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Research Spotlight

Cover: U.S. Global Defense Posture, 1783–2011

U.S. Global Defense Posture, 1783–2011 — January 2013

Debates over the U.S. global defense posture are not new. As policymakers today evaluate the U.S. forward military presence, it is important that they understand how and why the U.S. global posture has changed in the past. This historical overview has important implications for current policy and future efforts to develop an American military strategy, in particular the scope, size, and type of military presence overseas. As new and unpredictable threats emerge, alliance relationships are revised, and resources decline, past efforts at dealing with similar problems yield important lessons for future decisions.

Natalie Crawford Honored with the Thomas D. White National Defense Award — Feb 12, 2013

The United States Air Force Academy has selected Senior Fellow Natalie Crawford as this year's recipient of the Thomas D. White National Defense Award, citing her long-term support of the Academy and her instrumental role in establishing an important and enduring relationship between RAND and the Academy.

Intelsat Crash a Setback for Space Lift Competition — Feb 12, 2013

Sea Launch's recent failure means more than just a lost payload and revenue for Intelsat: It means the status quo for launch services will continue for a while longer, write Dave Baiocchi and William Welser.

A Cybercrisis Is Inevitable — and Manageable — Jan 9, 2013

The United States can manage a cybercrisis by taking steps to reduce the incentives for other states to step into crisis, by controlling the narrative, understanding the stability parameters of the crises, and trying to manage escalation if conflicts arise.

Expect More Drone Use Like Recent Israeli Episode — Oct 11, 2012

Practically any country that aspires to an indigenous aviation industry (as most countries do, even if only for national pride) has a reasonably capable, medium-altitude unmanned drone system in development or flying already, writes Ted Harshberger. Many of these are far less careful and restrictive in their export policies than are the United States and its key allies.

The Egyptian Military Wins Again — Jun 22, 2012

The Muslim Brotherhood now faces a choice. It can seat Mursi and continue to legitimate a post-Mubarak transition that seems designed to advance the narrow interests of Egypt's officer corps. Or it can return to the streets with the aim of unseating the military council, writes Jeff Martini.

The Path to the Right Active/Reserve Mix — Apr 18, 2012

One of the most consequential and contentious issues Air Force leadership faces is determining the active-reserve mix that meets multiple national security objectives at the lowest cost. Al Robbert, a senior policy researcher at RAND, addresses issues raised in Foreignpolicy.com concerning a forthcoming PAF report. PAF’s analysis finds that the cost-minimizing mix of active and reserve flying units is related to the intensity of ongoing operational demands and the capacity of active and reserve fleets to meet those demands.

Plan to Cut Air Guard Puts Costs in Spotlight—Ongoing PAF Study Cited — Mar 26, 2012

The Wall Street Journal interviewed RAND senior policy analyst Al Robbert about his findings from an ongoing analysis of the relative costs of active component and reserve component flying units.

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