Back to School: Three Big Challenges

Roughly 200,000 service members leave the U.S. military each year. For many, the next step is finding a civilian job. But what happens after that? On this Veterans Day episode, RAND economist Lisa Abraham discusses how the earnings of veterans and non-veterans compare over time.

AI could help humans speed up cancer research. But it could also help bad actors create bioweapons. RAND's Steph Guerra breaks down a layered strategy to mitigate such risks while preserving legitimate scientific progress.

The race to artificial general intelligence, or AGI, is often framed as a winner-takes-all contest. But RAND's David Frelinger and Karl Mueller argue that, as the United States runs this race against China, it must focus on avoiding disaster along the way. They propose an "AGI Rideout" strategy aimed at preventing conflict, building resilience, and navigating the risks of advanced AI.

As a new school year starts up, America's schools are grappling with many tough challenges—from AI in the classroom to cell phone bans to chronic absenteeism. Heather Schwartz, vice president and director of RAND Education, Employment, and Infrastructure, discusses what these trends mean for teachers, students, and parents.

Disasters are becoming more frequent, more severe, and more costly. This only intensifies the already difficult challenges facing America's emergency managers. RAND's Jessica Jensen and Glen Woodbury discuss how AI tools could help these professionals save lives, protect property, and reduce harm to communities.

If China appeared ready to attack Taiwan, could economic pressure help stop a conflict before it starts? RAND's Howard Shatz and Naoko Aoki discuss how sanctions and other economic tools could influence Beijing's calculus and where they might face limitations.

What will it really take to win in the AI age? RAND's Michael Mazarr says the answer goes beyond chips, models, and data centers. The nations that thrive may be the ones best able to handle AI's social shocks—and turn disruption into advantage.

Some federal and state leaders are rethinking psychedelics. RAND's Beau Kilmer breaks down what we know—and don't know—about psychedelics in America.

Millions of "disconnected" young Americans are out of school, out of work, and not in career training. RAND's Jennie Wenger and Stephanie Bonds discuss who these young people are, the factors that can predict their disconnection, and what it will take to help them thrive.

Young people are increasingly turning to AI for mental health support—even in moments of crisis. Ryan McBain discusses this trend, the risks it poses, and how AI tools could be made safer for those seeking help.