COVID-19: Statistics warn of a worsening trend if risks not managed

In the third of a series of updates on the coronavirus pandemic, Hagop Kantarjian, M.D., nonresident fellow in health policy, and coauthor Mary Alma Welch look at the latest data to assess how the crisis may pan out — noting that as testing expands across the U.S. and the consequences of delayed decisions to limit public interaction set in, the number of known cases will rise. “No one should be surprised or panic as the figures roll out,” they write. However, if broader testing continues and social distancing and other recommended measures are strictly enforced, they believe the impacts can be lessened, buying time for scientists to develop a safe and effective vaccine or antiviral drugs. Read more at the Baker Institute Blog.

“What makes this oil shock different than any other oil shock post World War II is that it’s all fear-driven. It feels like the world is falling apart, and there’s no telling how long this will last.”

Ken Medlock, Senior Director of the Center for Energy Studies
to the Houston Chronicle

How increased U.S. shale oil production led to the breakdown in Russia-Saudi relations

International oil and gas markets are on shaky ground, struggling with pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of Saudi Arabia’s decision to launch a price war earlier this month. Jim Krane, the Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies, analyzes the sudden breakdown in cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Russia that contributed to a dramatic drop in oil prices. He also examines the role of the U.S. as a major producer of shale oil and concludes that the oil price war could create lasting damage to the global economy, to oil-dependent countries and to Russia-Saudi relations. Read more.

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Webinar: How Stable is Saudi Arabia?
Recent developments in Saudi Arabia, such as the detention of senior princes and the rapid fall in oil prices, have cast attention on Saudi decision-making against the unprecedented backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this member exclusive webinar, Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, fellow for the Middle East, will analyze recent developments in Saudi Arabia and assess their impact on the country’s international standing. Click here for more information. March 31 | Noon

Webinar: Mexico's Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Mexico has so far stayed relatively low, but most experts expect that number to rapidly increase in the coming weeks. At this free online webinar, Tony Payan, director of the Center for the United States and Mexico, will discuss the coronavirus pandemic in Mexico and the country’s response and capacity to deal with it. Click here to watch the live webcast. April 1 | 1:00 pm

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