Global Issues Series I
Tuesdays @ Sarasota First United Methodist Church

With the rise of China, the weaponization of trade, and dramatic shifts in American foreign policy, the Indo-Pacific has become a critical theater for economics and security. Dr. Victor Cha examines how the U.S. and its allies should cope with the China challenge and Beijing’s chokehold on critical minerals.

Global Issues Series I
Wednesdays @ Lakewood Ranch

Drawing on intelligence history and firsthand research in Moscow, Keith Melton examines Vladimir Putin’s global assassination campaign – from Cold War KGB poisonings to modern killings that employ polonium, nerve agents, and covert hit teams. Through espionage case studies, he reveals how political murder became a weapon of intimidation, power, and statecraft.

Global Issues Series I
Tuesdays in Venice

Drawing on intelligence history and firsthand research in Moscow, Keith Melton examines Vladimir Putin’s global assassination campaign—from Cold War KGB poisonings to modern killings that employ polonium, nerve agents, and covert hit teams. Through espionage case studies, he reveals how political murder became a weapon of intimidation, power, and statecraft.

Global Issues Series I
Tuesdays @ Sarasota First United Methodist Church

Dr. Christopher Gibbons provides an evidence-based update on the digital technologies that are reshaping society, promising a future of wealth, health and prosperity for all. Has technology really changed health? What’s happening next…now!

Global Issues Series I
Wednesdays @ Lakewood Ranch

For four decades we assumed the foremost threat Iran poses is its support of terrorism and its nuclear aspirations. Suddenly, the Persian Gulf and maritime traffic have become critical. Ray Takeyh sees this occurring at a time of unprecedented internal tensions in Iran that could see the rise of a new social protest movement.