SILL Simulcast Series 2025
FRIDAYS: Jan 24, 31, Feb 14, 28, Mar 14, 21, 28, Apr 4
11:00AM I AUDITORIUM | NO CHARGE I OPEN SEATING
Back by popular demand! Join us in the Community Center of Boca Grande Auditorium for these pre-recorded lectures offered in partnership with the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning. This lineup features timely topics and unique perspectives that will keep you in the know on the latest current events.
January 24
Iran: New President, New Policies?
Keynote Speaker: Mohsen Milani
Dr. Mohsen Milani will discuss how and why a “reformer” Pezeshkian defeated a hardliner rival in Iran’s presidential election and how his policies change the Iranian political landscape. Dr. Milani will also explain how he can change Iran’s relations with the U.S. even given powerful constituencies strongly against any rapprochement between Tehran and Washington.
January 31
Does the West Have a Future?
Keynote Speaker: Charles Kupchan
Dr. Charles Kupchan warns that the West faces an acute internal threat from political polarization and ideological extremism plus an acute external threat from a rising China partnering with a belligerent Russia. How should America and its democratic allies get their own houses in order while simultaneously managing the challenges posed by autocratic adversaries?
February 14
How Do We Preserve Democracy in the 21st Century?
Keynote Speaker: Jeremi Suri
Why are so many democracies, including American democracy, under siege today? What are the sources for current threats to democracy? What should we do? Dr. Jeremi Suri will analyze recent history to answer these questions and suggest paths forward to preserve democracy at home and abroad.
February 28
Israel at War, the Second Year
Keynote Speaker: Dennis Ross
The Terror Attack of October 7, Israel’s war with Hamas, and the human toll in Gaza impacted lives, alliances, and governments in the region and beyond. Amb. Dennis Ross will suggest how the situation can settle and whether there is still a path away from permanent conflict towards peace and stability.
March 14
Population Puzzle: Understanding Global Demographic Changes
Keynote Speaker: Toshiko Kaneda
Toshiko Kaneda will address the potential challenges and opportunities of population shifts for global development and sustainability. She will examine global demographic trends today and projections for tomorrow and explain how trends in population aging, urbanization, and migration shape our world and how they could impact the future.
March 21
The Brain and Cognitive Control in Health and Disease
Keynote Speaker: John Bruno
Cognitive control (attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) aligns decision-making behavior to our goals. Dr. John Bruno will first discuss how the healthy brain processes information. He will then describe how changes in brain networks contribute to cognitive deficits in aging and in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disorders.
March 28
The U.S. & China: Inseparable Frenemies
Keynote Speaker: Jeffrey Moon
The U.S.-China relationship may be the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world. Former U.S. diplomat Jeffrey Moon will examine the geopolitical factors and issues American and Chinese leaders navigate as they pursue national interests, identify opportunities for cooperation, manage longstanding tensions, and promote competing visions of the global world order.
April 4
Vladimir Putin: In the Tradition of Brutal Russian Autocrats or Unique Leader?
Keynote Speaker: John Tefft
Vladimir Putin has ruled Russia for nearly a quarter of a century. Where does he fit in Russian history? Is Putin in the long tradition of Russia’s often brutal autocratic leaders or something unique? Amb. John Tefft, in discussion with Mike Boorstein, will explain Putin the man, his personal qualities and the policy traits of the Russian leader.
