Research Library

Geopolitical risks in Russia/Ukraine and Middle East have increased the importance of Latin America’s hydrocarbon reserves and its contribution to global energy security. Growth in the region’s oil production and its prospects for increased global natural gas exports both underscore the need for U.S. and the region governments’ policies that favor the development of Latin America’s hydrocarbons potential as well as significant investments in its decarbonization efforts, writes fellow Francisco J. Monaldi.

Gain-of-function research is an important tool in medicine and other areas that leads to new biotechnologies, therapies, and tools. Instead of banning it, existing oversight can be used to ensure its safety.

America’s cities are increasingly diverse, but diversity without equity and inclusion is problematic. Policymakers can contribute to the economic growth and success of America’s cities by providing health equity, environmental justice, and equal access to resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners from historically excluded groups, writes Constance Elise Porter.

Turkey lies in a seismically active zone but lacks the rigorous regulation of construction safety standards needed to improve earthquake resistance. In a new Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East brief, nonresident fellow A.Kadir Yildirim explains the relationship between the government and construction industry and what is needed to improve Turkey’s earthquake preparedness.

Science and technology policy usually takes a back seat to issues such as immigration, the economy, and health care during election season. What’s changed for 2024?

By extending or enhancing the base-broadening provisions of the 2017 tax act, the new administration could increase U.S. tax revenues — promoting fiscal responsibility — while also contributing to a fair and efficient tax system.

Mosquito-borne viruses and parasitic illnesses not only are expected to become America’s new normal, especially in the Southern U.S., but also carry a pandemic-level threat. Should this happen, it could exert an enormous public health and socioeconomic toll, especially on the Gulf Coast. In response, the U.S. needs to implement modern biotechnology approaches for disease surveillance and prevention as part of its pandemic strategies, writes fellow Peter J. Hotez.

Nearshoring — the outsourcing of production to another country — would increase manufacturing and further economic development across U.S.-Mexico border areas, but it also raises significant questions about environmental impacts and, ultimately, environmental justice. Both governments should begin drafting and implementing effective transboundary policies that incentivize companies to protect local communities and fragile border ecosystems from a manufacturing surge, writes research scholar Ivonne Cruz.

Subjective U.S. research security policies are threatening critical partnerships between global scientists, especially between the U.S. and China. New policies based on empirical evidence are needed to protect American science while maintaining the nation’s global economic and technological competitiveness.

As Mexico becomes a desirable site for nearshoring, damaging environmental and social impacts on the border region may be exacerbated under the economic growth. A new report by research scholar Ivonne Cruz dissects the relationship between nearshoring’s ecological and socioeconomic risks and offers trade policy recommendations to support sustainable economic development, mitigate potential hazards, and safeguard local communities.