Skip to main content
Peter Watkins

Peter Watkins

Visiting Professor

Biography

Peter Watkins was the Director General Strategy & International (2017-18) and Director General Security Policy (2014-17) in the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). In these roles, he was responsible for strategic policy & planning; deterrence policy, including nuclear; defence relations with NATO, the EU and with key bilateral allies (US, France, Germany, Australia); and, latterly, defence industrial policy, including exports. Previous roles included Director General of the Defence Academy (2011-14); Director of Operational Policy, MOD (2008-11); Director Typhoon (2007-08). Among earlier assignments, he was Private Secretary to the Defence Secretary (2001-03) and Counsellor (Defence Supply & Aerospace), British Embassy Bonn/Berlin (1996-2000). He was a Visiting Fellow, Harvard University (2006-07). Peter is now a Non-Executive Member of the Board of the UK Space Agency; a Member of the Council of Cranfield University; a Visiting Senior Fellow with LSE IDEAS; and an Associate Fellow of Chatham House. He was awarded a CB and a CBE in the 2019 and 2004 Honours Lists respectively.

Research

SSSFreemanlogo
Freeman Air and Space Institute

Freeman Air & Space provides independent, original knowledge and analysis of air and space power issues.

Events

18Oct

Future Deterrence: threats & challenges

The Freeman Air and Space Institute, in association with the Cranwellian Association are pleased to host 'Future Deterrence: threats & challenges'

Please note: this event has passed.

20Sep

The UK's Defence Command Paper Refresh: What Next?

The Freeman Air and Space Institute invites you to attend a thought-provoking online seminar where we will delve into the heart of one of the United...

Please note: this event has passed.

Research

SSSFreemanlogo
Freeman Air and Space Institute

Freeman Air & Space provides independent, original knowledge and analysis of air and space power issues.

Events

18Oct

Future Deterrence: threats & challenges

The Freeman Air and Space Institute, in association with the Cranwellian Association are pleased to host 'Future Deterrence: threats & challenges'

Please note: this event has passed.

20Sep

The UK's Defence Command Paper Refresh: What Next?

The Freeman Air and Space Institute invites you to attend a thought-provoking online seminar where we will delve into the heart of one of the United...

Please note: this event has passed.