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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William Freer discusses Russia’s air weapons and their use in Ukraine with Times Radio

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Our Research Fellow (National Security) suggests that Russia's air weapons could be keeping it in the fight to take Ukraine in an interview with Times Radio

William Freer identifies how Russia has ‘misplayed’ in Ukraine as Germany issues a ‘blow’ to the Kremlin

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Our Research Fellow (National Security) signals the misplay by the Kremlin in Ukraine amid growing pressure from NATO for Times Radio

William Freer examines Sir Keir Starmer’s plans for military spending to meet NATO demands

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Our Research Fellow (National Security) outlines how Starmer's approach to military spending is faring ahead of his first anniversary in Number 10 for Times Radio

Collective defence: The Strategic Defence Review and capability gaps in a changing NATO

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William Freer examines Britain’s capability gaps and how they can be filled through building upon the Strategic Defence Review 2025.

The ‘special relationship’: Preparing Britain and America for a new era

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William Freer, Dr John Hemmings and James Rogers explain the relationship between the UK and US, and how it can adapt for the 21st century.

Securonomics: The contribution of a Defence Industrial Strategy

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William Freer and Paul Mason outline how HM government can use securonomics to grow the economy and enhance British security

The requirement for missile and air defence

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William Freer examines what missile threats Britain faces and how the UK should bolster its missile and air defences.

What allies want: Appraising Britain’s defence relationships

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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?

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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

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