Baker Briefing

34: The High Costs of US Health Care

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 Elena M. Marks, J.D., M.P.H., Senior Fellow in Health Policy, 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.

33: A Moment of Truth at the COP28 Climate Talks

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) Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, Ph.D., Fellow for the Middle East, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Mark Finley, Fellow in Energy and Global Oil, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Jim Krane, Ph.D., Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Rachel A. Meidl, LP.D., CHMM, Fellow in Energy and Environment, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy This episode was recorded on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. 

32: How a Drought in the Panama Canal is Disrupting Global Supply Chains

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 David A. Gantz, Baker Institute’s Will Clayton Fellow in Trade and International Economics 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.

31: A Closer Look at Conflict and Aid in Ukraine

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 Glenn Corn, Former Senior Executive, CIA  

30: Reflections on the Oslo Accord 30 Years On

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 Gilead Sher, Isaac and Mildred Brochstein Fellow in Middle East Peace and Security in Honor of Yitzhak Rabin Aaron David Miller, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

29: Is Houston Ready for the Next Big Storm?

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 Jim Blackburn, Baker Institute Rice Faculty Scholar and Professor in the Practice of Environmental Law, Rice University Read the full report by Jim Blackburn: "Assessing Houston's Flood Vulnerability 6 Years After Harvey."

28: Intriguing Developments in Chinese Politics

In a one-sentence statement, the Chinese government announced in July that its Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, was removed from office. He was replaced by his predecessor, Wang Yi. Here, we discuss what this move reveals about Xi Jinping’s leadership — and what it could mean for US-China relations. Discussants include: Joe Barnes, Bonner Means Baker Fellow, Baker Institute for Public Policy Steven W. Lewis, Ph.D., C.V. Starr Transnational China Fellow, Jesse Jones Leadership Center Summer Intern Program Coordinator, Baker Institute for Policy Policy

27: Texas’ Attorney General Goes On Trial

Next week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton faces a historic impeachment trial in the Texas Senate. As the state’s top lawyer, he’s been one of the most powerful and controversial Republicans in the state. Here, we unpack the issues and make our predictions regarding next week’s trial. This conversation was recorded on July 19, 2023.  Discussants: Ed Emmett, Fellow in Energy and Transportation Policy, Baker Institute for Public Policy Mark P. Jones, Ph.D., Fellow in Political Science, Baker Institute for Public Policy; Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies and Professor, Rice University  

26: The Biden Administration Takes On Tranq

This week, the White House announced a new initiative to tackle the growing use of fentanyl laced with xylazine — known to many as "tranq." This combination of drugs poses an alarming and significant threat to public health. The CDC reported last month that the percentage of fatal opioid overdoses in which xylazine was detected increased by 276% in just three years. The Baker Institute’s fellow in drug policy, Katharine Neill Harris, discusses the rise in xylazine-laced fentanyl, as well as federal, state, and local policy approaches to curbing the nation’s overdose epidemic.  Discussants: Joe Barnes, Bonner Means Baker Fellow, Baker Institute for Public Policy Katharine Neill Harris, Ph.D., Alfred C. Glassell, III, Fellow in Drug Policy, Baker Institute

25: The US-Mexico Diplomatic Relationship

Relations between the U.S. and Mexico have come under strain in recent years. The Honorable Earl Anthony Wayne, who served as U.S. ambassador to Mexico from 2011-2015, joins Center for the U.S. and Mexico Director Tony Payan to explore the complex relationship between the two countries and what their future might hold — particularly for trade, immigration after COVID-19, the fentanyl crisis and other public safety issues.  Discussants: Tony Payan, Ph.D., Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies; Director, Center for the United States and Mexico, Baker Institute; and  Earl Anthony Wayne, Former Career US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Argentina, and Mexico; Distinguished Diplomat in Residence, School of International Service, American University; Public Policy Fellow, Wilson Center. This conversation was recorded on May 31, 2023.