World Affair Council Upstate

Beyond the Headlines is a Lunch and Learn speaker series that presents fact-based information on today’s most pressing global issues. Events will have academic or research institution thought leaders as speakers, giving background and remarks on the topic before allowing audience members to ask questions and engage in discussion. Providing a non-political-based platform for sensitive topics will enable people to broaden their horizons and ask questions that facilitate growth on the subject matter. 

Steven Sheffield will explore China’s growing strategic influence in the Pacific Island nations, examining its approach to great power competition through the DIME-FIL framework—Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic, Financial, Intelligence, and Law Enforcement. This talk will cover China’s diplomatic engagement, economic investments under the Belt and Road Initiative, military expansion, and efforts to reshape regional governance. Dr. Sheffield will also address China’s use of information operations, cyber tools, and financial strategies like debt diplomacy. The discussion will assess the implications for U.S. and allied forces and propose responses such as enhanced security partnerships and regional diplomatic engagement.

Steven Sheffield is a seasoned intelligence professional with over 20 years of experience in special operations, targeting, and open-source intelligence (OSINT). He has held leadership roles at 3GIMBALS and Dunami, where he advanced intelligence tools and research. Steven served as an Intelligence Officer with the US Air Force and worked on counter-radicalization efforts with the Dutch National Police. He holds a PhD from Clemson University, where he focused on disinformation, as well as a Master’s in International Relations and a Bachelor’s in Political Science.

Date: May 13, 2025 

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Location: Greenville Water Community Room, 517 W. Washington Street, Greenville SC, 29601

Upstate International Members: Free or $14 with Lunch

Non-Members: $10 Entry or $20 with Lunch

**Must register for this event: Sign-Up