Research Library

Will 2024 be another chaotic year in U.S. foreign policy? From Ukraine to the Israel-Hamas war, fellow Joe Barnes reviews the major challenges President Joe Biden faced in 2023 and what they could mean for the November election.

This testimony was delivered before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services and Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions at its hearing entitled “Restricting Rogue-State Revenue: Strengthening Energy Sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela” on Dec. 12, 2023.

The U.S. is facing a dire shortage of health care providers. Immigrants can help fill the gap, writes contributing author Shishir Shakya.

With the 2024 presidential election, Taiwan faces a major decision about its energy future. A  potential phaseout of nuclear power could put the island’s energy security and decarbonization efforts at risk, writes the Center for Energy Studies’ Shih Yu (Elsie) Hung.

Health care costs in the U.S. have climbed dramatically in recent decades. Elevated prescription and premium prices have left more Americans at risk of being unable to afford basic health care services. Our experts discuss key factors leading to medical unaffordability and steps policymakers must take to address the issue.

Recent attacks by the Yemeni armed militant group, the Houthis, against commercial ships signal new tensions are escalating in the Red Sea and the broader Middle East. A series of events in recent weeks indicate the potential for a broader war in the region — escalating the conflict between Israel and Hamas beyond Gaza.

Baker Institute Rice faculty scholar Luz M. Garcini and co-authors analyze existing research on the compounded stressors and health risks faced by undocumented Latino older adults in the United States. Using a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) lens, they examine the environments, conditions, and social structures that influence health risks, and provide policy and advocacy recommendations to address the issues.

Armed conflicts in the Middle East and Europe and a strained relationship with China mean that U.S. foreign policy is currently operating in crisis mode. Fellow Joe Barnes discusses the many challenges we face and how multiple issues are contributing to this perfect storm.

Global leaders met in Dubai this month for the 28th annual United Nations Conference of the Parties on climate change — known as COP28. In the lead-up to the conference, our expert panel broke down the key political and policy issues at play.