For its 2007 – 2008 programme, SID has chosen ‘The State in a Globalizing World: problematic, yet indispensable’ ' as the central theme.How is the concept of state and its role defined in different parts of the world? How do states cooperate with other states? Can Europe handle its financial and economic problems without strengthening the role of Brussels vis-à-vis the member states? What are the implications of new alliances emerging between states and what are the roles of other actors, including civil society and the private sector? Is it time to look at new models for international cooperation? These and other questions will be dealt with during the 2011-2012 Lecture Series, taking place once a month in the Auditorium of the VU University in Amsterdam. See for further information on the SID lectures, the SID website.