Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy

10/30/2026

🇲🇽 What’s ahead for Mexico in 2027?

Join Tony Payan for the public release of the Mexico Country Outlook 2027, the Claudio X. González Center for the United States and Mexico’s annual report of Mexico’s political, economic, and security trajectory and what it means for U.S.-Mexico relations.

Gain insight into trends in trade, energy, and environmental policy shaping the year ahead. The event is open to the public and members of the media. It will be hosted both in person and online via Zoom.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4jCtDXJ

10/28/2026

In Feb. 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and targeting nuclear and military infrastructure. Over seven months later, tensions in the Gulf continue to escalate, with developments unfolding daily.

This event brings together leading experts to discuss the evolving conflict in the Gulf and its implications for regional security and U.S. policy. Moderated by former Ambassador David Satterfield, the conversation will feature Danny Citrinowicz and Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, who will examine the conflict from Israeli, Iranian, U.S. and broader regional perspectives.

Reserve your spot via our website: https://bit.ly/4swcYYo

10/28/2026

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience. The event will be rescheduled for early next year. A final date will be announced soon.

10/28/2026

In a new working paper, Bill King, John W. Diamond, and Joyce Beebe analyze recent increases in Texas’ state revenue in fiscal year 2026, interpreting them as a sign of economic resilience. They project that state revenue in fiscal year 2027 will follow a similar trajectory but caution that shifting federal policies, particularly changes to healthcare financing and other one-time reimbursements, could introduce greater uncertainty in the years ahead.

In this working paper, Bill King, John W. Diamond, and Joyce Beebe analyze recent increases in Texas’ state revenue in fiscal year 2026, interpreting them as a sign of economic resilience. They project that state revenue in fiscal year 2027 will follow a similar trajectory but caution that shiftin...

10/27/2026

Through chants, poetry, and art, peaceful protesters in Sudan built a movement that contributed to the downfall of Omar al-Bashir’s three-decade rule.

On Nov. 5, the Baker Institute’s Women’s Rights, Human Rights, and Refugees Program will host a public screening of “Sudan, Remember Us,” directed by Hind Meddeb. The film follows protesters, many of them young women, on the front lines of the uprising and captures their struggle against repression through intimate storytelling and political urgency.

This event is free and open to the public. Register here: https://bit.ly/4dOXCYT

10/20/2026

Fifteen years after the 2011 uprising and nearly two years after the fall of the Assad regime, long-term Syrian refugee integration faces growing domestic political constraints in Türkiye, the world’s largest host state for displaced Syrians. A new brief by Kelsey Norman and Beyza Yildirim for the Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East considers economic and legal pathways forward.

Nearly two years after the fall of the Assad regime, long-term Syrian refugee integration faces growing domestic constraints in Türkiye. A new brief by Kelsey Norman and Beyza Yildirim for the Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East considers economic and legal pathways forward.

10/20/2026

Women have long contributed to scientific discovery and innovation, yet barriers to representation persist across many fields and leadership roles.

On Nov. 2, we will host “Joni Sue Lane Lecture Series — Exploring Space: A Conversation with Astronaut Ellen Ochoa,” featuring former NASA astronaut Ellen Ochoa. The first Latina to travel to space, Ochoa flew four space shuttle missions before becoming the first Hispanic director of the Johnson Space Center.

Drawing on her career in research, spaceflight, and leadership, Ochoa will reflect on the evolving role of women in science, the barriers that remain, and the importance of expanding opportunities for future generations.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4yooSpx

10/19/2026

In a new commentary, Gilead Sher outlines how international leaders can advance proposals for Gaza’s future and Israel’s national security. He highlights the upcoming G20 foreign ministers’ meeting as an opportunity to begin Gaza’s political transition while developing a comprehensive framework for a durable Israeli-Palestinian settlement.

In this commentary, Gilead Sher outlines how international leaders can advance proposals for Gaza’s future and Israel’s national security. He highlights the upcoming G20 foreign ministers’ meeting as an opportunity to begin Gaza’s political transition while developing a comprehensive framewo...

10/15/2026

As U.S. public diplomacy and global aid programs scale back in Africa, how might China’s aid programs and economic influence be perceived there?

On Oct. 30, join us for a discussion with Dr. Maria Repnikova, a leading expert on China’s propaganda and strategic communications, who will discuss findings from her new book, “Competing for Soft Power: China’s Image-Making in Africa.” Drawing on research across Africa, she will examine how China uses media, health initiatives and economic partnerships to shape its image and build influence, as well as the successes and limitations of these efforts.

Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/3VhusuX

10/13/2026

The global humanitarian system is in crisis as funding declines and demand for aid rises. Humanitarian organizations face growing pressure to do more with fewer resources.

This October, we will host Ciarán Donnelly, senior vice president for Crisis Response, Recovery & Development at the International Rescue Committee, for a discussion on the challenges facing humanitarian aid and the reforms needed to strengthen its effectiveness and impact.

Registration is now open. Reserve your seat today: https://bit.ly/46TeIkj