Jennifer D. P. Moroney

@jdpmoroney on Twitter

Senior Political Scientist

Washington Office

Education

Ph.D. in international relations, University of Kent at Canterbury, England; M.A. in European integration, University of Limerick, Ireland; B.A. in political science and history, Frostburg State University

One Page Bio

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Jennifer Moroney is a senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation and manages many of RAND's security cooperation–related projects for U.S. Department of Defense clients. She currently serves as the comanager of RAND's institutional capacity building/assessment, monitoring, and evaluation work, and as RAND United States' lead for AUKUS. Moroney served on the Defense Science Board summer 2020 study program. From 2014 to 2019, she served as the inaugural director of RAND Australia in Canberra. She was the primary point of contact with clients and local Australian partners and was RAND's senior representative in Australia. Before going to Australia, Moroney served as the director of the Defense and Political Sciences Department at RAND in the United States and as the associate director of the strategy and doctrine program in RAND Project AIR FORCE. She specializes in European and Eurasian security and capacity building, security cooperation strategy and evaluation, collaborating with allies in third countries, and operational analyses and lessons. Moroney received her Ph.D. in international relations (focusing on Ukraine's security and defense) at the University of Kent at Canterbury, United Kingdom, and her M.A. from the University of Limerick, Ireland.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

Assessment of the consolidation of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP)
Countering violent extremism in Australia and abroad: a framework for characterising CVE programs in Australia, the United States, and Europe
A New Approach to Security and Justice Sector Assistance: An Enhanced Partnership Planning Model
What Works Best When Building Partner Capacity in Challenging Contexts?
Lessons from Department of Defense Disaster Relief Efforts in the Asia-Pacific Region

Recent Media Appearances

Interviews: Eurasia Daily Monitor

Commentary: The Hill; International Herald Tribune; United Press International; U.S. News & World Report

Commentary

Security Cooperation

Making AUKUS Work
In September 2021, President Biden announced the creation of AUKUS, a trilateral, experimental arrangement among the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom focused on defense technology. The barriers to success are numerous but the partnership could offer significant opportunities.
Mar 22, 2022
The RAND Blog
Oceania

America's Strategy in Oceania: Time for a Better Approach
China has moved in earnest to engage with Oceania, while the United States is vying to get a toehold in the region. To develop an effective strategy for engaging there, Washington could seek guidance from key allies to better understand their experience, lessons, and efforts already underway.
Jul 19, 2021
War on the Rocks
Security Cooperation

Australian and U.S. Military Health Professionals Can Help Address Pacific Island Needs
Australia and the United States can combine their military health capabilities to help improve the long-term health security of Pacific island countries. These partnerships should be carefully planned and focus on enduring engagement.
May 5, 2021
The Strategist
Security Cooperation

The Indo-Pacific Contest: It Could be Time for Fresh Ideas on Allied Security Cooperation
U.S. and Australian interests in the Pacific and Southeast Asia face unprecedented challenges from China, and Australia may not be able to handle them on its own. Momentum is growing for heightened cooperation between Australia and the United States.
Jul 8, 2020
Pacific Forum
Reforming Security Assistance: Why the State Department Can't Lead from Behind
The reforms in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act are driving the Department of Defense to improve security cooperation planning. Similar reforms for the State Department could help leaders there more effectively communicate the value of security assistance and maintain their traditional leadership role.
Sep 5, 2018
The Hill
Disaster Recovery Operations

Nepal Earthquake Response Shows Need for Better International Planning
The U.S. provided supplies after the earthquake in Nepal, but they piled up at points of delivery because Nepalese customs authorities insisted that standard inspections be followed, even in an emergency situation. These kinds of bureaucratic challenges can be more easily overcome if they are identified and addressed before crises arise.
May 7, 2015
U.S. News & World Report
Ukraine

4 Ways the U.S. Can Do More for Ukraine
In the face of Russian military advances in Crimea, Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to the strife-ravaged Eastern European nation is the kind of high-level diplomatic engagement that is needed to reassure Kiev that the West is on its side.
Mar 4, 2014
U.S. News & World Report
Disaster Recovery Operations

Responding in Typhoon Haiyan's Wake
Prior responses to other recent disasters offer important lessons. Improved preparedness and efficient coordination mechanisms can help ensure that, when time is of the essence, the United States provides the most effective response.
Nov 12, 2013
U.S. News & World Report
The Challenge of Ukraine's European Integration
Published commentary by RAND staff: The Challenge of Ukraine's European Integration in United Press International.
Dec 13, 2005
United Press International
How to Help Yushchenko
Published commentary by RAND staff.
May 6, 2005
International Herald Tribune
Spreading Democracy in Ukraine
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Feb 15, 2005
The Hill

Publications

Report
U.S. Major Combat Operations in the Indo-Pacific: Partner and Ally Views
This report, one of two, focuses on whether partners and allies have the willingness to support U.S. operations in a major Indo-Pacific conflict. The companion report focuses on technical and operational issues.
May 16, 2023
Report
Pathways to Russian Escalation Against NATO from the Ukraine War
The potential for Russia to escalate the ongoing war in Ukraine by attacking a U.S. or allied target is a significant concern. This Perspective identifies four potential escalation pathways and accompanying key considerations for U.S. policymakers.
Jul 26, 2022
Report
Security Cooperation in a Strategic Competition
In this study, RAND researchers examined the current role of security cooperation efforts as a tool in the emerging strategic competition among the United States, Russia, and China.
Apr 6, 2022
Report
Competition in the Gray Zone: Countering China's Coercion Against U.S. Allies and Partners in the Indo-Pacific
This report examines how and why China uses gray zone tactics—coercive activities beyond normal diplomacy and trade but below the use of kinetic military force—against U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Mar 30, 2022
Research Brief
A New Framework for Understanding and Countering China's Gray Zone Tactics
This brief presents a framework for understanding how and why China uses gray zone tactics—coercive activities beyond normal diplomacy and trade but below the use of kinetic military force—against U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Mar 30, 2022
Report
Prioritizing Security Cooperation with Highly Capable U.S. Allies: Framing Army-to-Army Partnerships
In this report, researchers present recommendations for enabling the U.S. Army to better prioritize and coordinate its security cooperation activities with its allies for coalition operations and engagements in third countries.
Mar 1, 2022
Multimedia
The U.S. Army's Role in the Pacific Theater: A Panel Discussion with General Charles A. Flynn
General Charles A. Flynn, head of the U.S. Army Pacific, says that the nation's land force provides two distinct values in a maritime region: (1) supporting allies and partners and (2) providing enabling capabilities to the Joint Force.
Dec 6, 2021
Report
Regional Responses to U.S.-China Competition in the Indo-Pacific: Australia and New Zealand
In this report, the authors assess the perspectives of Australia and New Zealand as they implement their responses to China's more assertive foreign and security policy behavior in the Indo-Pacific and to a more competitive U.S.-China relationship.
Dec 17, 2020
Report
Defense Security Cooperation University Expert Course of Instruction: Content, Design, Implementation
To develop an expert-level course of instruction for military and civilian security cooperation professionals, the authors of this report identify the needed knowledge and skills and the pedagogical methods that best cultivate them.
Dec 1, 2020
Report
Regional Responses to U.S.-China Competition in the Indo-Pacific: Study Overview and Conclusions
The authors define U.S.-China competition for influence and assess competition in nine countries across the Indo-Pacific to gain insight into how the United States could work more effectively with allies and partners in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Nov 12, 2020
Research Brief
U.S. Versus Chinese Powers of Persuasion: Does the United States or China Have More Influence in the Indo-Pacific Region?
This brief assesses U.S.-China competition for influence in countries across the Indo-Pacific.
Nov 12, 2020
Report
International Postdisaster Recoveries: Lessons for Puerto Rico on Supply-Chain Management and Recovery Governance
The authors analyze supply-chain management and recovery governance in four disaster-ridden countries. Research was conducted in Puerto Rico to assess recovery after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, recommend restorative measures, and improve resilience.
Sep 30, 2020
Report
Designing a Capability Development Framework for Home Affairs
Australia's Department of Home Affairs is seeking to establish an auditable, transparent and evidence-based approach to capability lifecycle management. The authors of this report describe a principles-based model to meet the department's needs.
Jun 24, 2019
Report
Countering Violent Extremism in Australia and Abroad: A Framework for Characterising CVE Programs in Australia, the United States, and Europe
This report documents an effort to help countering violent extremism (CVE) program directors and policymakers place their efforts in context and identify promising approaches internationally.
Apr 4, 2019
Report
Factoring Security Cooperation into Core U.S. Air Force Decisionmaking Processes: Incorporating Impact in Planning, Programming, and Capability Development
This report reviews two core U.S. Air Force decisionmaking processes to determine the extent to which decisionmakers consider security cooperation impact and to recommend ways to make such considerations systematic and explicit.
Apr 19, 2018
Report
Assessment of the Consolidation of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP)
RAND conducted an analysis of the effectiveness and efficiency of Australia's newly integrated Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Sep 14, 2016
Report
Look East, Cross Black Waters: India's Interest in Southeast Asia
India's core goals for Southeast Asia largely match those of the United States, but America should not expect India to join any coalition to balance against China. Instead, the United States should work on cultivating long-term relations.
Oct 22, 2015
Report
A Building Partner Capacity Assessment Framework: Tracking Inputs, Outputs, Outcomes, Disrupters, and Workarounds
This report presents a framework intended to help with planning for building partner capacity events, monitoring progress while the effort is in progress, and assessing results.
Aug 21, 2015
Report
What Works Best When Building Partner Capacity in Challenging Contexts?
This report explores what the United States can do in challenging capacity-building contexts to maximize prospects for success, focusing on potential challenges and workarounds and deriving recommendations for future engagements.
Aug 21, 2015
Research Brief
A New Approach to Security and Justice Sector Assistance: An Enhanced Partnership Planning Model
RAND researchers examined ways to reshape security and justice sector assistance programs, and designed a new approach -- an Enhanced Partnership Planning Model that can be tailored to partner-nation needs and particular U.S. strategic interests.
May 14, 2014
Report
New Security and Justice Sector Partnership Models: Implications of the Arab Uprisings
RAND researchers analyzed partnership models that could help implement recent policy guidance to strengthen security sector assistance and promote reform in the Middle East and North Africa.
May 14, 2014
Report
Review of Security Cooperation Mechanisms Combatant Commands Utilize to Build Partner Capacity
Security cooperation is an important instrument of the U.S. government for advancing national security objectives vis-à-vis partner countries. RAND examined and evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of select mechanisms for capacity-building.
Nov 22, 2013
Report
Lessons from Department of Defense Disaster Relief Efforts in the Asia-Pacific Region
This study analyzes recent humanitarian assistance/disaster response operations in Burma, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Japan, and identifies lessons that can be used to improve the Department of Defense's international disaster relief capabilities.
Jul 31, 2013
Report
What Works Best When Building Partner Capacity and Under What Circumstances?
A RAND study collected and compared 20 years of data on 29 historical case studies to identify how the U.S. Department of Defense can increase the effectiveness of efforts to build partner security and military capacity.
Jan 28, 2013
Report
Working with Allies and Partners: A Cost-Based Analysis of U.S. Air Forces in Europe
This report characterizes the current policy debate on security cooperation and force posture in Europe, develops a framework to describe the environment for the U.S. Air Force there, and defines alternatives for building partnerships.
Nov 8, 2012
Report
Optimizing the Defense Language Institute English Language Center
Presents an assessment of the Defense Language Institute English Language Center (DLIELC), which trains foreign nationals in English prior to their attending U.S. military education and training courses.
Aug 30, 2012
Research Brief
Building Partner Country Capacity for Stability Operations
Helps to develop an integrated strategy for building partner capacity for stability operations through an analysis of key strategic elements within the context of BPC and stability operations guidance as well as ongoing security cooperation programs.
Dec 16, 2011
Report
Lessons from U.S. Allies in Security Cooperation with Third Countries: The Cases of Australia, France, and the United Kingdom
Security cooperation is not unique to the United States, and when interests coincide, joint efforts and lesson-sharing are beneficial.
Oct 5, 2011
Report
Integrating the Full Range of Security Cooperation Programs into Air Force Planning: An Analytic Primer
Supplies Air Force planners with information about resources for security cooperation, the rules that govern their use, and their application methods.
Sep 29, 2011
Report
Assessing the U.S. Air Force Unified Engagement Building Partnerships Seminars
Using RAND’s security cooperation framework, RAND assessed the U.S. Air Force’s Building Partnerships Seminars to enhance program objectives and improve cooperation amongst partner-nation air forces.
Sep 27, 2011
Report
How Successful Are U.S. Efforts to Build Capacity in Developing Countries? A Framework to Assess the Global Train and Equip "1206" Program
The Global Train and Equip
Sep 14, 2011
Report
Assessing the Effectiveness of the International Counterproliferation Program
Addressing the threat of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction requires interagency and international cooperation. This report demonstrates how one assessment framework can be applied to security cooperation programs.
Sep 12, 2011
Report
Adding Value to Air Force Management Through Building Partnerships Assessment
Evaluates existing Air Force capacity to conduct assessments of its security cooperation and building partnerships programs, makes the case for improving assessment efforts, and describes a framework for doing so.
Dec 17, 2010
Report
Developing an Army Strategy for Building Partner Capacity for Stability Operations
Helps to develop an integrated strategy for building partner capacity for stability operations through an analysis of key strategic elements within the context of BPC and stability operations guidance as well as ongoing security cooperation programs.
May 14, 2010
Report
Security Cooperation Organizations in the Country Team: Options for Success
Examines options for improving current Defense Department security cooperation organization and practices at the country team level, particularly in countries that are threatened by insecurity or instability.
Mar 5, 2010
Report
Developing an Assessment Framework for U.S. Air Force Building Partnerships Programs
Working with allies in a security cooperation context to build their defense capacity, acquire or maintain access to their territory for potential operations, and strengthen relationships with their air forces is a valuable U.S. Air Force activity.
Feb 2, 2010
Report
Preparing and Training for the Full Spectrum of Military Challenges: Insights from the Experiences of China, France, the United Kingdom, India, and Israel
The authors examine the militaries of China, France, the UK, India, and Israel to identify different approaches to readiness, adaptability, and operational issues in the context of full-spectrum operations and deployments.
Dec 14, 2009
Report
A Framework to Assess Programs for Building Partnerships
Lays out a framework for assessing Department of Defense security cooperation activities, based on themes from a 2008 RAND workshop.
Mar 20, 2009
Report
International Cooperation with Partner Air Forces
Some important U.S. goals include maintaining international cooperation with partner countries, devising programs to satisfy U.S. strategic imperatives for a region, and enhancing the security of partner countries.
Mar 20, 2009
Research Brief
Developing a Process to Build Partner Capacity for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction
Summarizes a project that examines how the United States can better coordinate its approach to enhance partners' border security, detection, and interdiction capacity to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Feb 26, 2009
Report
Building Partner Capacity to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction
Outlines and then applies a four-step process for developing regional approaches to building partner capacity (BPC) to combat weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Feb 24, 2009
Report
Department of Defense Training for Operations with Interagency, Multinational, and Coalition Partners
"Integrated operations" require the U.S. military to work with other government agencies, organizations, and foreign militaries. Current headquarter-staff training needs to be revamped to focus on high-priority tasks.
Aug 1, 2008
Research Brief
Flexibility and Sensitivity to Local Concerns Are Crucial to Long-Term U.S. Security Relationships with Iraq and Afghanistan
This research brief discusses long-term U.S. security relationships with Iraq, Afghanistan, and the surrounding regions.
Jul 10, 2008
Report
Future U.S. Security Relationships with Iraq and Afghanistan: U.S. Air Force Roles
Frames potential long-term U.S. security relationships with Iraq and Afghanistan in a regional context and posits roles of U.S. forces, especially the Air Force, in supporting these relationships under a variety of contingencies.
Jun 17, 2008
Research Brief
Ungoverned Territories: A Unique Front in the War on Terrorism
This research brief describes a RAND Project AIR FORCE study of the factors that give rise to ungoverned territories and make some of them conducive to terrorists and insurgents.
Aug 7, 2007
Report
A Capabilities-Based Strategy for Army Security Cooperation
In the context of multinational force compatibility, this report defines the Niche Capability Planning Framework, which is intended to guide and focus the U.S. Army's long-term compatibility investments with partner armies of varying capabilities.
Jul 31, 2007
Report
Ungoverned Territories: Understanding and Reducing Terrorism Risks
Examines the sources and types of ungoverned territories and the security challenges that they present and proposes mitigating strategies.
Jul 22, 2007
Report
Assessing the Value of U.S. Army International Activities
This report presents a framework for assessing the value of the Army's non-combat interactions with other militaries within the context of the U.S. government's current strategy for security cooperation.
Aug 11, 2006