National Security

RAND conducts a broad array of national security research for the U.S. Department of Defense. RAND also carries out an extensive research program in homeland security, homeland defense, and terrorism-related research for the U.S. Government, as well as selected research for key allied governments and ministries of defense. Through its long-term investment in federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), the U.S. government has built a network of institutions with unique analytical and technical capabilities.

National security research is conducted by the following RAND FFRDCs: RAND Project AIR FORCE, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force; RAND Arroyo Center, sponsored by the U.S. Army; RAND National Defense Research Institute, sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

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Study of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Questions Assumptions Behind "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" — Nov. 9, 2009

A new survey of military personnel who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan found that having an openly gay or lesbian colleague in their unit had no significant impact on their unit's cohesion or readiness, questing the assumption underlying the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

News Release Related Report

The Day After... in Jerusalem: A Strategic Planning Exercise on the Path to Middle East Peace — Nov. 6, 2009

Starting in 2008, the RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy conducted a series of exercises to help the new U.S. administration address the challenges of the Arab-Israeli conflict (and of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in particular) as a key component of the broader effort to secure stability in the Middle East.

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Center Assesses Post-Deployment Health-Related Needs of Iraq Veterans — May 11, 2008

The Invisible Wounds of War Study assessed Iraq veterans' health-related needs associated with PTSD, major depression, and traumatic brain injury, examined the treatment capacity of the current health care system, and estimated the costs of providing quality health care to all military members who need it.

November 13, 2009: When Generals and Ambassadors Feud, By James Dobbins (ForeignPolicy.com)

November 9, 2009: The Fall of the Wall: A World Restored?, By Christopher S. Chivvis (CNN.com)

November 9, 2009: Study of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Questions Assumptions Behind "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

November 4, 2009: Our Man in Kabul, By James Dobbins (Foreignaffairs.com)

November 2, 2009: Karzai's Second Term a Test for International Community, By Terrence K. Kelly (RAND.org)

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Film Piracy, Organized Crime, and Terrorism

This report presents the findings of research into the involvement of organized crime and terrorist groups in counterfeiting products ranging from watches to automobile parts, from pharmaceuticals to computer software. It presents detailed case studies from around the globe in one area of counterfeiting, film piracy, to illustrate the broader problem of criminal — and perhaps terrorist — groups finding a new and not-much-discussed way of funding their activities. Piracy is high in payoff and low in risk, often taking place under the radar of law enforcement.

Final Report

Dangerous But Not Omnipotent: Exploring the Reach and Limitations of Iranian Power in the Middle East

Following the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Iranian threat to U.S. interests has taken on seemingly unprecedented qualities of aggressiveness and urgency. Added to its provocative positions on the nuclear program, support for non-state militants, and development of threatening military capabilities is the sense that Iran is trying to effect far-reaching changes on the regional and even global stage. Within this context, this report aims to provide policy planners with a new framework for anticipating and preparing for the strategic challenges Iran will present over the next ten to fifteen years.

Final Report