drawdown Dynamics: Effects on Aircrew Inventories

Fighter Drawdown Dynamics: Effects on Aircrew Inventories

Summary The Air Force faces an increasing demand for personnel with pilot skills, a demand driven by the expanding number and size of various staffs (such as those of air operations centers) and an increased demand for operators of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), who, by Air Force policy, must be pilots.1 At the same time, [...]

The Long March: Building an Afghan National Army

The Long March: Building an Afghan National Army

Background and Purpose The Afghan National Army (ANA) is seen as a sine qua non for security in Afghanistan. The recent resurgence of the Taliban, operating out of bases in Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan, underscores the threat to the Afghan government and the importance of the army in stemming this insurgency and providing for [...]

 
NATO activates missile shield despite Russian anger http://t.co/xbhCOj66 #military #defense #missilesbombsnews3 minutes ago