RAND National Security Research Division

RAND’s National Security Research Division (NSRD) advances understanding of the world’s most pressing security threats and develops policies and strategies to help mitigate and defend against those threats.

Objective, fact-based, and data-driven research

Averting Great-Power War

NSRD conducts research across multiple disciplines to inform U.S. government policy decisions on critical challenges such as military technology competition, nuclear strategy and posture, and the economic and trade implications of geostrategic competition.

National Security Implications of Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, 5G, and quantum computing are reshaping the security environment. NSRD assesses the value of and threats associated with emerging technologies through the work of its deep bench of experts across engineering, technology, and policy disciplines.

A Strong and Ready Joint Force

Decades of defense analyses by the Personnel, Readiness, and Health Program program have helped civilian and uniformed DoD leaders manage recruiting and retention crises, transition to an all-volunteer force, execute the post–Cold War drawdown and post–9/11 buildup, and refresh practices around talent management, force readiness, and harmful behaviors.

Optimizing Allied and Partner Relationships

NSRD’s body of work on alliances helps decisionmakers understand the need for and impact of collaborative efforts to tackle global threats, the benefits and risks of technological collaboration partnerships, and the ways that allied and partner forces can enhance military operational effectiveness in multiple areas of operation.

Research & Commentary

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Insights From Our Experts

National Security Up Front

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Research Programs

Special Initiatives

Recent Events

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Recent Sponsors & Partners

RAND National Security Research Division works with a range of sponsors...

Work with Us
  • Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
  • Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
  • Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
  • DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO)
  • DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO)
  • Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE)
  • Office of Net Assessment (ONA)
  • Defense Agencies: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)
  • Allies and Partners: Japan and South Korea
  • Department of State
  • Department of Commerce
  • U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff
  • U.S. Combatant Commands
  • Office of the Secretary of Defense, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation
  • U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Net Assessment
  • U.S. Department of State
  • Office of the Director of National Intelligence
  • U.S. Navy
  • U.S. Marine Corps
  • Defense Health Agency
  • Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Personnel & Readiness