Experts in the News

The Trump administration's move to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara is an "astounding retreat from the principles of international law and diplomacy" that will "make no difference to the position of the international community and to the resolution of the conflict," wrote former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III. The upcoming Biden administration would do well to rescind President Trump's "rash and cynical” action.

Middle East fellow Kristian Coates Ulrichsen joined a panel discussion on the impact of recent regional agreements on Israel-Palestine relations.

Energy fellow Jim Krane discussed how Saudi Aramco is coping with COVID-19 and climate change.

"It is, so far, all American taxpayers' money," said fellow Tony Payan of funds for the border wall and President Trump's repeated claims that Mexico would pay for it. Payan is the Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies.

If Houston takes certain steps, it can continue to be an energy capital as the world moves to a low-carbon future, experts said. Energy fellow Michelle Foss suggested that Houston lean into existing strengths, like its robust plastics industry. "Every single thing that people talk about wanting to do in some version of energy transition is going to require advanced composites, plastics, materials that are essential for being able to build things, operate things," she said.