The Security and Strategy Program at the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies will host the National Security Dinner at 6 pm. on Thursday, Nov. 12. This year’s event focuses on the theme, “Maintaining the Arsenal of Democracy.”

The event’s keynote speaker will be Gen. Craig R. McKinley, an Air Force veteran and current president and CEO of the National Defense Industrial Association.

According to the Tower Center’s website, the SMU alum will discuss the history of national defense and “current and future national security challenges – and how to meet them.”

Dr. Joshua Rovner, the John G. Tower distinguished chair of international politics and national security, explained that the event’s focus is a relevant issue today.

“There’s a big ongoing debate on what the United States should be focusing on in terms of national security in the future,” said Rovner.

For the past eight years, the event has been held as a two-day conference. Rovner noted that the shortening allows the program to host more events throughout the year.

The dinner will be held in the Mack Ballroom, and is open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing the Tower Center at [email protected].