The institute concentrates on the public policy questions of the day. It is an integral part of Rice University, and the university's faculty and students are involved in its research programs and public events. The institute is located on the Rice campus in James A. Baker III Hall, which also houses the School of Social Sciences (including the departments of Economics and Political Science).
The institute hosts events with national figures, which are available on their website via streaming technology. It is supported mainly by donor contributions.
The institute is a sponsoring organization for the Iraq Study Group.