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Politics

Politics

Updated 11/12/2025
Politics

Politics

Updated Weekly

FEB 4

14: Religion and the Battle for Texas Public Schools

Why has the role of religion in Texas public education become one of the most consequential policy battles in the state? What is at stake for religious liberty, church-state separation, and the future of education across the nation? On the latest episode of the “Texas Briefing” podcast, another Baker Institute podcast, Baker Institute fellow and guest host Michael O. Emerson is joined by David R. Brockman to unpack how faith-based politics, Christian nationalism, and recent legislative actions are reshaping classrooms across Texas. Featured: Michael O. Emerson, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/michael-o-emerson David R. Brockman, Ph. D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/david-r-brockman Mentioned in this episode: U.S. Supreme Court, “Kennedy v. Bremerton School District,” 2022, https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/supreme-court-case-library/kennedy-v-bremerton-school-district. Texas Senate Bill 10. 89th Leg., R.S., 2025, https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00010I.pdf. Barton, David, “In Defense of the Ten Commandments,” 2003, AFA Journal, The American Family Association, https://afajournal.org/past-issues/2003/november-december/in-defense-of-the-ten-commandments/. Texas Senate Bill 763. 88th Leg., R.S., 2023, https://legiscan.com/TX/text/SB763/id/2817871. Texas Senate Bill 11, 89th Leg., R.S., 2025, https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00011I.pdf. This is the second episode in a four-part series, “Between Pulpit and Policy,” exploring the rising influence of faith, particularly Christian nationalism, in Texas politics — and how it’s transforming public policy and governance. The series was produced in partnership with the Baker Institute Student Forum. This conversation was recorded in front of a live studio audience on Oct. 10, 2025. Learn about future live recordings of the “Texas Briefing” podcast by subscribing to our “Events Digest” newsletter at https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter. You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

Feb 4

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25 min
JAN 30

21: AI-Driven Energy Growth and Its Impact on Water Resources

Artificial intelligence, data centers, and industrial growth are driving a new wave of electricity demand, while also placing growing pressure on water systems that underpin energy and infrastructure development. In this special cross-posted episode from "Talking Under Water," hosted by Bob Crossen of Endeavor Business Media, Gabriel Collins of the Center for Energy Studies at the Baker Institute examines how water availability and cost are increasingly shaping decisions across energy and industrial sectors. The conversation explores data centers, oil and gas operations, power generation, and advanced manufacturing, with a focus on trade-offs among efficiency, resilience, and scale. This episode appears on "The Energy Forum" feed as part of an ongoing partnership between the Center for Energy Studies and Endeavor Business Media, highlighting where energy and water challenges intersect — and why those connections matter for infrastructure planning and policy.

Jan 30

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30 min
JAN 29

13: How Sports Shape Diplomacy and Geopolitics Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

This summer, North America is preparing to host the largest FIFA World Cup in history. Seventy-eight matches will be played across 11 American cities, but domestic politics have turned up the heat off the pitch. Questions around immigration policy, security, and global perception have intensified scrutiny of how the tournament may factor into broader U.S. efforts to redefine its international presence. Former Amb. David Satterfield is joined by Middle East expert Dr. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen to discuss how sports are becoming a tool of diplomacy. Featured: Dr. Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, PhD This conversation was recorded [in front of a live studio audience] on Jan. 22, 2026. [Learn about future live recordings of the “Baker Briefing” podcast by subscribing to our “Events Digest” newsletter at https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter.] You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

Jan 29

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28 min
JAN 23

93: Who Holds Power to Account? Press Freedom and Democracy in Mexico

The Mexican press has played a vital role in the democratization of Mexico — not just reflecting political transformations, but propelling them. That’s the history that Andrew Paxman, lays out in his new book “Mexican Watchdogs: The Rise of a Critical Press Since the 1980s.” Paxman joined the “México Centered” podcast to discuss the various challenges to press freedom throughout modern Mexican history and what may lie ahead in the MORENA era, from the future of critical media to the growing role of the digital influencer. Featured: Andrew Paxman, Ph.D., https://andrewpaxman.wordpress.com/about/about-me/ Mentioned in this episode: “Mexican Watchdogs: The Rise of a Critical Press Since the 1980s” This conversation was recorded on Jan. 12, 2026. More about Tony Payan, Ph.D.: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/tony-payan You can follow @BakerInstitute and @BakerInstMexico on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

Jan 23

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32 min
JAN 22

12: Inside Iran's Unstable Moment

What do Iran’s converging challenges — environmental stress, economic strain, security concerns and an unresolved nuclear file — signal for the country’s leadership, society and role in the region? Mohammad Tabaar joined the podcast to discuss the internal and external pressures shaping Iran today, the choices Tehran may face in the months ahead, and what those decisions could mean for regional stability. Featured: Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Ph.D. This conversation was recorded on Jan. 22, 2026. You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

Jan 22

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29 min
JAN 14

20: Oil Markets in 2026: Venezuela, Iran, and What Comes Next for Global Supply

Oil markets are entering 2026 with rising geopolitical risk and an uneasy global supply balance. In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Abhi Rajendran and Skip York break down what recent political developments in Venezuela and Iran could mean for crude oil production, prices, and long-term investment decisions. This episode provides a timely look at where oil markets may be headed, what could tighten or loosen global balances, and why Venezuela could once again become strategically important for long-term supply portfolios. Featured: Abhi Rajendran, https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/abhi-rajendran Skip York, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/harold-skip-york This conversation was recorded on Jan. 12, 2026. You can follow @BakerInstitute and @CES_Baker_Inst on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

Jan 14

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22 min
JAN 16

11: After Maduro’s Ouster, What Happens to Venezuela’s Oil?

What does the removal of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military force signal for the future of Venezuela’s oil industry? Francisco Monaldi and Ken Medlock joined the podcast to discuss President Donald Trump’s recently released plan for taking over and selling the country’s crude oil, the risks and incentives for U.S. and international oil companies, and the implications for oil flows across Latin America. Featured guests: Ken Medlock, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/kenneth-b-medlock-iii Francisco Monaldi, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/francisco-j-monaldi This conversation was recorded on Jan. 12, 2026.

Jan 16

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39 min
07/03/2025

87: Stopping the Flow of US Arms to Mexico (Guests: Isabella D’Alacio, John Lindsay-Poland & Gerardo Álvarez)

In this episode of “México Centered,” experts Isabella D’Alacio, John Lindsay-Poland, and Gerardo Álvarez join Tony to shed light on the dangerous flow of firearms from the U.S. into Mexico. They explore how criminal networks traffic powerful weapons across the border, the cultural and political obstacles to reform, and the ongoing efforts to curb the illegal arms trade. Tune in for an in-depth, urgent conversation on one of the most pressing bilateral issues facing the U.S. and Mexico. Featured guests: Isabella D’Alacio, https://voicesforprogress.org/staff/isabella-dalacio/ John Lindsay Poland, https://www.johnlindsaypoland.com/ Gerardo Álvarez, https://www.mucd.org.mx/conocenos/ This episode was recorded on May 21, 2025. More about Tony Payan, Ph.D.: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/tony-payan Follow Tony Payan on X (@PayanTony) and LinkedIn. Follow @BakerInstMexico on X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky. Subscribe to “US-Mexico Update,” our monthly newsletter, at bakerinstitute.org/newsletters.

07/03/2025

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36 min
10/23/2024

78: Mexico’s Judicial Reform (Guests: Javier Martin Reyes and David Gantz)

Mexico’s sweeping overhaul of the country’s court system took effect last month, in the final weeks before President López Obrador handed the keys of the National Palace to his mentee and successor, President Claudia Sheinbaum. Mexico is now one of the few countries in the world that elects its judges, including at the Supreme Court level, by popular vote, rather than by appointment. This widely controversial move has led to protests by the federal judiciary, as well as criticism by the United States, Mexico’s top trading partner. What exactly does the overhaul entail, and what’s next? Back on the podcast to discuss are Javier Martín Reyes, a researcher and professor at UNAM, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and David Gantz, the Baker Institute’s Will Clayton Fellow in Trade and International Economics. For more information on the Baker Institute Center for the United States and Mexico visit our website, and follow us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn. To join our mailing list, please subscribe here and make sure to opt-in to "U.S.-Mexico Update."

10/23/2024

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37 min
12/04/2025

8: What Happens If the ACA Subsidies Expire?

Without a last-minute extension of enhanced tax credits, Americans who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act will see their premiums spike in January. How did we get here, and why are health care access and affordability such persistent policy challenges? Dr. Heidi Russell and Elena M. Marks joined the “Baker Briefing” podcast to discuss what happens when the ACA subsidy enhancements expire and offer insights for moving the U.S. health system forward. Featured guests: Elena Marks, MPH, https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/elena-m-marks Heidi Russell, MD, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/heidi-russell This conversation was recorded on Nov. 20, 2025. You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

12/04/2025

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36 min

High-quality discussions with policy experts on the most critical issues facing the U.S., Texas, and the world. Brought to you by Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston, Texas.

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Baker Institute

Top Shows

14: Religion and the Battle for Texas Public Schools

21: AI-Driven Energy Growth and Its Impact on Water Resources

13: How Sports Shape Diplomacy and Geopolitics Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

93: Who Holds Power to Account? Press Freedom and Democracy in Mexico

12: Inside Iran's Unstable Moment

20: Oil Markets in 2026: Venezuela, Iran, and What Comes Next for Global Supply

11: After Maduro’s Ouster, What Happens to Venezuela’s Oil?

87: Stopping the Flow of US Arms to Mexico (Guests: Isabella D’Alacio, John Lindsay-Poland & Gerardo Álvarez)

78: Mexico’s Judicial Reform (Guests: Javier Martin Reyes and David Gantz)

8: What Happens If the ACA Subsidies Expire?

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