In SILL's 54th year we have wonderful programs in our Global Issues series. Returning to SILL are Dr. Sean McFate, an expert on warfare as well as a noted novelist, who will discuss the Dark Arts in the military. Dr. Shelly Rigger, will speak on China's economy, Dr.Jeremi Suri, will lecture on Preserving Democracy, and Bob Bunting, will deliver a talk about climate change and health. New to SILL are Lina Tori Jan, with a lecture on Afghan women, Charles Lane, discussing the President's inbox, Dr. Keir Lieber who will talk about our next nuclear war. Also new to SILL is Wendy Cobb with an exciting discussion on Space as a War Fighting Domain.

We offer two lecture series in Sarasota, Venice and Lakewood Ranch. Sarasota lectures are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30. Venice lectures are on Tuesday at 2:30 pm and on Friday at 10am. Lakewood Ranch lectures are on Wednesdays at 11am and on Thursdays at 5:00 pm. We also offer virtual lectures where you can watch our speakers at your convenience.

Our lectures are bargain-priced at just $15 per lecture. An even greater value is the 12-lecture series for only $110. You can also buy a 12-series flex pass, allowing you to go to any venue (including Music Mondays) for $150.

Our Global Issues Committee has done an outstanding job of recruiting speakers and identifying interesting topics. I would like to thank Bob Deutsch (co-chair), Bob Barylski, Jeff Oleson, Bob Lieber, Ed Swan, Craig Kennedy, Bob Germain, Kathie Westpheling, Mike Boorstein, Bill Smullen, and Carmen Stoeckmann for all of their help in creating this year's program.

Beth Cotner, Program Committee Co-Chair