The State of the Union, China’s spy balloon, mental health first aid training.

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 rand.org/podcast.

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.

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 rand.org/podcast.

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, visit rand.org/podcast.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 youth suicide risk. For more information on this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.

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 this week’s episode, visit rand.org/podcast.