Aaron B. Frank

Aaron B. Frank is a Senior Information Scientist and Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy, RAND Corporation. His work integrates computational methods with social science to tackle pressing national security and policy challenges.

His research interests lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence, modeling and simulation, wargaming, and policy analysis. He focuses on understanding uncertainty, decision-making under complexity, and the role of models in mediating data and theory. His methodological toolkit includes agent-based modeling, game theory, and qualitative case studies, applied to issues such as military strategy, social movements, and organizational behavior.

The recent body of his published research demonstrates a consistent focus on strategic competition, particularly U.S.-China dynamics, the application and limitations of AI in military contexts, deterrence in the age of autonomous systems, and the modeling of 'will to fight' at both national and unit levels. His work often addresses how data science and advanced computing can improve decision support for defense and intelligence leaders.

Selected Scientific Contributions:

• Leading the Global Competitive Analysis (GCA) Consortium at RAND.
• Contributing to multiple DARPA programs on advanced research methodologies.
• Developing models for national and military unit 'will to fight'.
• Participating in the inaugural cohort of RAND's Global Scholars Program on complex adaptive systems.

Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, his leadership roles in major research consortia and programs indicate significant experience mentoring junior researchers and managing large-scale research grants, particularly from defense and intelligence agencies like DARPA and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Labs and Teams: He is a core member of RAND’s research teams focused on national security, artificial intelligence, and complex systems. His work with the GCA Consortium and DARPA suggests leadership in interdisciplinary teams combining data scientists, policy analysts, and domain experts in military affairs.