Policy Matters: Recent Episodes
Rice University's Baker Institute
Policy ideas and perspectives from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy – one of the nation’s leading think tanks.
The Covid-19 pandemic caused huge economic disruption for millions of Americans. Unemployment rose sharply. Many businesses – especially small ones – struggled to stay open. Yet consumer credit scores actually increased during the course of the pandemic. What explains this surprising result? What role did reduced household consumption play? How did government programs impact credit scores? And what will happen as the pandemic eases – and, with it, government relief measures?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Joyce Beebe, Fellow in Public Finance at the Baker Institute and an expert on taxation. She has recently published an issue brief titled “The Curious Case of High Consumer Credit Scores.” It is available on the Baker Institute website.
On May 3, a subway collapse in Mexico City killed 26 people and injured scores of others. The collapse is a heart-breaking human tragedy. But it also raises important questions about Mexico’s approach to infrastructure. What does this disaster tell us about what could be called the culture of maintenance in Mexico? How is it related to budgetary austerity? Is corruption part of the problem? Will the disaster have an impact on upcoming mid-term elections in Mexico?
This episode’s guest is Rodrigo Montes de Oca. He is a research scholar at the Baker Institute Center for the United States and Mexico, with a focus on the rule of law and corruption in Mexico. Montes de Oca is the author of a recent piece on the Mexico City subway collapse. It is available at the Baker Institute website.
In mid-April, President Joe Biden announced that there would be a full withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan by the symbolic date of September 11, 2021—twenty years after the 9/11 terror attacks. Though troop numbers in Afghanistan have declined in recent years, a complete withdrawal of the type described by Biden would be a notable new development in U.S. military strategy. What is the background behind this decision, and how has it been received in D.C.? How should we contextualize Biden’s pronouncement within the broader history of American foreign policymaking?
This episode’s guest is Joe Barnes, the Bonner Means Baker Fellow at the institute and regular Policy Matters host. As an expert and seasoned commentator on U.S. foreign policy, Joe shares his timely perspective on the questions surrounding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Growing numbers of undocumented migrants crossing the Mexico-U.S. border have raised a political firestorm in the United States, with some – particularly Republicans – calling the situation a “crisis.” Polling suggests that handling migration may be a weak spot in President Biden’s otherwise popular agenda. What are the numbers when it comes to undocumented crossings at our southern border? How is Biden’s approach different from Trump’s? Why is immigration reform so difficult in the United States?
This episode has two guests. The first is Dr. Tony Payan, the Francoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies and Director of the Center for the United States and Mexico at the Baker Institute. The second is Ms. Pamela Lizette Cruz. She is a Research Analyst at the Center. Their work on U.S.-Mexican border issues and immigration can be found on the Baker Institute website.
For the past six years, Yemen has been the center of a heated armed conflict between its Saudi and UAE-backed government and the rebel group “Ansar Allah,” more commonly known as the Houthis, leading to countless deaths and internally displaced persons. On top of the global challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, Yemenis are continuing to face dire health crises exacerbated by the war, causing what is widely regarded as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. In the wake of a recent ceasefire proposal by Saudi Arabia, what is the current state of the conflict in Yemen? What are the broader geopolitical dynamics at play between neighboring powers that are fueling this war, and how is the Biden administration approaching this enduring foreign policy issue?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a Fellow in the Baker Institute’s Center for the Middle East. He is a top expert on the geopolitics of the Persian Gulf region who has recently published a number of policy analyses on the conflict in Yemen and other pressing foreign policy questions, all of which are available on the Baker Institute website.
“The times they are a’changing,” however slowly, when it comes to drug policy in the United States. Across the nation, states and municipalities are reassessing often punitive laws governing the use of illicit substances. What has been the human cost of the “war on drugs?” How has it impacted disadvantaged communities? What has been the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on drug use? And what steps should the new Biden Administration do to help foster a more humane and just approach to drug use?
This episode has two guests. The first is Dr. Katharine Neill Harris, the Alfred C. Glassell, III, Fellow in Drug Policy here at the Institute. On March 11, Dr. Neill Harris testified about federal drug policy before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. The second guest is Dr. William Martin, the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Senior Fellow in Religion and Public Policy and Director of the Institute’s Drug Policy Program. Dr. Harris and Dr. Martin have recently co-authored a policy brief titled “Drug Policy Priority Issues for the Biden Administration.” It is available on the Baker Institute website.
In mid-February, a cold weather storm swept much of the United States. In Texas, the result was catastrophic, as skyrocketing electrical demand and plummeting supply led to massive, protracted blackouts across the state. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates most of the state’s electrical grid, has received an avalanche of criticism. What is ERCOT? What factors led to the mid-February blackouts? What can ERCOT and the state of Texas do to avoid similar disasters in the future?
This episode has two guests. The first is Dr. Jim Krane, Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies here at the Baker Institute. He has co-written an article for Forbes entitled “Winterization and the Texas Blackout: Fail to Prepare? Prepare to Fail.” Our second guest is Dr. Julie A. Cohn. She is a Nonresident Scholar at our Center for Energy Studies and authored a piece for the Washington Post called “Texas Seceded from the Nation’s Power Grid. Now It’s Paying the Price.” Both articles are available on the Baker Institute website.
In May 2020, Dr. Caleb McDaniel, the Mary Gibbs Jones Professor of Humanities and current chair of Rice University's History Department, became the first Rice professor to be honored with the Pulitzer Prize. His award-winning book, Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America, chronicles the life of Henrietta Wood, a freed slave who successfully sued one of her former owners. Since receiving the Pulitzer, Dr. McDaniel's book has only become more relevant in the midst of important conversations about racial justice in modern-day America.
This podcast originally took place as an event entitled “Books That Shaped My World,” co-sponsored by Rice's Fondren Library and the Baker Institute, in which Dr. McDaniel was interviewed by Baker Institute Academic Affairs Director Dr. Allen Matusow. The Baker Institute thanks Fondren Library and Dr. McDaniel for making this unique event possible.
President Joe Biden is committed to reversing his predecessor’s restrictive, often punitive approach to immigration. In general terms, how will his policies differ from those of President Donald Trump? What has Biden already done on the immigration front? What are likely new initiatives, particularly as they affect migration from Mexico and Central America? What are the advantages to a regional approach to migration from these countries?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Tony Payan, the Francoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies and Director of the Center for the United States and Mexico at the Baker Institute. He has recently published a piece in The Hill titled “Amid multiple crises, immigration cannot be forgotten” and an institute policy brief called “Linking Immigration, Economic Opportunity, and the Rule of Law in Mexico and Central America.” Both are available on the Baker Institute website.
The Covid-19 pandemic in the United States has led to a sharp increase in cashless transactions. This is part of a broader trend toward electronic payments. What are the advantages of cashless transactions? How will their rise affect poorer households, particularly those which do not use banks and/or rely on alternative financial services? What security and privacy concerns does the shift toward cashless transactions raise? What are the prospects of a transition to an entirely cashless economy?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Joyce Beebe, Fellow in Public Finance at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. She has recently published a piece called “Will Covid-19 Accelerate the Cashless Transition?” It is available on the Baker Institute website.
We are at a dramatic moment in the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States. Even as infections and deaths reach horrifying highs, vaccines are becoming available. What is Operation Warp Speed? How successful has it been in developing vaccines? What vaccines are currently available in the United States? What others are in the pipeline? How is the roll-out going? How long will it be before we return to normalcy?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Fellow in Science and Technology Policy here at the Baker Institute. She has written and spoken extensively on Covid-19 and vaccines for it.
U.S. Federal debt, already at the highest level since World War II, has grown dramatically as Washington has expended huge sums to address plummeting output caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. How sustainable is this debt? What explains the long-term trend toward lower interest rates? What was the picture of wealth and income inequality in the United States on the eve of Covid-19? How will the pandemic affect it?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Jorge Barro, fellow in public finance here at the Baker Institute. His area of research involves the development of dynamic macroeconomic models for fiscal policy evaluation. Barro has recently published pieces on federal debt and on wealth and income inequality. They are available on the Baker Institute website.
Covid-19 has reached global pandemic proportions and has altered our way of life significantly. Starting in China and spreading all across the world, it has exacted an enormous human and financial price. The United States is now facing a health and economic crisis without close parallel in our history. What is the current status of the pandemic in the United States and Texas? Where do we stand with vaccine development and deployment? How will anti-vaccine sentiment impact public health? And what should the Biden Administration’s Covid policy be when it assumes power in January?
This episode's guest is Dr. Peter J. Hotez. He is the Baker Institute Fellow in Disease and Poverty. Dr. Hotez is Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine where he is also Chief of the Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine and the Texas Children's Hospital Endowed Chair of Tropical Pediatrics. He is a nationally renowned expert on infectious diseases and vaccines who has been at the forefront of informing the American public throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Managing its relationship with China is surely the most acute geopolitical challenge facing the United States today. How should we assess the Chinese threat to US interests? Is it likely to increase or decrease with time? What can the United States, by itself and in concert with allies, do to counter China’s play for hegemony in Asia and the Pacific?
This episode’s guests are Gabriel B. Collins and Dr. Andrew Erickson. Collins is the Baker Botts Fellow in Energy & Environmental Regulatory Affairs at the Baker Institute’s Center for Energy Studies. Dr. Erickson is Professor of Strategy at the Naval War College’s China Maritime Institute. They have recently co-authored a Baker Institute report entitled “Hold the Line through 2035: A Strategy to Offset China’s Revisionist Actions and Sustain a Rules-Based Order in the Asia-Pacific.” It is available on the institute website.
Global oil markets are still reeling from the disruptions of the spring – especially the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. How are oil markets handling this turbulence? What is the situation with other energy sources, such as natural gas, coal, and renewables? What impact will a Biden Administration have on the US energy sector? And what can much-maligned international oil companies do to regain public trust?
This episode’s guest is Mark Finley. He is the Fellow in Energy and Global Oil at Rice University's Baker Institute. Mark has 35 years of experience working at the intersections of energy, economics and public policy.
On November 3, Americans elected Joe Biden president by substantial margins in the Electoral College and popular vote. But the political picture elsewhere is less clear. The Senate still hangs in the balance with all eyes on two January runoffs in Georgia. Elsewhere down-ballot, Republicans held their own. Texas Democrats, in particular, had a disappointing night, falling far short of their goals. What are we to make of the murky election results? And what are we to make of the numerous major polling errors around the country?
This episode’s quest is Dr. Mark P. Jones. He is the fellow in political science at the Baker Institute, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies and a professor in the Department of Political Science at Rice University. He is one of the nation’s leading experts on Texas politics.
Education may be a great equalizer when it comes to economic mobility. But reality falls far short of this ideal. One reason: factors outside the school system can have a decisive impact on academic performance, particularly for students from poor households. The Baker Institute recently undertook an in-depth analysis of 80 Harris County schools to determine how these factors – ranging from food insecurity to depression – help shape educational attainment. What do the study’s findings tell us about the needs of less-advantaged students in Harris County? Are these lessons transferrable to the nation at large? And how has the Covid-19 pandemic affected already existing inequalities?
This episode features two guests. The first is Dr. Quianta Moore, Fellow in Child Health Policy at the Baker Institute’s Center for Health and Biosciences. The second is Dr. Christopher Kulesza, Research Analyst in the institute’s Child Health Policy Program. They are co-authors of “Why are Children Underperforming in School? A Comprehensive Needs Assessment of Students in Harris Country.”
On November 3, Americans are going to the polls for one of the most potentially consequential elections of our lifetimes. While much of media focus has been on the contest between President Trump and former Vice President Biden, voters will be casting their ballots in thousands of other races. How will Texans be voting next week? Can Joe Biden actually win the Lone Star State? How will the parties fare in other races? How important—not just for Texas but also for national politics—are the races for the Texas House of Representatives?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Mark P. Jones. He is the fellow in political science at the Baker Institute, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies and a professor in the Department of Political Science at Rice University. He is one of the nation’s leading experts on Texas politics.
Note: this podcast was recorded on October 27.
The May 25 death of George Floyd in police custody triggered one of the most massive series of protests in U.S. history. Around the country, hundreds of thousands have marched for police accountability, law enforcement reform, and a dismantling of systemic racism in the nation writ large. What is the role of the war on drugs in deadly interactions between the police and citizens? Has it had a disparate impact on African Americans and other communities of color? Are there policies we can institute that will lead to less deadly and more equitable outcomes?
This episode features Dr. Katharine Neill Harris. She is the Alfred C. Glassell, III, Fellow in Drug Policy at the Baker Institute and the author of a prescient institute blog dated June 8 that highlighted the role of the drug war in the deaths of George Floyd and others.
At a September 15 White House ceremony, Israel signed agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to normalize bilateral relations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the foreign ministers of the UAE and Bahrain represented their respective countries. President Donald Trump – whose administration helped broker the deal – presided at the ceremony. What do the agreements entail? What were the political and strategic calculations that went into them? Are other Arab countries likely to follow the lead of the UAE and Bahrain?
In this episode, Dr. Kristian Ulrichsen, Fellow for the Middle East here at the Baker Institute and one of our country’s top experts on the Persian Gulf, addresses these and other questions related to the September 15th agreements.
The United States confronts a “perfect storm.” The Covid-19 pandemic has killed 110,000 Americans, a ghastly tally rising every day. The unemployment rate is reaching heights not seen since the Great Depression. And the appalling killing of George Floyd has triggered massive national protests against policing policies in specific and racism in general. Many have compared the current moment to 1968, another year of mass protests and national instability. How is 2020 like 1968? How is it different? And what lessons can we draw from a comparison?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Allen Matusow. He is the Baker Institute’s academic affairs director. He joined the Rice faculty in 1963 and is a distinguished historian and an expert on post-World War II America.
The Covid-19 pandemic has reignited the debate about our national dependence on Chinese raw materials and manufactured goods. Why should we be concerned about such dependence? What are our key areas of vulnerability? What policies should we introduce to address these vulnerabilities? And how is China likely to respond to these policies?
This episode’s guests are Gabriel B. Collins and Andrew Erickson. Collins is the Baker Botts Fellow in Energy & Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Erickson is Professor of Strategy at the Naval War College’s China Maritime Studies Institute. They have recently co-authored a Baker Institute report entitled “Economic Statecraft: Options for Reducing U.S. Overdependence on Chinese-supplied Materials and Medications.” It is available on the institute website.
Over the past decade, U.S. federal debt as a share of the economy has grown to levels not reached since the aftermath of World War II. Recent tax cuts and ongoing fiscal stimulus related to the Covid-19 pandemic have placed U.S. debt on an unstable and unprecedented path moving forward. Gauging the long-term sustainability of federal debt hinges on projections of one key underlying variable: the interest rate. How are debt projections and the interest rate tied to broad demographic transformations underway in the U.S. and across the world today? And how worried should we be by rising federal debt?
This special podcast is drawn from a webinar hosted by the Baker Institute Roundtable on April 28. It features Dr. Jorge Barro, a fellow in public finance at the Baker Institute. His area of research involves the development of dynamic macroeconomic models for fiscal policy evaluation. Barro is joined by Ms. Morgan Garvey, stewardship officer at the institute.
As uncertainty about the extent and severity of the coronavirus pandemic continues, questions are circling about the November elections. How will the pandemic affect the electoral process, and what are the options for campaigning and voting if the virus remains a threat to the health and well-being of Americans? What is the current state of play in major Texas and national races? How will Covid-19 shape the fall campaign?
This podcast is drawn from a webinar hosted by the Baker Institute on March 22 entitled “The 2020 Election and Covid-19.” It features Dr. Mark Jones, Baker Institute Fellow in Political Science and Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies. He is joined by Ms. Chetna Cates, the Baker institute’s Director of Membership.
While refugees are not inherently more susceptible to the Covid-19 virus, the conditions in which many refugees and internally displaced persons live and their difficulty in accessing basic health services leave them highly vulnerable. What is the current global refugee situation? What has been the impact of the pandemic on refugees and other displaced persons and on the countries that host them? How has the pandemic altered government policies around the world, including safe third country agreements and other measures to limit refugee flows?
This special podcast is drawn from a webinar hosted by the Baker Institute Roundtable on April 16. It features Dr. Kelsey Norman, the Kelly Day Fellow in Women’s Rights, Human Rights and Refugees in the Baker Institute’s Center for the Middle East. Norman is joined by Ms. Chetna Cates, Director of Membership at the Baker Institute.
As states enact sweeping measures to mitigate the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the burden of such efforts may deepen existing social and economic inequities, particularly among vulnerable women and children. What will be the impact of recent coronavirus legislation, including the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, on low-income working women? What are the long-term effects of parental stress on young children, particularly in terms of increases in child abuse and maltreatment amid ongoing stay-at-home orders?
This special podcast is drawn from a webinar hosted by the Baker Institute on April 9. It features Dr. Quianta Moore, who is the Baker Institute Fellow in Child Health Policy. Moore is joined by Ms. Zeinab Bakhiet, research associate in Child Health Policy at the Institute.
Global energy markets are in a melt-down. The Coronavirus pandemic has sent oil demand into a downward spiral. And a nasty price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia is only intensifying the crisis. What has led to this unprecedented situation? What are its potential short- and long-term impacts? And what can major players – including the United States – do to address the current turmoil in energy markets?
This special podcast is drawn from a webinar hosted by the Baker Institute on April 3 entitled “Pandemic, Price War and the World Petroleum Market.” It features Institute Fellows Dr. Kenneth B. Medlock III , Dr. Jim Krane, and Mr. Mark Finley. Medlock is the James A. Baker, III, and Susan G. Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics and Senior Director of the Institute’s Center for Energy Studies. Krane is the Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies. Finley is the Fellow in Energy and Global Oil.
Coronavirus – specifically COVID-19 – has reached global pandemic proportions. Starting in China, it has spread throughout many parts of the world, exacting a huge human and financial price. The United States is now facing a health and economic crisis without close parallel in our history. What is Covid19? How dangerous is it? How is it spreading in the United States? And what is the best way to address the threat it poses?
This special podcast is drawn from a Webinar hosted by the Baker Institute on March 26. It features Dr. Peter J. Hotez. He is the Baker Institute fellow in disease and poverty. Hotez is also dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, where he is also chief of the Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine and the Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair of Tropical Pediatrics.
Dr. Hotez is joined by Dr. Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Fellow in Science and Technology Policy at the Baker Institute.
There is more to good health than medical care, important as it is. What are some of the social determinants that affect the health and wellbeing of ourselves and those around us? What can we as a society do to help low-income and vulnerable populations? And, what special challenges do those populations face because of the unfolding novel coronavirus pandemic?
This week’s guest is Elena M. Marks. She is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Episcopal Health Foundation, a $1.3 billion dollar Houston-based non-profit dedicated to improving community health. Ms. Marks is also a nonresident Fellow in Health Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, where her work focuses on health reform and access to care for low-income and uninsured populations.
Latin America is one of the world’s largest hydrocarbon producers. Yet the countries of the region present a mixed picture in terms of performance in the oil sector. Moreover, they confront a rapidly changing political, technological and market environment. Which countries are seizing the opportunities offered by increasing oil production? Which are lagging? And why?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Francisco Monaldi. He is the Fellow in Latin American Energy Policy at the Baker Institute’s Center for Energy studies.
Note: This episode was recorded before the collapse of global oil prices in early March.
On March 3 – so-called “Super Tuesday” – millions of Americans in 14 states went to the polls to vote in primaries. Overwhelming media focus was on the run for the Democratic nomination for President, with roughly one third of all delegates up for grabs. What are the key takeaways from Super Tuesday, nationally and here in Texas? On the national level, how has Super Tuesday altered the race for the Democratic nomination? And what were the most noteworthy results here in Texas?
This episodes guest is Dr. Mark Jones. He is the fellow in political science at the Baker Institute, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies and a professor in the Department of Political Science at Rice University. Dr. Jones is one of the country’s leading experts on Texas politics.
Note: This podcast was recorded before the March 10 primaries in Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, and Washington.
Vaping has hit the headlines Dozens of deaths have been attributed to its use. What is vaping? How dangerous is it? Does it pose a special health hazard to teenagers? Is vaping useful for people seeking to quit smoking? And what public policy approach should we take towards it?
This episode has two guests. Dr. Bill Martin is the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Senior Fellow in Religion and Public Policy and Director of the Baker Institute’s Drug Policy Program. Dr. Katharine Neill Harris is the Alfred C. Glassell, III, Fellow in Drug Policy here at the institute. They have recently published a paper, “Vaping: Clearing the Air.” It is available at the Baker Institute website.
Since its outbreak late last year in Wuhan, China, the Coronavirus has exploded in scale and scope. Almost every day brings news of further infections and deaths. While the impact has been greatest in China, the appearance of cases elsewhere – including the United States -- has raised the specter of a deadly global pandemic. How is China responding to Coronavirus? How trustworthy is the information it is releasing? What effect will the virus have on the Chinese economy? Do we have any sense of how the Chinese people view their government’s efforts to combat the spread of Coronavirus?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Steven Lewis, C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
The increasing presence of plastic waste in oceans and other parts of our natural environment is a major concern for nations across the world. To combat plastic waste, China has announced a plan to ban single-use plastics across the country over the next five years. This ban would seek to counteract China’s standing as the largest producer—and mismanager—of plastic waste in the world. But will this ban ultimately be effective? And, will it lead to unintended consequences that end up perpetuating further harm to the environment?
This episode’s guest is Rachel Meidl (LP.D., CHMM), the fellow in energy and environment at the institute’s Center for Energy Studies.
In November 2018, the world was rocked by news that Chinese scientist He Jiankui had genetically manipulated human embryos and implanted them in women for gestation. He used CRISPR, a gene-modifying tool, to mutate a gene that could provide protection form HIV/AIDS. Last December, he was sentenced to three years in prison for his actions. But the story is hardly over. Now that the technology exists, how should we approach gene editing in humans? What are the ethical and practical issues surrounding its use? Are we entering an era of “designer babies”?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Fellow in Science and Technology Policy at the Baker Institute. She is co-author of the paper, “Are we ready to genetically modify a human embryo? Or is it too late to ask?”, which appeared in “Accountability in Research.”
The Mexican-U.S. relationship is in transition. The elections of Donald Trump in 2016 and Andres Manuel López Obrador, or AMLO, in 2018 have altered the bilateral dynamic in dramatic ways. What is the current state of the U.S.-Mexican relationship in areas such as trade, immigration, and drug related violence?
Will we see significant changes should a Democrat be elected in November? This episodes guest is Dr. Tony Payan, the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexican Studies and Director of the Center for the United States and Mexico at the Baker Institute.
Vaccines against such afflictions as measles, flu and cervical cancer have a proven track record of success. Yet we as a nation appear to be doing less than we can to ensure that our population is properly vaccinated. Indeed, there has been pushback against a number of vaccines by activists known as “anti-vaxxers.” Do their claims have any merit? And what can we do to ensure that all Americans receive the vaccinations necessary to protect their health?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Peter J. Hotez. He is the Baker Institute fellow in disease and poverty. He is dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, where he is also chief of the Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine and the Texas Children’s Hospital Endowed Chair of Tropical Pediatrics. Dr. Hotez is a nationally-acknowledged expert on vaccination.
We are undergoing a historic energy transition. This includes a surge in shale production in the United States, growing reliance on natural gas, and a dramatic increase in the use of renewables. What does security mean in this brave new world of energy? And what framework should we use to assess national and global vulnerabilities?
This episode’s guest is Mark Finley. He is the Fellow in Energy and Global Oil at Rice University's Baker Institute. Mark has 35 years of experience working at the intersections of energy, economics and public policy.
In October 2017, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, or MBS, announced that he would “return Saudi Arabia to moderate Islam.” His policies since then have eased restrictions on gender segregation in public spaces, including allowing women to drive, yet these have also been accompanied by a crackdown on any type of dissent, including the imprisonment of countless intellectuals, activists, and clerics. What is one to make of these changes occurring within Saudi Arabia, and what implications do MBS’s moves have for our understanding of religious and political authority in the Kingdom?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Annelle Sheline, a nonresident fellow with the Baker Institute’s Center for the Middle East and a research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.
The world’s energy sector is undergoing dramatic change. Driven by concerns about climate change, we are seeing a shift from traditional fuels, such as coal, natural gas and petroleum, to energy sources like wind and solar. In the transportation sector, this is reflected in a rise in the use of electric vehicles. But this shift itself creates increased demand for certain minerals. How fast is this energy transition occurring? Do we have a firm grip on the possible environmental and other costs associated with shifting to non-traditional energy sources?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Michelle Michot Foss. She is the fellow in energy and minerals at the Baker Institute’s Center for Energy Studies. Dr. Foss has nearly 40 years of experience in senior positions in energy and environmental research, consulting and investment banking.
Houston’s Third Ward is a historically African American neighborhood with a long tradition of community pride and civic engagement. A major report issued in October provided a detailed, data-driven analysis of the neighborhood. The study, entitled “Third Ward Comprehensive Needs Assessment Data Report,” was produced by the Baker Institute’s Center for Health and Biosciences in partnership with a community-based organization, the Sankofa Research Institute. What are the report’s key findings policy implications?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Quianta Moore, the Baker Institute’s Fellow in Child Health Policy. She is co-author of “Third Ward Comprehensive Needs Assessment Report.”
Unrest is sweeping Latin America. Recent months have seen demonstrations in Chile and Ecuador. In Bolivia, demonstrations triggered a constitutional crisis and the departure of long-time President Evo Morales. What explains this explosion of popular discontent? Are the demonstrations unique to their country’s circumstances or do they reflect broader trends in Latin America?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Francisco Monaldi. He is the Fellow in Latin American Energy Policy at the Baker Institute’s Center for Energy studies.
Mass demonstrations have roiled Hong Kong for six months. Beginning as protests against a piece of legislation proposed by the Hong Kong government, the demonstrations have grown both in scale and in demands. What are the goals of the protesters? How is Beijing reacting to rising unrest? How has the United States responded to the protests? Are there prospects for a peaceful resolution of the crisis?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Steve Lewis. He is the C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
The United States is experiencing an obesity epidemic – with up to 38 percent of Americans falling into this category. Obesity, in turn, is linked to such health impacts as heart disease and diabetes. Experts believe that sugary drinks are a significant driver in unhealthy weight gains among Americans. This has led to calls for “soda taxes” to discourage consumption.
This episode’s guest is Dr. Joyce Beebe. She is a fellow in the Center for Public Finance at the Baker Institute and an expert on taxation.
Healthcare is a hot topic in the ongoing race for the Democratic Presidential nomination. It is likely to be so in the 2020 general election. Several major candidates – notably Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders – have proposed a universal government-financed program called “Medicare for All.” What is Medicare for All? What is it designed to do? How much will it cost? And are there other, less sweeping suggestions to reform our health-care finance system?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Vivian Ho, Director of the Center for Health and Biosciences here at the Baker Institute. Vivian is an expert on the US healthcare system in all its bewildering complexity.
Note: This episode was recorded before Senator Warren released her Medicare-for-All plan.
Recent months have seen a number of dramatic developments in the Arabian Peninsula. The strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in mid-September sparked concern about regional security and global oil prices alike. In Yemen, the civil war that is seen by many as a proxy conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran continues to fuel a humanitarian disaster. And, as outside powers such as Russia seek to consolidate influence in the Persian Gulf, what does this mean for U.S. power in the region?
Our guest is Dr. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a Fellow for the Middle East at the Baker Institute and one of the country’s top experts on the geopolitics of the Persian Gulf.
In its efforts to reduce the number of asylum applications in the United States, the Trump Administration is seeking so-called “safe third country agreements” with Mexico and Guatemala. What are “safe third country agreements?” Does the 2016 agreement on refugees between the EU and Turkey offer any useful lessons? And what are we to make of Turkish President Erdogan’s plan to resettle refugees in parts of Northeastern Syria being occupied by Turkish military forces?
Our guest in this episode is Dr. Kelsey Norman. She is an Institute Fellow for the Middle East and director of our Women’s Rights, Human Rights and Refugees Program. Her research focuses on women’s rights, human rights, and refugee and migration issues in the Middle East and North Africa.
US Federal debt is at its highest level as a percentage of GDP since the World War II era. What explains its recent acceleration? Why should we be worried about the debt, especially given historically low interest rates? What impact have the Trump tax cuts had on it? And what, if anything, should we do to put our fiscal house in order?
Our guest in this episode of Policy Matters is Dr. Jorge Barro, fellow in public finance here at the Baker Institute. His area of research involves the development of dynamic macroeconomic models for fiscal policy evaluation.
In the last five years, we’ve seen a proliferation of body cameras for police officers. They are seen by many as an important tool in ensuring accountability by discouraging misconduct – up to and including unjustified shooting of suspects – by police personnel. But could there be a negative side effect?
Specifically, could we see an increase in minor drug arrests among officers who feel compelled to act once a camera captures an interaction with an offender? What can be done, if anything, to limit the impact of body cams on increasing arrest rates?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Katharine Neill Harris. She is the Alfred C. Glassell, III, Fellow in Drug Policy at the Baker Institute.
On November 5, Houstonians go to the polls to elect a mayor and a city council. What are the likely results – especially for Mayor Sylvester Turner, who is seeking reelection? In other political news, Houston was the venue for a September 12 debate among top Democratic candidates for their party’s nomination. Did the debate alter the dynamics of the race? What are the 2020 prospects for Democrats and Republicans in Texas? Could Texas really “go blue”?
Our guest in this episode of policy matters is Dr. Mark Jones. He is the fellow in political science at the Baker Institute, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies and a professor in the Department of Political Science at Rice University. He also helps direct the Baker Institute’s Presidential Elections Program.
On August 3, a 21 year old man shot and killed 22 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. After his arrest, he reportedly told investigators that his goal was “to kill as many Mexicans as possible” unquote. There is also evidence, from social media and elsewhere, that the shooter was motivated by hatred of immigration, especially by Mexicans. What does this shooting tell us about the current national debate over immigration? What role has divisive rhetoric – from the President on down – played in encouraging violence? And how does another issue – gun control – factor into our debate about the tragedy in El Paso?
Our guest for this episode is Dr. Tony Payan, the Francoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies and Director of the Center for the United States and Mexico here at the Baker Institute. He is one of our country’s leading experts on the Mexico-US relationship. He was also, for many years, a resident of El Paso.
This season on Policy Matters: Points and Perspectives from Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, we discussed everything from marijuana decriminalization to the Arab Spring to the crisis in Venezuela. We hope that you’ve found our podcasts informed and insightful. Join us for the next season of Policy Matters for more engaging discussions of the issues that are shaping our communities, our country and the world.
The Administration has released its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2020. It contains substantial cuts to scientific research and reduces the budget of agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. What does the budget proposal tell us about the priorities of the Trump Administration when it comes to science? Two years into his presidency, can we draw any conclusions about the science policy of Donald J. Trump?
Our guest this episode is Dr. Kenneth M. Evans. He is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Science and Technology Policy here at the Baker Institute.
On March 17, a fire broke out at a petrochemical storage plant in Deer Park, Texas, near Houston. Then, two weeks later, there was yet another chemical fire at a facility near Houston, this time in Crosby. What do these incidents tell us about the safety of petrochemical facilities? What can be done to improve their safety?
Our guest this episode is Dr. Rachel A. Meidl. She is a fellow in energy and environment at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Before joining the Baker Institute, Dr. Meidl served as deputy associate administrator for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
It’s called the state and local tax deduction–or SALT–and it’s the subject of fierce political and legal controversy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed by Congress in 2017, placed a $10,000 limit on this deduction under the federal tax code. What is the SALT deduction? And why has putting a cap on it caused such a furor?
Our guest this episode is Dr. Joyce Beebe. She is a fellow in public finance at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and an expert on taxation.
Huawei is a giant Chinese telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics manufacturer. There are serious concerns, in the United States and elsewhere, that the company represents a potential threat to secure networks. Much of the concern has focused on stopping Huawei from building its 5G network in the United States and allied countries. Does Huawei represent a threat? What approach should the US government take to it?
Our guest this episode is Dr. Chris Bronk. He is assistant professor of computer and information systems and associate director of the Center for Information Security Research and Education at the University of Houston. Prior to moving to U of H, Dr. Bronk was the fellow for information technology policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.
The nationwide trend towards removing or lowering penalties for marijuana use and possession is gaining momentum. 22 states have passed some form of decriminalization. Even conservative Texas is considering legislation that would sharply reduce penalties. What are the benefits of liberalizing our laws on marijuana? Are there any downsides?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Katharine Neill Harris. She is the Alfred C. Glassell, III, Fellow in Drug Policy at the Baker Institute.
March 10th marked the 100th day in office of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. López Obrador, or AMLO as he is often called, was elected in a landslide last year in what was viewed as a broad repudiation of the Mexican status quo. One of the top items on AMLO’s agenda is Mexico’s critical energy sector. Will AMLO reverse some or all of the market liberalization undertaken by his predecessors?
Our guest in this episode is Dr. Adrian Duhalt. He is the postdoctoral fellow in Mexico energy studies for the Mexico Center and Center for Energy Studies at the Baker Institute.
Nationwide, hospital consolidation remains a powerful trend shaping healthcare delivery to millions of Americans. So does hospital acquisition of physician practices and physician organizations. Theoretically, such mergers and acquisitions could make sense by creating economies of scale and complementarities in patient services. But there is also evidence that such mergers do little to restrain prices or improve patient outcomes.
Our guest this episode is Marah Short, associate director of the Center for Health and Biosciences at the Baker Institute. She has recently published a paper, coauthored by Dr. Vivian Ho, Director of the Center, on today’s subject.
In February, freshman House Member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey unveiled the so-called “Green New Deal” resolution. It is an ambitious, even revolutionary proposal to tackle climate change by a radical transformation in how Americans use energy. It also speaks to various issues including employment, housing, and healthcare. The Green New Deal has been hailed by some as necessary to stave off climate catastrophe, while others condemn it as unrealistic. There is little doubt, however, that the Green New Deal has thrust environmental policy to the very center of U.S. politics.
Our guest in this episode is Dr. Michael D. Maher, Senior Program Advisor for the Center for Energy Studies at the Baker Institute. He is an expert on energy and energy policy with 30 years of private sector experience before joining the Baker Institute.
The Arab Spring, a series of popular uprisings that shook the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, saw citizens across the region call for greater representation and more accountability from their governments. Years later, have Arab governments delivered on these popular demands, opening social and political participation to a wider range of citizens? Or, have divisions and inequalities become even more deeply cemented in these nations?
Our guest in this episode is Dr. Kadir Yildirim, a Fellow for the Middle East at the Baker Institute and an expert in political Islam and religion in the Middle East. He has also extensively studied the dynamics of pluralism in the Arab World following the Arab Spring.
When studying the Arab monarchies of the Persian Gulf, experts often focus on their vast energy exports that have supported global energy needs. However, domestic demand for energy in these nations is relatively underexplored. Indeed, Gulf nations over the past decades have witnessed high levels of domestic energy consumption. What are the resulting consequences of this, both economically and environmentally, and how have these nations worked to curb excessive consumption?
Our guest in this episode is Dr. Jim Krane, a fellow in energy and geopolitics at the Baker Institute’s Center for Energy Studies. Jim’s recent book “Energy Kingdoms, Oil and Political Survival in the Persian Gulf” addresses these very questions.
Political turmoil in Venezuela has captured global attention. As President Trump and numerous other nations have recently voiced support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó over “de facto” President Nicolás Maduro, many are left wondering what the country’s future holds. What factors have contributed to Venezuela’s uncertain fate? Specifically, how has the nation’s oil sector affected Venezuela’s economy and foreign relations, and what are possible paths out of the country’s humanitarian crisis?
Our guest in this episode is Dr. Francisco Monaldi, the Fellow in Latin American Energy Policy in the Baker Institute’s Center for Energy Studies. Dr. Monaldi is an expert on the Venezuelan economy and a frequent guest on Policy Matters.
For some time now, there has been immense public debate over how to address the harmful effects of single-use plastics on our environment. Plastics can seem indispensable in our everyday lives, but disposing of them can also have many negative consequences. As countries, states and cities have proposed measures such as banning plastic straws to counteract these consequences, what must policymakers keep in mind when addressing the issue of single use plastics?
Our guest in this episode is Dr. Rachel A. Meidl, fellow in energy and environment at the Baker Institute. She has recently published a Baker Institute issue brief on plastic waste management.
Every politician claims to oppose corruption, which can mean everything from a small bribe to a policeman to a multimillion dollar kickback to a government official. And yet it remains a fact of life in many countries around the world. What iscorruption? Why should we worry about it? What are the causes of corruption? And what are the most effective ways to combat it?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Paul Lagunes, the 2018 Board of Advisors Visiting Fellow at the Baker Institute. He is also an assistant professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. His research on the political economy of development examines the issue of corruption with a focus on the Americas.
On November 6, Americans went to the polls, electing dozens of newcomers to the US House and Senate. Roughly ten of them have backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and medicine (STEM). How will the scientific backgrounds of these new congresswomen and -men shape how they look at policy? Will the newcomers have any impact in the new congress?
This episode’s guest is Dr. Neal Lane, who served in the Clinton Administration as assistant to the president for science and technology and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He has also been director of the National Science Foundation and a member of the National Science Board. Dr. Lane is Professor of Physics and Astronomy Emeritus at Rice University and senior fellow in science and technology policy at the Baker Institute.
Whether we use Uber to get across town or Airbnb to book a room when we travel, we are participating in a phenomenon called the “sharing economy.” What is the “sharing economy?” How important is it to Americans today? How is it handled under the Federal tax code?
In this episode, Dr. Joyce Beebe, Fellow in Public Finance at the Baker Institute addresses these and other questions about the “sharing economy.”
China is many things: an economic giant, a rising power in Asia and beyond, and a potential geopolitical rival to the United States. But it is also what might be called the world’s first high-tech autocracy, deploying state-of-the-art technology to monitor increasingly large aspects of its citizens' lives. What are the future prospects for individual freedom in China? Will China’s high-tech approach to social control spread to other countries?
In this episode, Steve Lewis, the C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow at the Baker Institute, discusses how the Chinese government has implemented technology to monitor Chinese citizens, and the implications of these efforts for these citizens around the globe.
A number of Middle Eastern regimes have been touting moderate Islam to appeal to Western governments. How successful have these efforts been? Has there been any substantial domestic impact? Whatis moderate Islam and what role if any should the United States and other Western countries play in supporting it?
Our guest for this podcast is Dr. Annelle Sheline. She is the Zwan Postdoctoral Fellow here at the Institute.
Houston is one of the most dynamic but also unequal major cities in the United States. How does this inequality impact the lives of less-advantaged Houstonians? What can be done to help them? How important is early childhood development in addressing inequality?
In this episode, Dr. Quianta Moore, Baker Institute Fellow in Child Health Policy, discusses these questions. Last month, Houston mayor Sylvester Turner declared October 2 “Dr. Quianta Moore Day,” in recognition of her efforts to understand and improve early childhood development.
It is difficult to overstate how much global attention the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been receiving. From its involvement in Yemen’s civil war to its ever-growing rivalry with Iran, Saudi Arabia and its assertive foreign policy have captured international observers. On top of this, the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the controversial rise of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman have been watched closely across the world by people of all stripes.
Our guest in this episode is Dr. Jim Krane, the Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies at the Baker Institute. Here, Dr. Krane explains how these current events in Saudi Arabia affect not only U.S. foreign policy considerations, but also energy geopolitics on a global scale.
On November 6, Americans will elect thousands of national, state and local officials. The US House of Representatives and Senate hang in the balance. Here in Texas, in one of the most closely followed races in the country, Democrat Beto O’Rourke is challenging incumbent Republican Senator Ted Cruz. Will a “blue wave” sweep Democrats to power around the country? What are their prospects in Texas?
Our guest in this episode of policy matters is Dr. Mark Jones. He is the fellow in political science at the Baker Institute, the Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies and a professor in the Department of Political Science at Rice University.
They’re called “right to try” laws and they’ve been sweeping the nation. The laws permit terminally ill patients to try experimental therapies after only preliminary testing and before Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. At the same time, there has been legislation around the country, including Texas, which permits parents to opt out of vaccinations for their children on non-medical grounds. Both initiatives have prompted criticism from the healthcare community.
In this episode of Policy Matters, we discuss these issues with Dr. Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Fellow in Science and Technology Policy here at the Baker Institute.
US-Chinese relations are surely going to shape world geopolitics for years, even decades, to come. Competition is already being played out in the military, economic and technological arenas. Are the United States and China partners, rivals, or future enemies? How we can avoid outright conflict with China? How does China compare to Russia in terms of the challenges each presents to US interests?
In this episode, Gabriel Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs here at the Baker Institute, discusses these critical questions.
Over a year after the rupture that the divided the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), there is no end to the dispute in sight. Who are the key players in this ongoing stand-off? What are the stakes for the United States? What is the role of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the dispute and other contentious Middle Eastern issues? Can the GCC ever recover from its current bitter divisions?
In this episode, Dr. Kristian Ulrichsen, Fellow for the Middle East here at the Baker Institute and one of our country’s top experts on the GCC and Persian Gulf, addresses these and other questions of urgent import to US policy makers.
Our national opioid epidemic took 50,000 lives last year. This represents a huge challenge to policymakers as they craft legal and medical measures to combat this scourge. But it is easy to forget the human tragedy behind every one of these deaths.
In this episode, Katharine Neill Harris, fellow in Drug Policy at the Baker Institute, interviews Maureen Wittels. Ms. Wittels is the founder of the Houston Chapter of Grief Recovery after a Substance Passing, a support group for those who have lost loved ones to substance abuse. Ms. Wittels’ son, Harris, died from a heroin overdose at only 30 years of age. She is committed to telling his story – and hers – in order to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
One year ago Hurricane Harvey swept through Houston and nearby areas with destructive force. While efforts are underway to improve Houston’s resiliency to future storms, Harvey has raised profound questions about the city’s traditional emphasis on high growth. What must happen – in terms of specific policies and general mindsets – if Houston is to remain one of the nation’s most dynamic metropolitan areas?
In this episode, Jim Blackburn, Baker Institute Scholar and Professor in the Practice of Environmental Law at Rice University, discusses what has been done to prepare Houston for future hurricanes and, just as importantly, what still needs to be done.
On July 1, tens of millions of Mexicans went to the polls. They elected a new president, a congress, and thousands of state and local officials. What are the ramifications in Mexico with the new administration? What shifts will be seen in trade and energy policy? What were the election’s salient issues? What are the stakes for the United States?
In this podcast, Tony Payan, the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies and director of the Mexico Center discuss the results, the parties, the changes, and the potential impacts on Mexico and the US-Mexico relationship.
The Baker Institute is pleased to announce the second season of our Policy Matters podcast. Join us next week for our first episode with Dr. Tony Payan on Mexico’s recent historic elections. Listen here to host Joe Barnes on our new season.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. In that time, the institute has become a respected source of fact-driven analysis for policymakers and the public alike. How has the institute developed since 1993? And in this time of political polarization, how can the institute and other think tanks play a constructive part in our public policy debates?
In this episode, Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian, Director of the Baker Institute, discusses the institute’s evolution and the institute’s 25th anniversary.
This is the final episode of this season of Policy Matters. Check in for more episodes in the fall of 2018.
Recent years have seen huge increases in American oil and gas production, with dramatic consequences for the U.S. economy and international energy markets. How has this new production affected global prices? Will it alter the relationship between the United States and traditional energy producers, particularly in the Middle East? And how have concerns about climate change affected energy policies in producing countries, notably Saudi Arabia?
In this episode, Jim Krane, the Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies at the Baker Institute, discusses the American energy revolution, the response of OPEC and traditional producers, and how global energy politics may be changing.
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been a cornerstone of U.S. international trade and investment policy since 1994. But now its future is in doubt as President Trump has made a priority of renegotiating the agreement with Canada and Mexico. How important is NAFTA to the United States? How does the Trump administration’s stance on NAFTA reflect its broader approach to international trade and investment policy? Does this approach represent a retreat from what many call the “international liberal order”?
In this episode, Robert Zoellick, former president of the World Bank, U.S. deputy secretary of state, and U.S. trade representative, speaks about NAFTA’s place in the U.S. economy and the potentially changing U.S. role in the international economic system.
In this age of political polarization and social division, what is the best way for policy experts to communicate with the general public? How can these experts gain the trust of audiences often suspicious or polarized? How can experts best approach sensitive subjects — such as needle exchange — with social conservatives?
In this episode, Bill Martin, the Harry and Hazel Chavanne Senior Fellow in Religion and Public Policy and director of the Baker Institute’s Drug Policy Program, discusses best practices for experts and novices to effectively communicate ideas. He also speaks about his relationship with Billy Graham, about whom he wrote the highly regarded biography, A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story.
On March 6, Texas Democrats and Republicans will vote to nominate candidates for the November general elections. How important are these primaries? What are the important trends and individual races to watch? What are the odds of a “blue wave” hitting in Texas in the fall?
In this episode, Mark Jones, Baker Institute fellow in political science and Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies, discusses the intra-party politics and important races in Texas at the local, state and national levels.
China is many things: an economic giant, a rising power in Asia and beyond, and a potential geopolitical rival to the United States. But it is also what might be called the world’s first high-tech autocracy, deploying state-of-the-art technology to monitor increasingly large aspects of its citizens' lives. What are the future prospects for individual freedom in China? Will China’s high-tech approach to social control spread to other countries?
In this episode, Steve Lewis, the C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow at the Baker Institute, discusses how the Chinese government has implemented technology to monitor Chinese citizens, and the implications of these efforts for these citizens around the globe.
Venezuela is in the midst of economic collapse and political crisis. Inflation is skyrocketing. Average Venezuelans are facing shortages of necessities such as food and medicine. Oil production — the bulwark of the Venezuelan economy — is cratering. And the political stalemate between increasingly autocratic President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition continues to simmer.
In this podcast, Francisco Monaldi, fellow in Latin American energy policy at the Baker Institute, discusses Venezuela’s ongoing economic, political and humanitarian crises, and how the Trump administration has responded.
Vaccination against infectious disease is one of the wonders of modern science, preventing millions of deaths per year worldwide. Yet across the country, a movement of so-called “anti-vaxxers,” who claim that some routine childhood vaccinations cause autism, has grown and some American parents are refusing to have their children vaccinated. Why are vaccinations important to children? And is there any merit to the claims of the anti-vaxx movement?
In this podcast, Peter J. Hotez, Baker Institute fellow in disease and poverty, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas Children’s Hospital endowed chair of tropical pediatrics, discusses vaccines, the anti-vaxx movement and its potential impacts on the health of children.
On July 1, tens of millions of Mexicans will go to the polls. They will elect a president, a congress, and thousands of state and local officials. Who are the major candidates for the presidency? What are the major parties contesting the congress? What will be the election’s salient issues? What are the stakes for the United States?
In this podcast, Tony Payan, the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies and director of the Mexico Center, and Enrique Quezada, graduate fellow for the Baker Institute’s Mexico Center and host of “Mexico Centered,” discuss the candidates, the parties, the platforms and the potential ramifications of the election for Mexico and the U.S.-Mexico relationship.
One year into his presidency, Donald J. Trump still hasn’t named a White House science and technology advisor. What does this tell us about his administration’s approach to science? How important is the input of scientists into federal policy? And what can scientists do to make sure their voices are heard?
In this podcast, Neal Lane, who served as science and technology advisor to President Bill Clinton and is currently a senior fellow at the Baker Institute, discusses the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the importance of science for policymakers.
There are approximately 74 million children in the United States — 21 percent of whom live in families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold. What can we do to ensure that these children start out in life healthy and ready to succeed in school?
In this episode, Quianta Moore, Baker Institute fellow in child health policy, discusses empirically based policies to advance the health of children. She also discusses child health across socioeconomic lines and her recent work as a part of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Task Force on Equity. The task force report can be found here.
Hurricane Harvey was many things — a monstrous storm, a destroyer of homes and neighborhoods, an indiscriminate killer. But Harvey was, and is, something else: a wakeup call for Houston, Harris Country and the entire Texas Coast. As we rebuild, there is a need to rethink Houston’s approach to flood control and create a Greater Houston resilient enough to survive and thrive in an era when storms like Harvey may be the new normal.
In this episode, Jim Blackburn, Baker Institute scholar and professor in the practice of environmental law at Rice University, discusses Hurricane Harvey, Houston’s preparedness for major hurricanes and what needs to be done in the future to address the threats that accompany severe weather.
Many European states rely heavily on Russia for energy, especially natural gas. How has Russia used gas supplies as a tool of foreign policy in the past? What can Europe do today to limit Russia’s ability to deploy its “energy weapon?” What role should the United States play?
In this episode, Gabriel Collins, the Baker Botts Fellow in Energy & Environmental Regulatory Affairs, discusses these and other issues related to Russia’s use of energy to influence — and even coerce — European countries.
In its first year, the Trump administration has been besieged by accusations of misconduct. Talk of perjury and obstruction of justice — even impeachment — is in the air. America has been here before: 40 years ago during the Watergate scandal. Pundits and politicos have been quick to draw comparisons between President Donald J. Trump and President Richard Nixon, and between modern politics and that of the 1960s–1970s. But how similar are these two complex men and eras?
In this episode, Allen Matusow, director of academic affairs at the Baker Institute, discusses two of America’s most controversial presidents, their similarities and differences, and the political contexts in which they operated.
After much drama and last-minute maneuvering, congressional Republicans have passed the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” the most comprehensive change to the federal tax code since 1986. To say that the GOP tax plan is controversial would be an understatement. Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi has gone so far as to call it “Armageddon.” What are the key provisions of the act? What will it do the deficit? How will it affect growth? And what is its likely impact on income distribution?
In this episode, John Diamond, director of the Baker Institute’s Center for Public Finance, and George Zodrow, Baker Institute Scholar and Allyn R. and Gladys M. Cline Chair of Economics at Rice University, discuss the act’s provisions, impacts and potential shortcomings.
E-commerce is a multibillion-dollar industry, expanding every day. However, state and local governments have struggled to tax online sales as efficiently as purchases from brick-and-mortar outlets, forfeiting huge sums in tax revenues.
In this episode, Joyce Beebe, fellow in public finance at the Baker Institute, addresses the legal and regulatory issues surrounding online sales tax, the challenges states have faced in taxing online sales, and what that has meant for governments, businesses and consumers.
Tens of thousands of Americans are dying every year from opioid-related causes — as many as from gun violence or car accidents. Opioid addiction has become a major public health crisis and an important political issue. What are the origins of the opioid epidemic, and what should we do to address it?
In this episode, Katharine Neill Harris, the Alfred C. Glassell, III, Fellow in Drug Policy at the Baker Institute, discusses the history of the opioid crisis and explores possible policy solutions.
For the past six months, tensions have risen in the Persian Gulf. Recent escalations began in June when members of the “Quartet” — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt — suspended relations with Qatar over its support for regional Islamist groups, among other allegations. The discord has continued, prompting many to suggest that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as we know it may ultimately collapse.
In this episode, Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, fellow for the Middle East at the Baker Institute, discusses the origins of the GCC crisis, and its implications for regional politics and U.S. foreign policy.
NAFTA is in trouble. Big trouble. President Donald Trump has called the North American Free Trade Agreement “the worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere,” responsible for swollen trade deficits and job losses. Earlier this year, Trump triggered renegotiation of the agreement. Talks among the United States, Mexico and Canada are ongoing.
In this episode, Tony Payan, director of the Baker Institute’s Mexico Center, discusses the provisions of NAFTA, the agreement’s economic impacts and the politics driving the current talks.
Since its enactment in 2010, Republicans have sought to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under Obamacare, millions of Americans have acquired health insurance, but the program has remained controversial. Despite majorities in the House and Senate, Republican efforts to overturn Obamacare have stalled.
In this podcast, Vivian Ho, director of the Baker Institute’s Center for Health and Biosciences, discusses the challenges surrounding the ACA and congressional efforts to change the act.
On November 2, House Republicans unveiled a new tax reform plan, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act." Supporters of the plan hail it as an engine of economic growth, while opponents call it a giveaway for the rich.
In this podcast, John Diamond, the Edward and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance at the Baker Institute, assesses the corporate and individual elements of the plan, the plan's possible implications and the mechanics of tax reform.