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Lawrence Freedman

Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman

Emeritus Professor of War Studies

Research interests

  • Conflict
  • History
  • Security

Biography

Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman is Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King's College London. He was Professor of War Studies from 1982 to 2014 and Vice-Principal from 2003 to 2013.He was educated at Whitley Bay Grammar School and the Universities of Manchester, York and Oxford. Before joining King's he held research appointments at Nuffield College Oxford, the International Institute for Strategic Studies and the Royal Institute of International Affairs. Elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 1995 and awarded the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in 1996, he was appointed Official Historian of the Falklands Campaign in 1997. In 2003, he was awarded the KCMG (Knight Commander of St Michael and St George). In June 2009 he was appointed to serve as a member of the official inquiry into Britain and the 2003 Iraq War.

He has written on international history, strategic theory and nuclear weapons issues, as well as commenting on current security issues. Among his recent books are Strategy: A History (2013), the Future of War: A History (2017), Ukraine and the Art of Strategy (2019) and, with Jeff Michaels, the 4th edition of The Evolution of Nuclear Strategy (2019). He is currently working on a book on the Politics of Command.

Events

11MayWhat does the history of war teach us

What does history teach us about the future of warfare?

Our last War Studies at 60 Seminar reflects on the vast reservoir of knowledge and experience provided by the history of war in predicting future conflicts

Please note: this event has passed.

18NovKCLA for events

KCLA Annual Address 2021

The King's College London Alumni Association (KCLA) Address gives alumni and their guests an opportunity to hear a distinguished member of the Association...

Please note: this event has passed.

10Novwar and art seminar

Why does art matter in war?

This panel will reflect on the relationship between art in all its visual forms and war.

Please note: this event has passed.

20MayHard Choices 780x440

Hard Choices: What Britain Does Next - Book launch with Lord Peter Ricketts

Lord Peter Ricketts, one of Britain's most experienced senior diplomats will discusses his new book on the key dilemmas Britain faces today.

Please note: this event has passed.

06Octcgs_Rebecca_Lissner_Book

An Open World: How America Can Win the Contest for 21st Century Order

Dr Rebecca Lissner will discuss her new book, co-authored with Dr Mira Rapp-Hooper

Please note: this event has passed.

Features

Foreword: A Reckless Gamble: Wars rarely go to plan, especially if you believe your own rhetoric

LAWRENCE FREEDMAN: Wars rarely go according to plan. Chance events or poorly executed operations can require sudden shifts in strategy.

map ukraine kyiv banner feature size

Brexit and beyond: UK defence policy

Professor Lawrence Freedman discusses might happen next for UK defence policy beyond Brexit.

brexit and beyond uk defence

What might we expect from the government's Integrated Review?

As the Freeman Air and Space Institute launches, Lawrence Freedman looks at the challenge ahead for the government in deciding where cash on defence and...

whitehall

Events

11MayWhat does the history of war teach us

What does history teach us about the future of warfare?

Our last War Studies at 60 Seminar reflects on the vast reservoir of knowledge and experience provided by the history of war in predicting future conflicts

Please note: this event has passed.

18NovKCLA for events

KCLA Annual Address 2021

The King's College London Alumni Association (KCLA) Address gives alumni and their guests an opportunity to hear a distinguished member of the Association...

Please note: this event has passed.

10Novwar and art seminar

Why does art matter in war?

This panel will reflect on the relationship between art in all its visual forms and war.

Please note: this event has passed.

20MayHard Choices 780x440

Hard Choices: What Britain Does Next - Book launch with Lord Peter Ricketts

Lord Peter Ricketts, one of Britain's most experienced senior diplomats will discusses his new book on the key dilemmas Britain faces today.

Please note: this event has passed.

06Octcgs_Rebecca_Lissner_Book

An Open World: How America Can Win the Contest for 21st Century Order

Dr Rebecca Lissner will discuss her new book, co-authored with Dr Mira Rapp-Hooper

Please note: this event has passed.

Features

Foreword: A Reckless Gamble: Wars rarely go to plan, especially if you believe your own rhetoric

LAWRENCE FREEDMAN: Wars rarely go according to plan. Chance events or poorly executed operations can require sudden shifts in strategy.

map ukraine kyiv banner feature size

Brexit and beyond: UK defence policy

Professor Lawrence Freedman discusses might happen next for UK defence policy beyond Brexit.

brexit and beyond uk defence

What might we expect from the government's Integrated Review?

As the Freeman Air and Space Institute launches, Lawrence Freedman looks at the challenge ahead for the government in deciding where cash on defence and...

whitehall