A RAND Initiative to Restore the Role of Facts and Analysis in Public Life
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RAND defines “Truth Decay” as the diminishing role of facts and analysis in American public life. This phenomenon has taken hold over the last two decades, eroding civil discourse, causing political paralysis, and leading to general uncertainty around what's true and what isn't.
While there are previous eras in American history—during the Vietnam War, for example—that resemble what's going on today, one thing makes our current Truth Decay moment different: growing disagreement about objective facts.
Read more about Truth DecayThe RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest.
Philanthropic contributions support our ability to take the long view, tackle tough and often-controversial topics, and share our findings in innovative and compelling ways.
RAND's research findings and recommendations are based on data and evidence and therefore do not necessarily reflect the policy preferences or interests of its clients, donors, or supporters.
Funding for this research initiative was provided by unrestricted gifts from RAND supporters and income from operations.
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Truth Decay and National Security
Truth Decay—the declining role of facts in American public life—creates national security vulnerabilities, including by making the United States more susceptible to foreign influence. What can be done to mitigate such risks?
Apr 12, 2023