Baker Briefing

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.

Discussants:

• David Carroll - Director, Democracy Program, The Carter Center

This conversation was recorded on January 26, 2024. The associated report, “Guiding Principles for Election Administration," is now available.

Modern-day stresses affect our mental health—but how are they impacting our brain chemistry? An emerging area of research argues that, if unaddressed, deteriorating brain health could diminish economic productivity, social cohesion, and overall happiness. This episode digs into the idea of “brain capital:” a framework that addresses intersections between brain health and other areas of public policy. Baker Institute Fellow Harris Eyre joins Ed Emmett for an introductory conversation.

Discussants: 

• Edward M Emmett, Fellow in Energy and Transportation Policy, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy

This episode was recorded on January 11, 2024. Read more of Dr. Eyre’s brain capital research. 

The City of Houston’s budget is at a tipping point. For five consecutive years, the city outspent its revenues by $100-$200 million each year. With stop-gap options drying up, city officials must plot out a more sustainable plan for the longer term. How did Houston find itself in this budgetary bind, and where must city officials go from here? 

Discussants:

• Edward M. Emmett, Fellow in Energy and Transportation Policy, Baker Institute

This conversation was recorded on November 29, 2023.

The associated report, “State of the City’s Finances – A Deep Dive into the Fiscal Issues Facing the City”, was published on November 3, 2023 by Dr. John W. Diamond and the Greater Houston Partnership.

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.

Discussants:

• Kelsey Norman, Ph.D., Fellow for the Middle East; Director, Women's Rights, Human Rights and Refugees Program, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy

This episode was recorded on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.

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 healthcare services. Our experts discuss key factors leading to medical unaffordability and the steps policymakers must take to address the issue.

Discussants include:

• Joe Barnes, Bonner Means Baker Fellow, Baker Institute for Public Policy

This episode was recorded on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. For more, see archived materials from the "National Health Care Reform: Tackling the Affordability Crisis" conference held at the Baker Institute on Oct. 13, 2023.

This week, global leaders will meet in Dubai for the 28th annual United Nations Conference of the Parties on climate change — known as COP28. In the leadup to the conference, our expert panel breaks down the key political and policy issues at play. 

Discussants include:

• Joe Barnes, Bonner Means Baker Fellow, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy (Moderator)

This episode was recorded on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. 

Climate change is causing unprecedented weather conditions around the world. In recent months, a severe drought exacerbated by El Niño has caused water shortages in Central America that are expected to persist well into 2024. As a result, the Panama Canal — one of the world’s most vital waterways for international commerce — has become increasingly impassable.

This episode explores climate change, international shipping, and what happens when a pivotal passage for global supply chains becomes unreliable.

Discussants

• Ed Emmett, Baker Institute’s Fellow in Energy and Transportation Policy

This discussion is based on a issue brief published on October 2, 2023 by David A. Gantz titled, "Supply Chain Alternatives for Ocean Shipping if Climate Change-driven Water Shortages Persist at the Panama Canal," available at bakerinstitute.org.

As the war in Ukraine evolves, how have the political and strategic dimensions of the crisis changed? This conversation explores the complexities of ongoing war — including the conflict's roots, the United States’ involvement, and military aid. 

Two career diplomats, Ambassador David M. Satterfield, director of the Baker Institute, and Glenn Corn, Russian affairs expert and former CIA senior executive, offer their insights into the personality and motivations of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the strategic implications of how Putin’s war in Ukraine ends for the interests of the U.S. and NATO.

This episode was recorded on October 10, 2023.

Discussants:

• The Honorable David M. Satterfield, Director, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy; Former Ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey

On September 13, 1993, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Negotiator Mahmoud Abbas met at the White Houst to sign a Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements — commonly referred to as the “Oslo Accord.” The Accord stated that Israel accepted the PLO as the representative of the Palestinians, and the PLO renounced terrorism and recognized Israel’s right to exist in peace.

This conversation reflects on the landmark peace agreement 30 years after its historic signing. Ambassador David Satterfield, Gilead Sher, and Dr. Aaron David Miller reflect on the lasting impact of the Oslo Accords, including the successes, setbacks, and enduring challenges, and how it continues to shape the complex dynamics of the Middle East today.

Discussants:

• David Satterfield, Director, Baker Institute for Public Policy | Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy

Six years ago, Hurricane Harvey forever changed the Houston region.  In four days, the storm dumped 50 inches of rain — claiming dozens of lives and causing an estimated $125 billion in damages. In months and years following the storm, the vast majority of Harris County residents supported policy action to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters.

In this conversation, we explore a critical question: Is Houston ready for the next big storm? This episode was recorded on September 18, 2023.

Discussants:

• Edward M. Emmett, Fellow in Energy and Transportation Policy, Baker Institute for Public Policy

Read the full report by Jim Blackburn: "Assessing Houston's Flood Vulnerability 6 Years After Harvey."