Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy

🇺🇸 2024 marked a year of political change, and the Baker Institute responded with solutions-driven research and programming to tackle critical election issues. Through the “Election 2024: Policy Playbook,” created in collaboration with Rice University, we brought together over 40 experts to address economic, immigration, health care, sustainability, security issues, and more. Our nonpartisan analysis of the 2024 election lays the groundwork for actionable insights. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, we remain committed to advancing impactful research and fostering informed policymaking for a stronger, more equitable future. 🌐 Access the full series here: https://bit.ly/3P1pn3g

As 2024 comes to a close, our research and policy engagement are more critical than ever — providing trusted insights to guide policymakers and the public in shaping the future. With significant shifts in the political landscape, we’ve focused on rigorous research, innovative policy solutions, and impactful discussions on issues ranging from energy and economic policy to healthcare, sustainability, and national security. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to fostering informed civic engagement, meaningful dialogue, and sound policy research to strengthen democracy and global leadership. Check out a recap of the Baker Institute’s dynamic efforts to shape policy that will influence decisions for decades to come. 📺 Full Video: https://bit.ly/4gn42NU

ICYMI: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries —Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — have significantly advanced their developmental, infrastructural, and governance capabilities over the past 15 years to align with their net-zero carbon emissions goals. In a new brief, nonresident fellow Osamah Alsayegh urges the GCC states to reevaluate the feasibility of a joint regional nuclear power plant as a clean and reliable energy solution. https://bit.ly/49OrDo7

ICYMI: The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) countries —Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — have significantly advanced their developmental, infrastructural, and governance capabilities over the past 15 years to align with their net-zero carbon emissions goals. In a new brief, nonresident fellow Osamah Alsayegh urges the GCC states to reevaluate the feasibility of a joint regional nuclear power plant as a clean and reliable energy solution. https://bit.ly/49OrDo7

🌍 In a compelling discussion on U.S. foreign policy and national security, Kurt M. Campbell, deputy secretary of state, and Jon Finer, principal deputy national security advisor, joined Baker Institute Director David M. Satterfield to reflect on key global issues. From the evolving U.S.-India partnership to tensions with China and North Korea, the conversation highlighted the administration’s achievements and the challenges ahead. Campbell noted, "China and North Korea's support for Russia is a significant concern, with North Korean troops now fighting alongside Russians in Ukraine." Learn More: https://bit.ly/4gwCRzR #ForeignPolicy #NationalSecurity #USIndiaPartnership #GlobalAffairs #BakerInstitute

In a new paper by the Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East, nonresident fellows Gilead Sher and Samih Al-Abed offer a framework for advancing security, peace, and diplomacy in the Middle East. They emphasize the need for inclusive, international support for regional negotiations. Their work offers a strategic roadmap to navigate the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, aiming toward developing a more peaceful, secure future across the region and beyond. Read more https://bit.ly/49IO6TC

The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) countries —Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — have significantly advanced their developmental, infrastructural, and governance capabilities over the past 15 years to align with their net-zero carbon emissions goals. In a new brief, nonresident fellow Osamah Alsayegh urges the GCC states to reevaluate the feasibility of a joint regional nuclear power plant as a clean and reliable energy solution. Learn more: https://bit.ly/49OrDo7

South Korea could strengthen its relationship with the U.S. by emphasizing how its major industries, such as shipbuilding and energy, can support U.S. efforts to compete with China. Additionally, South Korea could consider offering aid to Ukraine. In a recent commentary in Korea Law Times, nonresident fellow Henry Haggard explores how managing U.S.-South Korea relations can be mutually beneficial for both countries, economically and diplomatically, especially as they manage their complex interactions with China. Read more: https://bit.ly/4gzYVKc

How much influence does Turkey have over the rebel forces that toppled the Assad regime in #Syria, and what role will it play in the country’s uncertain future? Baker Institute and Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East Director David Satterfield joined CBS News’ “The Daily Show” to discuss. 📺 Watch: https://bit.ly/4iK1r2k.

New U.S. regulations, responding to U.S. national security concerns, are set to take effect in mid-January and will prohibit imports of Chinese- and Russian-made “connected” software and hardware used in manufacturing vehicles. Under such circumstances, they are probably unavoidable — although, if they are combined with Trump’s proposed 10%–20% tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts, they could adversely impact Mexico’s economy, reduce the global competitiveness of North America’s automotive sector, and disrupt U.S. trade agreements, write fellows David Gantz and Michelle Michot Foss. Read more: https://bit.ly/41Abe4O