Research Library

To provide better security and asylum resources at the U.S.-Mexico border, the new U.S. administration and Congress should create legal pathways for immigration, update and better fund the asylum system, and focus political messaging on the historic importance of providing refuge to those seeking safety, writes fellow Kelsey Norman.

To continue competing with one of America’s largest trading partners, the new U.S. administration must monitor the Chinese government’s upcoming economic policy changes, regarding national security, science and technology exchange agreements, and tariffs, in order to ensure U.S. security and diplomacy, writes fellow Steven W. Lewis.

San Diego and Tijuana, key entry points at the U.S.-Mexico border, face challenges in meeting the needs of migrants arriving in their cities due to insufficient shelter capacity, infrastructure, and funding. Ana Martín Gil’s new report examines the cities’ differing migrant reception systems and approaches to collaborative efforts among international, federal, and local groups, while also providing policy recommendations to advance the development of an orderly and humane asylum system.

On this episode of Baker Briefing, Michael Emerson and David Brockman joined Baker Institute Director David Satterfield to explore the evolution of the Christian nationalist movement, its support among the U.S. electorate, and its implications for public policy in Texas and across the country.

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.

The recent wave of military coups in West Africa have garnered significant civilian support. In a new commentary from The Conversation, postdoctoral associate Salah Ben Hammou discusses how civilian support — a phenomenon typically viewed as an anomaly to coups — is, in fact, crucial. Ben Hammou also emphasizes the need to understand underlying political contexts and social challenges that lead civilians to such public backing.

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.

Regardless of partisan differences, there are a number of policy steps that the new administration can take to protect America’s global economic power and influence worldwide.

While concerns about the state of the U.S. economy tend to overshadow foreign policy issues in any presidential election, it is essential that the U.S. maintain robust diplomatic, economic, and military engagement in the Indo-Pacific region postelection for America’s economic and national security interests, writes nonresident scholar Daniel H. Katz.

While voters tend to base their decisions heavily on candidates’ domestic policies, it is very prudent for voters and candidates to pay attention to international issues as well, especially given the high stakes of current global events for U.S. citizens, writes Richard J. Stoll.