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The effects of artificial intelligence, pretrial mental health diversion, U.S. climate policy.

Policy Minded

Release Date: 10/04/2024

Supporting America's Veterans: A Conversation with Carrie Farmer show art Supporting America's Veterans: A Conversation with Carrie Farmer

Policy Minded

In this Veterans Day episode, RAND's Carrie Farmer discusses some of the key issues facing those who served—from finding civilian jobs to accessing high‑quality health care. Farmer breaks down what's working, what's not, and the policy changes that could make a meaningful difference.

info_outline Critical Condition: How to Save the ER show art Critical Condition: How to Save the ER

Policy Minded

Long waits, sicker patients, shrinking payments—America's emergency departments are under strain. And without policy action, many could close their doors. Mahshid Abir, a RAND policy researcher and a practicing emergency physician, discusses what’s driving this crisis and what it will take to sustain emergency care in the United States.

info_outline 42% of Americans Know Someone Who Died of Overdose show art 42% of Americans Know Someone Who Died of Overdose

Policy Minded

Overdose remains the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44. RAND research shows the staggering reach of this crisis: More than 40 percent of Americans know someone who has died of a drug overdose. RAND's Alison Athey shares what's behind the numbers.

info_outline Is Taiwan Prepared for an Attack by China? show art Is Taiwan Prepared for an Attack by China?

Policy Minded

Is Taiwan prepared for a blockade, missile strikes, or even an invasion by China? The answer goes beyond military strength—civilian resilience is a crucial part of Taiwan’s national security. RAND’s Marta Kepe and Scott Harold break down the strengths and weaknesses of Taiwan’s civilian resilience efforts, highlighting the public’s role in preparing for and defending against aggression by China.

info_outline Improving School Safety: What the Evidence Says show art Improving School Safety: What the Evidence Says

Policy Minded

What are the biggest safety issues facing schools today? What might help schools respond to social media threats more effectively? Do teachers feel secure in their classrooms? RAND experts Pauline Moore and Brian Jackson tackle these questions and more, sharing practical insights from their research on creating safer school environments.

info_outline How AGI Could Reshape National Security show art How AGI Could Reshape National Security

Policy Minded

How might the emergence of artificial general intelligence (AGI) reshape global security? RAND experts explore the uncertain future of AGI and identify five major security challenges it could bring—from new “wonder weapons” to sweeping shifts in the balance of global power.

info_outline Why Is It So Expensive to Build Apartments in California? show art Why Is It So Expensive to Build Apartments in California?

Policy Minded

RAND research finds that building multifamily housing in California costs more than twice what it costs in Texas. What's driving these high costs? How might California address its housing crisis? And what can other states learn?

info_outline How to Prevent Catastrophe in Outer Space show art How to Prevent Catastrophe in Outer Space

Policy Minded

Space is becoming more congested, contested, and competitive. This poses serious risks—from satellites colliding to a major conflict breaking out. How can humanity prevent such a disaster? RAND's Bruce McClintock and Douglas Ligor discuss the need for international space traffic management.

info_outline What Is the U.S. Doing to Counter China in the Indo-Pacific? show art What Is the U.S. Doing to Counter China in the Indo-Pacific?

Policy Minded

RAND’s Kristen Gunness breaks down U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific. She discusses Washington's efforts to increase U.S. basing and access in the region, what actions might trigger a response from China, and the possibility that Beijing could impose a quarantine of Taiwan.

info_outline Decoding Dementia: What You Need to Know show art Decoding Dementia: What You Need to Know

Policy Minded

Nearly 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. And an estimated 12 million have mild cognitive impairment, which may be a sign of Alzheimer's or other dementias. RAND's Peter Hudomiet and Jodi Liu discuss the risk factors—and why early detection is so important.

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More Episodes

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.