William Freer

William Freer is a Research Fellow in National Security. He is a War Studies graduate from King’s College London where his academic work focused on British-American grand strategy in the Cold War and post-Cold War era. His work specialised on how Britain managed military overstretch, economic stagnation, and national security during the withdrawal from ‘East of Suez’ (1957-1971). He previously worked as a consultant for a firm that specialised in research and advisory work (across a wide array of sectors including defence, justice, education, supported employment, and economic inactivity) and government procurement, both in the UK and internationally. He holds a BA in War Studies from King’s College London.

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What allies want: Appraising Britain’s defence relationships

William Freer and Dr Alexander Lanoszka appraise over 30 of the United Kingdom’s defence relationships with key allies and partners

The trilateral initiative: A minilateral to catalyse Russia’s defeat?

James Rogers and William Freer examine how the Britain, alongside Poland and Ukraine, can help Ukraine defeat Russia and secure victory

Britain’s hypersonic challenge: Strategic opportunities and risks

William Freer explains what hypersonics weapons are, why countries want them and the British development and use cases for such systems

A more lethal Royal Navy: Sharpening Britain’s naval power

William Freer and Emma Salisbury investigate how Britain can sharpen its naval power for increased geopolitical competition

Australia’s 2024 National Defence Strategy

Bryden Spurling and William Freer analyse Australia’s National Defence Strategy of 2024 and what it means for the United Kingdom

Sweden joins NATO

William Freers provides a debrief assessing Sweden’s accession to NATO

In defence of Britain’s carriers

William Freer defends Britain’s aircraft carriers and refutes many of the criticisms levied against them

The hypersonic threat to the United Kingdom

William Freer analyses the hypersonic capabilities of Russia and China and whether they pose a threat to the United Kingdom

Why Britain needs a larger navy

William Freer and James Rogers analyse the geostrategic rationale behind the UK’s need for a larger navy, and how this can best be achieved

How Britain can better support Ukraine to fight a war of attrition

William Freer recommends the best way forward for Britain in supporting Ukraine to now fight a war of attrition