Baker Briefing

5.0 (25)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by former U.S. Ambassador David Satterfield, “Baker Briefing” makes news make sense by bringing together experts from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and beyond to break down the most important foreign and domestic policy issues of the day. New episodes weekly.

1D AGO

18: Supreme Court Tariff Decision: What Comes Next for Trade, Markets, and Manufacturing

What happens to the economy when the U.S. Supreme Court overturns a major Trump administration tariff strategy? On Feb. 20, 2026, the Court struck down sweeping tariffs imposed under emergency authority, forcing a rapid policy shift and raising new questions about trade, markets, and the federal budget. In this episode of “Baker Briefing,” Ambassador David M. Satterfield is joined by John W. Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Tax and Budget Policy, to break down the economic impact of the ruling. They discuss whether tariffs delivered on promises to boost manufacturing and generate revenue, how their removal could affect deficits and inflation, and why uncertainty — more than any single policy — may shape the outlook for businesses and global markets. The conversation also examines what tariff tools remain available to the administration and what comes next for U.S. trade policy. This conversation was recorded on Feb. 23, 2026. Featured: Ambassador David M. Satterfield John W. Diamond, Ph.D. Mentioned in this episode: Learning Resources, Inc., et al. v. Trump, President of the United States, et al., U.S. Supreme Court, announced February 20, 2026. This conversation was recorded on Feb. 23, 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.

24 min
5D AGO

17: US Trade Policy Under Trump and America’s Global Credibility

For decades, global trade operated under a relatively stable set of rules, but that framework is now under pressure. During the second Trump administration, tariffs have expanded, alliances have shifted, and institutions such as the World Trade Organization have faced new challenges. What does this evolving U.S. trade policy mean for prices, jobs, global partnerships, and the future of the international trading system? Tony Payan, director of the Claudio X. González Center for the U.S. and Mexico, is joined by fellows Simon Lester and David A. Gantz to discuss how trade policy shapes prices, employment, and diplomacy — and why tariffs have become a defining feature of the second Trump administration’s economic strategy. Featured: Tony Payan Simon Lester David A. Gantz This conversation was recorded on Feb. 19, 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.

34 min
6D AGO

16: Why Critical Minerals Matter for U.S. National Security

What are “critical minerals,” how are they used, and why do they matter for national security? In an era of globalized supply chains, how vulnerable is the United States to disruptions? Michelle Michot Foss, former fellow at the Baker Institute for Public Policy, joins Ambassador David M. Satterfield to examine how rare earth elements underpin civilian products, advanced technologies, and military equipment. She also discusses why national security hinges on industrial capacity as much as military strength and outlines potential strategies for securing access to essential materials. Featured: Michelle Michot Foss, Ph.D. Ambassador David M. Satterfield Mentioned in this episode: Gabriel Collins and Michelle Michot Foss, “Critical Minerals and Materials Geoeconomics: Lessons and Ideas From Past Wars and Strategic Competitions,” Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. This conversation was recorded on Feb. 9, 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.

25 min
FEB 12

15: Did Trump’s Tariffs Work? What the Economic Data Shows

The Trump administration has touted its tariff strategy as a historic economic success, citing record stock market highs, falling trade deficits, and “virtually no inflation.” But what do the numbers actually show? In this episode of “Baker Briefing”, Ambassador David Satterfield sits down with John W. Diamond, director of the Baker Institute’s Center for Tax and Budget Policy, to examine the data behind the administration’s claims. They break down who really pays for the tariffs, what is driving GDP growth, and whether inflation has truly fallen. This conversation offers an objective assessment of how tariffs are reshaping the U.S. economy and who ultimately benefits as a result. Featured: Ambassador David M. Satterfield John W. Diamond, Ph.D. Mentioned in this episode: President Donald J. Trump, “My Tariffs Have Brought America Back,” Wall Street Journal. “The Two-Handed Economist” podcast, hosted by John W. Diamond. This conversation was recorded on Feb. 10, 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.

33 min
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.

25 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.

28 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.

29 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.

39 min

See All (100)

TRAILER

Introducing Season 2

Baker Institute Director David M. Satterfield sits down with Karina Zemel, lead producer of the “Baker Briefing” podcast, to discuss the challenges of communicating policy in a politically polarized era and the conversations ahead on Season 2 of the podcast.

S2

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16 min

5

out of 5

25 Ratings

Actual subject experts. No stupid debates.

01/26/2024

Eric Staib

Thank you so much Baker Institute! I actually *learn* about new things from this podcast. Truly horizon-broadening work!
Nonpartisan Analysis & Discussions of Current Events

05/19/2023

Moe AlJuboori

So happy to finally see a podcast coming from the Baker Institute. Great production, excellent content, and just the right time for each episode.
Excellent podcast

03/22/2023

gugs76

Excellent podcast to stay up to date with today’s main issues
High Quality

02/11/2023

TJ 54321

Very interesting podcasts of the most important events affecting the world today. Well produced and high quality as one would expect from the Baker Institute. Perhaps not for everyone, but if you seek an unbiased view of the most important current events of the day, this is for you!

Hosted by former U.S. Ambassador David Satterfield, “Baker Briefing” makes news make sense by bringing together experts from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and beyond to break down the most important foreign and domestic policy issues of the day. New episodes weekly.