Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Nov. 20, 2025
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Deterring China: Can Economic Sanctions Help?
The United States and its allies are focused on deterring China from attacking Taiwan. Sanctions and other restrictive economic measures are one part of their deterrence toolkit. How effective could such tactics be?
A new RAND report explores a hypothetical scenario in which a blockade or invasion of Taiwan appears imminent--and considers how the United States and its allies might respond by applying economic pressure on China.
The authors conclude that, for maximum effectiveness, U.S.-led sanctions against China will need the backing of America's allies and partners. Coordination and planning with the private sector will also be key; after all, businesses do not always act as governments would want.
But sanctions alone won't be enough. The most effective deterrence strategy will combine multiple tools, including diplomacy, international law, and strong and unified messaging. Most importantly, our researchers write, visible and credible military preparations should make clear that an attack on Taiwan would be "a difficult fight."
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Helping West Virginians Train for the Jobs of the Future
West Virginia has the lowest labor-force participation rate and one of the highest poverty rates in the nation. It's also facing a severe worker shortage. A new study, the first from the RAND Rural America Partnership, explores how technical education and work-based learning programs could turn those trends around. When implemented strategically, these approaches can help young people build skills for high-demand, high-wage jobs--while boosting the state's economy and improving West Virginians' well-being.
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Ukrainians: Resilient and More Confident
On a recent visit to Ukraine, RAND's William Courtney met with political leaders and analysts for insights into the country's morale as the war with Russia drags on. His takeaway: Ukrainians remain confident, resilient, and determined to fight. Courtney says they possess "a grit perhaps akin to that of Londoners" during the Blitz. But victory won't come easily, he says, and like the British, Ukrainians can't do it alone.
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** RAND Recommends
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- A recent RAND Europe study considers whether more British and French nuclear cooperation could help deter future Russian aggression.
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- This case study of Arizona's Education Savings Account program offers lessons for policymakers in other states.
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- China is on track to go to the moon by 2030. RAND Europe's Marissa Martin explains what we know about the mission and why it matters.
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** Events
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How Can the UK Better Support Its Young People?
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (Online)
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