

Sir Lawrence Freedman
Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King's College London and a leading expert on military strategy. Author of the book "Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine."
Top 10 podcasts with Sir Lawrence Freedman
Ranked by the Snipd community

95 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 25min
The Last Stand Dilemma in Ukraine
Lawrence Freedman, a distinguished strategist known for his expertise on international security, joins the discussion to analyze Ukraine's critical dilemma of when to hold ground versus retreat. He explores the delicate balance between preserving forces and managing political pressures, especially regarding the intense fight for Pokrovsk. Freedman highlights the significant role of manpower, the implications of attrition, and contrasts the realities of the battlefield with historical parallels. He also delves into the psychological impacts of Russian propaganda and the complex theories of victory at play.

15 snips
Sep 20, 2022 • 26min
S1E11: Thomas Schelling: Nobel Economist Turned Nuclear Strategist with Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King's College London, delves into the legacy of Thomas Schelling, a Nobel Prize-winning economist known for his innovative thinking on nuclear strategy. He explores Schelling's resistance to being labeled a game theorist and discusses how his insights, such as recognizing shared adversary interests and the dynamics of brinkmanship, reshaped military strategy. Freedman also critiques Schelling's optimism about cross-cultural signaling and examines the evolution of strategy in the context of modern crises.

13 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 29min
"A long conflict plays into Putin's hands" - is the end in sight?
Ian Garner, an expert on Russian politics, Lawrence Freedman, a war studies scholar, and Peter Ricketts, a seasoned diplomat, delve into the escalating conflict in Ukraine. They discuss the implications of the West supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine and Russia's fierce retaliation. The guests analyze public sentiment in Russia, contrasting hardline supporters with skeptics. Additionally, the potential return of Donald Trump adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape. Their insights shed light on the evolving narratives and broader consequences of this enduring conflict.

10 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 28min
What's happening with the Ukraine peace plan?
Angela Stent, a former U.S. National Intelligence Officer for Russia, discusses the origins and implications of a controversial leaked peace plan for Ukraine. Sir Lawrence Freedman, a war studies expert, analyzes the strategic challenges Europe faces in countering the U.S. draft. Christopher Miller, a Kyiv correspondent, sheds light on Ukrainian perspectives of the war's toll and domestic politics. Sir Laurie Bristow, a former UK ambassador, emphasizes Europe's existential concerns and the long-term implications of the war.
6 snips
Jul 23, 2018 • 16min
Chrome360 | THE FUTURE OF AIR POWER | Reflections on the Use of Modern Air Power | Lawrence Freedman
Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King's College London, dives into the evolution of air power since the Gulf War. He discusses the limitations of air strikes in Iraq and Kosovo, emphasizing the necessity for ground forces. The podcast explores the complexities of air warfare in the post-2001 era, particularly in the war on terror and its unpredictable challenges. Freedman also highlights the transformative role of UAVs in modern conflicts and reflects on how historical context is vital for understanding the future of air power.

4 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 44min
Are we preparing for the wrong war?
In this engaging conversation, Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, an esteemed figure in war studies, challenges the 'short war fallacy' and stresses the need for military strategies to evolve in today's complex landscape. Aviation historian Victoria Taylor sheds light on the untold stories of the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain, emphasizing how historical narratives shape our understanding of conflict. The discussion navigates modern warfare's intricacies, military preparedness, and the political dimensions of defense strategy, underscoring the balance between military action and diplomatic efforts.

Feb 21, 2025 • 36min
Trump edition: America's embrace of Russia and how to end a war
Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King's College London, delves into the turbulent dynamics between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky amidst negotiations with Russia. He analyzes why Trump has shifted his stance towards Russia and contrasts it with American public sentiment. Freedman also raises thought-provoking questions on how wars end, exploring historical precedents and the nuances of ensuring equitable peace agreements without military defeat. His insights illuminate the complexities of contemporary geopolitical tensions.

Aug 26, 2024 • 36min
EVENT: Sir Lawrence Freedman on the war in Ukraine
Sir Lawrence Freedman, an eminent military historian and strategist, delves into the complexities of the war in Ukraine. He discusses the stagnation in peace talks and ongoing military innovations. The implications of a potential Trump administration on U.S. support for Ukraine raise important questions. Freedman reflects on his early analyses, revealing changing perspectives on the conflict. He draws parallels between Ukraine's future and other garrison states, highlighting its evolving defense capabilities amidst the geopolitical upheaval.

May 27, 2024 • 30min
Exclusive interview with Sir Lawrence Freedman on Ukraine and Russia's strategy in 2024
Day 817.Today is a bank holiday in the United Kingdom, so we pre-recorded an interview with one of our most requested guests: Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman of the department of War Studies at King's College London. A world-renowned expert on international history and strategic theory, he is a well-known commentator on security issues, and the author of many books, including most recently: ‘Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine.’David Knowles sat down with him to discuss which country has the strategic initiative in the war, the ways the battlefront is likely to evolve over the coming months, and what experts have got right, and wrong, about the way the war has progressed.Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 24, 2022 • 56min
War and Politics in the 21st Century, with Sir Lawrence Freedman
Sir Lawrence Freedman, an authority on military strategy and author of "Command: The Politics of Military Operations from Korea to Ukraine," speaks alongside Mark Galeotti, a modern Russia expert. They discuss the intertwining of military leadership and civilian priorities in conflicts from the Cuban Missile Crisis to Ukraine. The conversation reveals the evolution of warfare amid technological advancements and emphasizes the importance of strategy in governance. They shed light on the challenges of negotiation and the complex dynamics of modern military engagements.


