Events

Global Engagement Executive Courses

Part of the USC Upstate National Security & Government Institute’s Global Engagement Certificate Program

The National Security and Government Institute in-person events connect senior business, government, and community leaders with expert insight on global security, diplomacy, and strategic decision-making to enhance leadership impact.

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Speaker Series

These seminars are offered as part of the Institute’s new Global Engagement Certificate Program, a six-event series designed to provide participants with a fresh, current, and practical view of the world. Courses may be taken independently or as part of the full certificate pathway. Learn more about the Certificate program

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Featuring Speakers:

Lieutenant General Scott Kindsvater and Lieutenant General Stephen “Steph” Twitty. View Speakers Bios

View speakers’ bios

Seminar Overview

Join two of the nation’s most experienced senior military leaders, representing both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army for a focused, high-level discussion on today’s global security environment. Each morning seminar runs three hours and includes refreshments, light snacks, and a mid-session break.

These seminars are offered as part of the USC Upstate National Security & Government Institute’s new Global Engagement Certificate Program. Designed to provide participants with a fresh, current, and practical view of the world, the certificate program consists of six expert-led events examining global regions, security dynamics, and their implications for government, business, and civil society.

Participants may attend individual seminars independently or complete all six events to earn the Global Engagement Certificate.

In addition to geopolitical and security insights, both seminars will highlight emerging business and economic opportunities in each region, with specific discussion of implications and opportunities for South Carolina’s Upstate region. Drawing on senior-level operational, diplomatic, and intergovernmental experience, the Generals will discuss how security trends, alliances, and regional stability shape:

• Market access and investment climates
• Infrastructure, technology, and logistics opportunities
• Public–private partnerships and defense-adjacent industries
• Strategic risk considerations for U.S. and international businesses
• Relevance to South Carolina’s Upstate economy, including manufacturing, advanced materials, aerospace, logistics, near-shoring, and workforce development

Part of the USC Upstate National Security & Government Institute’s Global Engagement Certificate Program

Executive Course Package Overview

This two-day executive course package examines how power is exercised and leadership is applied in today’s complex global environment. Designed for senior leaders, executives, policymakers, and professionals, the program blends senior diplomatic experience with executive-level government leadership.

Both courses are co-taught by Ambassador (ret.) Kelley Currie and Ms. Amy Mitchell, offering participants complementary perspectives drawn from diplomacy, international institutions, and the Senior Executive Service.

In addition to leadership and geopolitical insights, the program includes explicit discussion of business opportunities and economic implications, with a particular focus on South Carolina’s Upstate region, its industries, workforce, and global connectivity.

View speakers’ bios

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