Global Issues Series II
Thursdays in Lakewood Ranch

The West is losing a war it refuses to admit it’s been fighting. For decades, the United States has relied on a military built for a world that no longer exists. While we focus on aircraft carriers and stealth jets, our adversaries have moved to drones and other “dark arts” of conflict. Dr. Sean McFate, a former paratrooper and private military contractor, argues that to save democracy, we must weaponize information and indulge in shadow warfare.

Global Issues Series II
Fridays in Venice

Why did Hungary’s voters first embrace Viktor Orban’s populism, then reject it after 16 years, and how is the government elected in April, 2026, restoring Hungary’s democratic path to a European future? Amb. Kate Marie Byrnes discusses the relevance of Hungary’s experience for other democracies, including the United States.

Global Issues Series II
Thursdays in Sarasota

Why did Hungary’s voters first embrace Viktor Orban’s populism, then reject it after 16 years, and how is the government elected in April, 2026, restoring Hungary’s democratic path to a European future? Amb. Kate Marie Byrnes discusses the relevance of Hungary’s experience for other democracies, including the United States.

Global Issues Series II
Thursdays in Lakewood Ranch

Dr. Shelley Rigger focuses on U.S.- China relations from an historical perspective. How did we get here? Where do things stand now? How does the state of play today fit into the historical relationship between these two world powers? And, of course, where do Taiwan and other neighbors fit into this ever-evolving scene?

Global Issues Series II
Fridays in Venice

Is Turkey reestablishing the Ottoman Empire? Strongman President Erdogan has forces throughout the Middle East, promotes Islamist governance, and sharply criticizes Israel. Some analysts worry that Turkey will one day fight Israel. Amb. Robert Ford identifies the risks from an increasingly assertive Turkey and how Washington should respond.