Research Library | Baker Institute

Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East | Women’s Rights, Human Rights, and Refugees | Commentary

Funding for Refugees Has Long Been Politicized − Punitive Action Against UNRWA and Palestinians Fits That Pattern

At least a dozen countries, including the U.S., have suspended funding to the United Nations agency that delivers aid to Palestinian refugees. The cuts fit a long-time pattern of the politicization of refugee aid, write Nicholas R. Micinski and Kelsey Norman.

Nicholas R. Micinski, Kelsey Norman February 1, 2024

Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East | Commentary

Israel’s Mass Displacement of Gazans Fits Strategy of Using Migration as a Tool of War

As a result of the monthslong Israeli air and ground campaign in northern Gaza Strip, more than 1.8 million of the strip’s…

Nicholas R. Micinski, Adam G. Lichtenheld, Kelsey Norman December 11, 2023

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Commentary

Unraveling Covert Networks: Analysis of Mexican Cartel Alliances

In the fight against Mexican criminal cartels, social network analysis can predict and map out their alliances and subgroups — using algorithms to predict new connections. In this commentary, Nonresident Scholar in Drug Policy and Mexico Studies Nathan P. Jones and his co-authors outline their recent work in the field.

Nathan P. Jones, Oscar Contreras Velasco, John P. Sullivan, Chris Callaghan, Irina Chindea, Daniel Weisz Argomedo October 18, 2023

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Commentary

Accusations of US Spying in Mexico Reveal AMLO’s Hostile Intentions Toward US Interests

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's deference to drug cartels in Mexico reveals that he is not interested in meaningful cooperation on bilateral drug law enforcement, and his administration should be regarded as hostile to U.S. interests, writes nonresident fellow Gary Hale.

Gary J. Hale April 27, 2023

Drug Policy | Commentary

317,793 People Were Arrested for Marijuana Possession in 2020 Despite the Growing Legalization Movement

More than 300,000 people were arrested for cannabis possession in 2020, FBI records show. Meanwhile, the drug is being legal…

Katharine Neill Harris November 16, 2022

Center for Public Finance | Commentary

The Strong Job Market and Sliding College Enrollment

A hot job market is spurring a decline in college enrollment — with possible downsides for would-be students once the labor market cools.

Joyce Beebe July 13, 2022

Center for Public Finance | McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth | Commentary

Organized Retail Crime: Economic Impact and Policy Responses

The author reviews recent developments in organized retail crime, as well as federal and state policy responses. Read the post on the Baker Institute Blog.

Joyce Beebe May 10, 2022

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Latin American Energy | Commentary

Powerless: López Obrador’s Failed Electricity Reforms

Despite earlier promises not to do so, Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has sought to reverse the country’s…

Tony Payan, Miriam Grunstein April 25, 2022

Center for Public Finance | Commentary

Biden’s Executive Order Sets the Tone for Digital Assets

Last week, the Joe Biden administration released a long-awaited executive order containing a government-wide outline for digital assets, focusing on cryptocurrency. The guidance is a welcome and timely development for both regulators and investors.

Joyce Beebe March 17, 2022

Center for the U.S. and Mexico | Commentary

Key Drivers of Mexico’s 2022 Outlook

Introduction

The major drivers of Mexico’s outlook in 2022 will be 1) growing political polarization and social conflict…

Tony Payan February 9, 2022