A Pemex refinery in Mexico, viewed from across a body of water.

Center for Energy Studies | Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Research Paper

The Petrochemical Arm of Pemex: A Tale of Boom and Bust

This paper contends that it is worth evaluating which state-owned petrochemical assets in Mexico could be strengthened to support both economic recovery and President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s agenda.

Adrian Duhalt May 14, 2020

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Research Paper

Corruption and Democracy in Mexico: An Empirical Analysis

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has pledged to end corrupt practices in Mexico. Yet some of his other goals — such as returning to a more centralized government — might actually foster corruption. Postdoctoral fellow Jose Ivan Rodriguez-Sanchez explores this situation and analyzes the relationship between democracy and corruption in Mexico.

Jose Ivan Rodriguez-Sanchez October 3, 2019

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Research Paper

Organized Crime and the Illicit Wildlife Trade in Mexico

This paper analyzes the links between transnational organized crime and the illicit wildlife trade in Mexico. It aims to provide policymakers with a better understanding of the seriousness of this crime and potential policy options that might help the international community in apprehending the culprits.

Taylor Barth May 1, 2017

Center for Energy Studies | Research Paper

Winter Is Coming: Controlled Conflicts and the Oil-price Geopolitical-risk Premium

This paper presents a simple dynamic growth model of investment, consumption, passive military spending, and active military spending for an oil-exporting country. It argues that under conditions of significant geopolitical strife, a country might engage in a military conflict of limited scope and extent to drive up oil prices and revenues.

Mahmoud A. El-Gamal November 21, 2016

Drug Policy | Research Paper

The Victimology of Extortions in Mexico

Criminal extortion is on the rise in Mexico, particularly along the northern border states. Author Gary Hale shows how this trend has fueled government corruption, with officials implicitly or explicitly aiding organized crime groups as they extort businesses and citizens.

Gary J. Hale November 4, 2016

Science and Technology Policy | Research Paper

Science and Technology: Ensuring America's Science Future

The United States should assign a particularly high priority on science and technology over the next four years, especially for federal support of research.

Neal F. Lane, Kirstin R.W. Matthews March 8, 2013