We discuss insights from RAND experts on Iran, Iraq, and the death of Soleimani; plus new RAND research on Russia’s hostile measures and mental health units in jails. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.

We discuss the killing of Iranian Major General Qassim Suleimani; what Kim Jong Un’s latest threat means; where to direct opioid settlement funds to save lives; Russia’s new hypersonic weapon; one RAND expert’s thoughts on improving education; and strategies to fend off the winter blues. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.

We discuss RAND’s top research projects from the year: how “Medicare for All” might affect health care spending in the U.S.; the diminishing role of facts and analysis in American public life; encouraging more women to stay in the Coast Guard; transparency in health care prices; and ways the U.S. can exploit Russia’s weaknesses. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.

We discuss new data on where and how Americans get their news; whether Iran’s domestic turmoil will affect its foreign policy; how Louisiana is reforming its education system; countering Russia in the “gray zone”; and one promising approach to improving maternal and child health in poor countries. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.

We discuss steps the Trump administration can take to prevent an escalation of violence in Hong Kong; Russia’s limits in the Middle East; a new tool to reduce crime in Chicago; what to do about bias in algorithms; U.S. options to help the Iranian people; and factors associated with getting a medical marijuana card. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.

We discuss what would happen if Americans could buy into Medicare at 50; tips to help voters assess climate change plans; the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant superbugs; whether Iraqi protests will affect Iranian influence; and Vietnam’s approach in the South China Sea. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.

We discuss what’s being done to fight disinformation online; the unintended consequences of policies that punish pregnant women for drug use; the crucial intelligence-sharing pact between South Korea and Japan; the importance of public trust in artificial intelligence; helping victims after man-made disasters; and why it’s time to prepare for a future Alzheimer’s treatment. For more information on this week's episode, visit rand.org/podcast.

We discuss the pressing problem of veteran suicide; how increasing physical activity could boost the global economy; helping people return from prison; what happens when geopolitics and the Fortune 500 collide; and how artificial intelligence could optimize military deception. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.

We discuss violent white supremacy in the United States one year after the Pittsburgh synagogue attack; the risks of shutting off the power to prevent wildfires in California; how to resolve the Hong Kong crisis; why Americans may not be too busy to exercise; what led Russia to intervene in Syria; and dealing with crime on the dark web. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.

We discuss the effects of the abrupt U.S. withdrawal from Syria; how drones could help get blood to soldiers who need it; insights on climate policy; a historical look at impeachment; how U.S. pressure on China can weaken North Korea; and an alternative to zero-tolerance discipline in schools. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.