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National Security Up Front

Timely insights and analysis from RAND National Security Research Division

How Chinese Military Decisions About Adopting Mission Command Could Affect a Future U.S.-China Conflict
RAND analysis of Chinese military writings reveals a fundamental tension: while some PLA researchers advocate for mission command to handle future warfare's mounting demands, this conflicts with Beijing's preference for centralized political control over the military.
Jan 29, 2026
Underperforming Software and IT in DoD
Information technology (IT) infrastructure and software-based systems throughout the Department of Defense (DoD) are plagued by soul-crushing underperformance. We conservatively estimate that the minimum cost to DoD of the lost productivity for FY23 alone is $2.5 billion.
Feb 12, 2025
A Hinge Point in History?
The extraordinary costs and destructiveness of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians could be a hinge point in history, demonstrating the urgent need for a path to a durable peace.
Feb 3, 2025
Dr. Li Bicheng, or How China Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Social Media Manipulation
To shed light on China's evolving use of social media manipulation, recent RAND analysis drilled down on the work of Dr. Li Bicheng, a career Chinese military-affiliated researcher and one of China's leading military experts on generative AI.
Dec 16, 2024
Inflection Point: How to Reverse the Erosion of U.S. and Allied Military Power and Influence
Reversing the erosion of U.S. military power and influence will not only require more and better weapon systems; it will also call for changing the posture of U.S. forces abroad and, above all, adopting innovative operational concepts.
Sep 13, 2024
Sustaining the Transatlantic Alliance: 75 Years of RAND Insights on NATO
RAND research outlines approaches for NATO to meet threats in an era of great-power competition.
Jul 8, 2024
U.S. Planning for What Comes After the Russia-Ukraine War
No matter when—or how—the Russia-Ukraine war ends, Russia will remain a threat both to Ukraine and to the interests of the United States and its allies. A RAND study uses an alternative futures analysis to help policymakers consider the options they have for dealing with Russia after the war.
May 14, 2024
Interdependence, Predictability, and Flexibility: What the Department of Defense Can Learn from Other Budgeting Systems
This National Security Up Front considers lessons DOD's Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) System can learn from allied and partner militaries, and other U.S. federal agencies.
May 6, 2024
Oversight, Agility, and Stability: What the Department of Defense Can Learn from Other Budgeting Systems
Is the Department of Defense's Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) system nimble enough to meet national needs in a time of dynamic threats, increasingly capable adversaries, and rapid technological changes?
Jan 17, 2024
U.S.-China Rivalry in a Neomedieval World: Competition in an Era of Weakening States
Beginning around 2000, the neomedieval era is characterized by a radically different backdrop of ideological, economic, and political conditions: weakening states, fragmenting societies, imbalanced economies, pervasive threats, and the informalization of warfare. Strategic advantage will accrue to the state that adapts more effectively to this new reality.
Jan 11, 2024
Not the X-Files
This weekend, many Americans will be watching the sky in hopes of seeing something special. But what else might they see? 
Dec 21, 2023
The Rise of Generative AI and the Coming Era of Social Media Manipulation 3.0
A proactive response by the U.S. government and the broader technology and policy community may begin to mitigate the threat of social media manipulation posed by generative AI.
Nov 7, 2023
AI and Geopolitics: How might AI affect the rise and fall of governments?
Governments across the globe could see their power rise or fall depending on how they harness and manage the development of artificial intelligence.
Oct 31, 2023
Escalation in the War in Ukraine: Lessons Learned and Future Risks
The incremental approach to supporting Ukraine may have helped limit Russian escalation, but the strategy could work against Ukraine if Russia fields new forces and Ukrainian losses increase.
Aug 9, 2023