Research Library

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.

Texas spends nearly $50 billion a year on health care yet lags far behind other states on key health outcomes. Elena M. Marks and Charles W. Mathias share how recent investments in health-impacting, non-medical services present an opportunity for Texas to get more value for the money.

U.S. fiscal policy should focus on stabilizing the long-term budget outlook by supporting robust economic growth, broadening the tax base, and reducing federal spending. This new policy brief from John W. Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Public Finance outlines the issue and recommends policy actions.

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.

Despite being one of the largest and most dynamic sectors of the U.S. economy, the construction industry faces a severe labor shortage due to an aging workforce, lower birth rates, and reduced immigration. This new report from the Center for the U.S and Mexico offers recommendations to address the industry’s needs, including authorizing more migrant workers through limited-term visas and promoting construction skills and careers to young people.

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?

Texas cities and towns should implement pedestrian-friendly design and prioritize transportation safety to help combat an obesity and poor mental health epidemic among U.S. children.

Reproductive health care, which encompasses preventative screenings, family planning, and contraceptive access, is becoming increasingly inaccessible in Texas due to restrictive abortion policies. A new brief by nonresident fellow McClain Sampson and coauthor Priscilla Kennedy examines how these policies exacerbate health disparities across the state and suggests ways to make comprehensive reproductive care more accessible to Texans.

To restore America’s leadership in science, the next presidential administration must prioritize investment in science and technology as key to economic progress, national security, and a healthy society. This will require a coordinated interagency national plan and the support of both political parties.