The RAND Corporation, known simply as RAND, is an American think tank and research institute that specializes in global policy and public sector consulting. Engaging in research and development across various fields, RAND has played a significant role in shaping U.S. policy decisions since the 1950s, including issues such as the Cold War space race, Vietnam War, U.S. Soviet nuclear arms tension, the Great Society social welfare programs, and national healthcare.
Originally launched as "Project RAND" in the aftermath of World War II, the U.S. Air Force initiated it to explore long-range weapon planning, with the Douglas Aircraft Company researching intercontinental warfare. Over time, Project RAND evolved into the RAND Corporation, broadening its focus to include civilian areas like education and international relations, becoming the first organization commonly referred to as a "think tank."
RAND is funded through a mix of public and private sources, including the U.S. government, private endowments, corporations, universities, charitable foundations, state and local governments, and international organizations, with a small portion from foreign governments.
