Kevin Sheives

Guest Author

Kevin Sheives (X – LinkedIn) is the Director of the International Forum for Democratic Studies, the research and ideas hub of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Kevin oversees NED’s intellectual engagement on democratic development, countering authoritarianism, and strategic forecasting.

Previously, Kevin served nearly 15 years in the U.S. government with the State Department’s China Desk and East Asia and Pacific Affairs bureau. He also served in short-term roles at the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, Department of Defense, and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kevin received a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Baylor University. Kevin has written extensively on issues of authoritarian influence, China, and democratic develop. His work has appeared in War on the Rocks, The Diplomat, Asia Nikkei, the Journal of Democracy, and the International Forum’s platforms.

Articles by this author:

The blue and yellow Ukrainian flag flies above the U.S. flag on the same flag pole, with two birds flying to the left against a whitish gray sky.

Ukraine’s Successes Make the Case for How Democracy Support Enhances U.S. National Security

Jul. 31, 2026 Kevin Sheives and Andriy Shevchenko