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Satellite view of the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz with glowing blue lines symbolizing naval traffic and strategic maritime routes amidst geopolitical tensions and regional conflict in Iran.

Center for Energy Studies | Commentary

Geopolitical Conflict Highlights Circular Carbon Pathways in Plastics

How resilient is the global plastics system to geopolitical disruption? Rachel A. Meidl examines how the Iran war is exposing vulnerabilities in petrochemical supply chains and how circular carbon pathways may strengthen resilience through diversification and flexibility.

Mali’s Assimi Goita during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Moscow, 2025.

Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East | Commentary

Mali’s Military Leader Is Consolidating Power. Why This Is Dangerous

Luxury car parked on the driveway of a house in a Florida residential area reserved for mid aged people, USA 2017

Baker Briefing | The Two-Handed Economist | Podcast

How the Iran War Is Hitting Americans at Home

Industrial welder at work with sparks flying in shipyard setting.

Center for Energy Studies | Issue Brief

The Defense Production Act’s Expanding Role in Energy

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The Baker Institute for Public Policy is a nonpartisan, data-driven think tank located on the campus of Rice University. Our highly respected research, analysis and recommendations have informed the decisions of policymakers, business leaders, academics and the public for more than 30 years.

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Tue, Sep 15 2026, 8am –Thu, Sep 17 2026, 6pm

Science and Technology Policy

AI in Health Conference

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Fri, Sep 18 2026, 9am –5pm

Science and Technology Policy

Synthetic Biology at the Intersection of Science, Ethics, and Policy

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Mon, Nov 2 2026, 5:30 –7:30pm

Science and Technology Policy

Joni Sue Lane Lecture Series — Exploring Space: A Conversation With Astronaut Ellen Ochoa