Since October 2023, Houthi militants have deployed missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea — creating security concerns in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and causing major disruptions to supply chains. On this episode of Baker Briefing, experts assess the security threat in the Red Sea and the broader geopolitical ramifications of the Israel-Hamas war.
Jim Krane, David M. Satterfield, Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Mohammad Ayatollahi TabaarFebruary 14, 2024
Mark Finley explains the cost-benefit analysis behind the Saudi government's recent move to pause plans to increase spare oil production capacity — and why spare capacity still equates to power in the oil market.
Over half of all Americans live in a state where cannabis is legalized. And yet, the federal government has not reclassified marijuana since 1970. According to the Controlled Substances Act, it is considered a “Schedule 1” substance — the same classification as heroin and crack cocaine with no accepted medical use.
Victoria Jupp, Gary J. Hale, Lisa PittmanFebruary 9, 2024
In June 2023, the international boundary treaty governing the U.S.-Mexico border came under attack from Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lonestar. In a new research paper, nonresident scholars Stephen Mumme and Regina M. Buono outline the treaty’s history and examine key issues — advising on merits of recent challenges and long-term implications for the binational relationship between the United States and Mexico.
Electricity demand in Texas is evolving, posing major challenges for grid reliability. Center for Energy Studies experts lay out ways ERCOT, Texas’ grid operator, can enhance reliability and resource adequacy.
Peter R. Hartley, Kenneth B. Medlock III, Shih Yu (Elsie) HungFebruary 7, 2024
As foreign interference and the prevalence of disinformation test our democratic processes, election administrators must work across the aisle to demonstrate a shared commitment to healthy election systems at all levels of government. This report provides a framework for effective bipartisan policies that balance the linchpins required equitable access and integrity of the results.
David Carroll, Mark P. Jones, John B. Williams, Doug Chapin, Adrián Carrasquillo Lecároz, Benjamin Ginsberg, Kim Wyman, Nellie Gorbea, Trey Grayson, David Becker, Avery Davis-RobertsFebruary 6, 2024
As U.S. democratic principles are being challenged, The Carter Center and Baker Institute for Public Policy have proposed guiding principles to ensure elections are conducted in ways that give Americans greater confidence in their outcomes. This episode explores American elections and how a set of commonsense principles can promote access, security, and confidence.
David Carroll, Mark P. Jones, John B. Williams, Doug Chapin, Kim WymanFebruary 6, 2024
Narcan, the nasal spray that reverses an opioid overdose, is now available without prescription. But how easy is it to get? In this quick take, Rice University students and fellow Katharine Neill Harris investigate the reality of over-the-counter (OTC) access to the live-saving drug naloxone.
Jeffery Liu, Bianca Schutz, Skye Fredericks, Imani Hill, Gautam Chaudhry, Katharine Neill HarrisFebruary 2, 2024