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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

20SepPictured are personnel from 617 Sqn, RAF Marham on exercise alongside the USAF, US Navy and RAAF as part of Ex NORTHERN EDGE in Alaska. UK MOD © Crown copyright 2023

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

20SepPictured are personnel from 617 Sqn, RAF Marham on exercise alongside the USAF, US Navy and RAAF as part of Ex NORTHERN EDGE in Alaska. UK MOD © Crown copyright 2023

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.