PODCAST · news
Policy Currents
by RAND
The Policy Currents podcast highlights new research findings, commentary, multimedia, and events from RAND. Hosted by Evan Banks and Deanna Lee, with new episodes every Friday.
Episodes
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News from RAND
Big changes to the podcast. Plus, RAND has a new website. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Global catastrophic risk, tech vendors and national security concerns, geoengineering.
Assessing global catastrophic risk; how “mercurial leadership” at SpaceX could threaten national security; the actual dangers of geoengineering; and protecting your sleep during election season. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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North Korean troops to Russia, the death of Hamas’s leader, U.S. economic policy toward China.
What to make of Russia and North Korea’s relationship; why Yahya Sinwar’s death matters; the effectiveness of U.S. economic policies toward China; abortion access for minors in Virginia; and how to restore freshwater ecosystems. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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The Israel-Hamas War One Year After October 7
Expert insights on the crisis in the Middle East, including the humanitarian disaster, where the war might be headed next, and prospects for ending the conflict. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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The effects of artificial intelligence, pretrial mental health diversion, U.S. climate policy.
China, AI, and social media manipulation; preparing for AI to transform the workforce; how a pretrial mental health diversion program is working in Los Angeles; and U.S. climate policy. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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AI-enhanced social media manipulation, Ukraine’s resistance to disinformation, the state of U.S. public education.
Social media manipulation in the era of AI; lessons from Ukraine's resistance to Russian disinformation; what the data reveal about U.S. public education; and addressing America’s drinking water quality problems. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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The threat of bioweapons, Ukraine’s surprise offensive, making U.S. elections safer.
Reducing the risk of biological disasters; a look at Ukraine’s Kursk invasion; the problem with AC in a warming world; and preparing for political violence as the U.S. presidential election nears. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Why AI projects fail, youth at risk of homelessness, Russia’s objectives in Ukraine.
Why AI projects fail and how they can succeed; the link between foster care and homelessness among L.A. youth; what Russia is saying—and not saying—about its war aims in Ukraine; and a look at the Wireless Emergency Alerts system. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Stopping the Houthis, addressing anti-Asian hate, NATO and crisis management.
What the United States can do about the Houthis; support for Asian American communities facing hate; breaking down the collapse of Bangladesh's government; ways NATO can improve its crisis management capabilities; and how, when, and whether to use non-lethal weapons. For more information on this...
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Pandemic learning loss, arms control with Russia, resisting disinformation during election season.
What school districts are doing to address pandemic learning loss; U.S. options for future arms control with Russia; why Black Americans aren't buying election-year falsehoods; and Ukraine's “old-school” approach to battlefield communication. For more information on this week’s episode, visit...
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CrowdStrike meltdown, preventing attacks after the Trump assassination attempt, China’s disinformation.
How the CrowdStrike meltdown highlights systemic risk; things we can all do to prevent violent attacks; how the U.S. and Japan can address China’s disinformation; and why it’s time to rebrand “sleep divorce.” For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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NATO, veterans’ lung health, homelessness in Los Angeles.
NATO’s strategy toward Russia; calculating burden-sharing among allies; veterans’ respiratory health across age and over time; and tracking the unsheltered population in three L.A. neighborhoods. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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NATO’s Big Summit: What Will Define the Future of the Alliance?
As NATO leaders gather for a historic summit in Washington this week, RAND experts have been exploring the challenges, opportunities, and important strategic questions facing the alliance. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Psychedelics, how the government can boost its tech workforce, challenges facing NATO.
Exploring policy options for psychedelics; what the federal government can do to hire young tech workers; ways NATO can adapt to climate change; and building a bridge for Ukraine into NATO. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Russia-China military cooperation, a look at abortion care in North Carolina, treating opioid use disorder.
What future military cooperation between Russia and China might look like; the effects of a new abortion law in North Carolina; limited access to medication treatment for opioid use disorder; the state of the American teacher; and considering the potential for an ‘October surprise’ from North...
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The upside in Ukraine, one more reason why companies should invest in their people, NATO.
It’s not all bad news for Ukraine; data shows that investing in employees can boost stock performance; a look at the effectiveness of federal programs to assist military-to-civilian employment transitions; and how NATO can focus more on economic security. For more information on this week’s...
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The U.S. needs a strategy in Ukraine, health and health care for LGBTQ+ veterans, L.A.’s proposed cooling policy.
What it will take for the United States to end the war in Ukraine; the state of health and health care for LGBTQ+ veterans; how to respond to China’s aggression in the South China Sea; and how to protect Los Angeles residents from dangerous heat. For more information on this week’s episode, visit...
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The impact of same-sex marriage, summer learning programs, AI security.
The “unambiguously positive” effects of same-sex marriage; creating effective summer learning programs; what private health plans pay hospitals compared with what Medicare would pay; and protecting AI models against attackers. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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The state of American power and influence, Russia’s self-inflicted wounds, kidney donations.
America’s national standing may be waning; why Russia is its own worst enemy; whether we give AI too much of ourselves; why a market for donor kidneys isn't the best option; and how China might use disinformation in a conflict with Taiwan. For more information on this week’s episode, visit...
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Iran-Israel escalation, insurers’ resistance to covering new drugs, cobalt mining in the Congo.
The Iran-Israel conflict isn’t likely to wane; why insurance companies won’t pay for new drugs; how cobalt mining contributes to poverty and servitude in the Congo; and how COVID-19 affected prison education. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Why Russia doesn’t want an Israel-Iran war, AI in America's classrooms, China’s role in the opioid crisis.
The implications of an Israel-Iran conflict for Russia; how educators use AI tools; helping schools respond to social media threats; addressing China’s role in synthetic opioid trafficking; and cooperation with U.S. allies in outer space. For more information on this week’s episode, visit...
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Threats to the 2024 election, Kishida’s visit to Washington, veterans’ working conditions.
A “perfect storm” of threats as the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches; elevating the U.S.-Japan alliance; why America’s ties with India are “fundamentally fragile”; and ensuring veterans have access to safe and healthy working conditions. For more information on this week’s episode…
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Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, gun deaths in America, climate change and conflict.
The challenge of distributing aid to Gazans who need it most; tracking U.S. data on firearm homicides and suicides; the link between climate change and conflict; and the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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The risks posed by AI, NATO's new members, patient privacy laws.
RAND experts on whether AI is an existential risk; how Finland and Sweden will bolster NATO; why drones pose a threat to correctional security—and what to do about it; why your health data may not be as private as you think. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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The Israel-Hamas war, Russia's mistakes, ensuring safe drinking water.
What's needed for a chance at peace in Gaza; Russia's long history of errors; how technology could help defend Taiwan; why it's not enough to just replace lead pipes; and understanding older Americans' media habits. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Crisis at the U.S. southern border, diminishing the Houthi threat, L.A.’s dire rental market.
What’s at the heart of the migrant crisis; how U.S. strikes can limit Houthi military capabilities; considering a hypothetical U.S.-China war over Taiwan; and why L.A.’s rental landscape could get even worse. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Two years of war in Ukraine, the ripple effects of overdose deaths, Israel’s duty to Gazans.
RAND experts’ insights on two years of fighting in Ukraine; just how many Americans know someone who has died of a drug overdose; Israel's duty to take responsibility for civilian well-being in Gaza; the availability of telemedicine for mental health care; and the dangers of using AI to monitor...
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Postwar strategy toward Russia, restrictions on classroom discussion topics, threats to critical infrastructure.
Considering how the United States should deal with Russia after the war in Ukraine ends; how policies that restrict teaching about race and gender 'spill over;’ threats to the U.S. financial system and other critical infrastructure; and U.S. strategy in Southeast Asia. For more information on…
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America’s high prescription drug prices, L.A.’s housing crisis, stopping the spread of false information.
Comparing U.S. prescription drug prices to those in other countries; improving treatment for child diarrhea; what might be standing in the way of affordable housing in Los Angeles; reining in the risks of robotaxis; and three ways to stop the spread of false information online. For more…
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The future of Alzheimer’s treatment in America, allied space power, raising the stakes in Ukraine.
Why primary care providers may be key to faster Alzheimer's treatment; charting a path toward thoughtful allied space power; how the West can ‘up the ante’ in Ukraine; and preparing for artificial intelligence in the power grid. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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The Israel-Hamas war, AI and the risk of biological attacks, supporting veterans.
What’s standing in the way of a two-state solution; whether artificial intelligence can assist in a large-scale biological attack; exploring new treatments for veterans facing PTSD and depression; why veteran single parents need more support. For more information on this week’s episode, visit...
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The facts on hiring people with criminal histories, Taiwan's election, how to deal with the Houthis.
What the evidence says about hiring people with criminal histories; what to expect after Taiwan's election; preventing presidential coups; how stackable credentials can help low-income students; and why diplomacy is needed to fully address the Houthi threat. For more information on this week’s...
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The cost of care for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, how climate change could affect elections, planning for Ukraine's recovery.
Estimating the costs of treating patients hospitalized with COVID-19; preparing for climate change risks to the 2024 elections; the problem with "crime-free housing" policies; and how to ensure a successful and secure recovery in Ukraine. For more information on this week’s episode, visit...
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The trouble with a cease-fire in Gaza, what Americans think of veterans and the military, tropical cyclones.
Unintended consequences of a cease-fire in Gaza; what the war in Ukraine is costing Russia; public perceptions of veterans and military service; how many people are affected by tropical cyclones; and tips for countering “Truth Decay” in an election year. For more information on this week’s…
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Looking back at the big policy stories of 2023.
The Israel-Hamas war; the consequences of America's opioid crisis; deterring Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific; planning for the effects of climate change. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Can psychedelic-assisted therapies help veterans with PTSD?
Rajeev Ramchand, codirector of the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute, joins us for a discussion on the use of psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat conditions such as PTSD and depression. What do we know about the potential benefits and risks of these treatments? And what...
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How economics might lead to peace in Gaza, the link between climate change and conflict, "crime-free housing" policies.
Economics could help drive peace in Gaza; how the Israel-Hamas war has upended the terrorist threat matrix; preventing climate-related conflict in the Middle East and Central Asia; the failure of “crime-free housing” policies; and how to create productive police-community dialogues. For more...
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Insights on the Israel-Hamas war, promoting the 988 hotline, the nuclear threat facing South Korea.
Why the Oct. 7 attack wasn't Israel's 9/11; what history tells us about hostage crises; why it’s time to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; and how to strengthen South Korea’s nuclear assurance. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Veterans Day: Supporting those who served
Could psychedelics become a viable therapy for treating veterans with PTSD or depression? What do we know about food insecurity among veterans? For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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The information war between Israel and Hamas, recreational cannabis, gun violence in America.
How lies and misinformation will play a key role in the Israel-Hamas war; what North Korea might be learning from Hamas; a look at the evidence on how to address America’s gun violence problem; and exploring supply models for recreational cannabis. For more information on this week’s episode…
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What Happens When AI and Gene Editing Come Together?
Two revolutionary technologies, machine learning and gene editing, are converging. This could transform how diseases are treated, how crops are grown, how wars are fought, and much more. RAND Europe research leader Sana Zakaria and RAND senior research engineer Timothy Marler join us to discuss...
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Expert insights on the Israel-Hamas war.
This week, we break down what RAND researchers have to say about the Israel-Hamas war, including the challenges of an Israeli ground invasion, preventing civilian casualties, and Iran’s and North Korea’s potential involvement. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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The risk of escalation in Ukraine, estimating disaster recovery costs, detecting deepfakes.
Scenarios that could lead to escalation of Russia’s war in Ukraine; how much is “enough” for U.S. nuclear forces; why it’s so difficult to estimate the costs of recovery from natural disasters; and the importance of education to help people detect deepfakes online. For more information on this...
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Exposure to Trauma in the Intelligence and Law Enforcement Communities
In this special episode, host Evan Banks sits down with RAND researchers Heather Williams and Richard (Dic) Donohue. Williams, a former intelligence officer, and Donohue, a former police sergeant, recount their personal experiences with trauma and traumatic stress. They also discuss the work they...
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'All work and no pay’ for teachers, the costs of insomnia, connections between wildfires and food insecurity.
Most of America’s teachers feel overworked and underpaid; why insomnia is a multibillion-dollar problem; helping overworked public defenders; why the United States and Israel may be on parallel paths; and how food insecurity and wildfire risk are connected. For more information on this week’s...
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Preparing for a Future with More Flooding
RAND experts Michelle Miro and Krista Romita Grocholski join us to discuss the growing problem of flooding in the United States. They recently published a paper that examines this issue in the Mid-Atlantic region, where extreme precipitation has led to flooding nearly every season since 2018....
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Why Ukraine isn’t like World War I, an alternative to student loans, the tech “Cold War.”
Why comparing the war in Ukraine to World War I is misleading; income share agreements as an alternative to student loans; the U.S.-China race for technological supremacy; and how India is edging out China in South Asia. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Maui’s wildfires, regulating artificial intelligence, New York City’s housing crisis.
Invisible damage from the Maui wildfires; improving the safety of America’s AI industry; Ukraine’s civilian resistance; and how to increase housing affordability in New York City. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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Russia’s private military contractors, Truth Decay and national security, stackable college credit.
Undermining Russia’s private military contractors; what nighttime lighting reveals about China's efforts to imprison Tibetans; how “Truth Decay” is damaging U.S. national security; and the stackable credential movement. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.
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U.S. and allied defense strategy, supporting Ukrainian refugees, the mental health crisis in U.S. jails.
How to reverse the erosion of U.S. and allied power and influence; Washington's concerns over Taiwan’s defense spending; why European host countries shouldn’t treat Ukrainian refugees like short-term visitors; and addressing the mental health crisis in U.S. jails. For more information on this...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Policy Currents podcast highlights new research findings, commentary, multimedia, and events from RAND. Hosted by Evan Banks and Deanna Lee, with new episodes every Friday.
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Policy Currents currently has 267 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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The Policy Currents podcast highlights new research findings, commentary, multimedia, and events from RAND. Hosted by Evan Banks and Deanna Lee, with new episodes every Friday.
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Policy Currents publishes regularly with 267 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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