Matthew Powell

I joined Portsmouth Business School in July 2017 Between 2012 to 2015 I held a number of teaching roles at the University of Birmingham. I undertook a PhD at the University of Birmingham, supervised by Air Commodore (ret’d) Dr Peter Gray, with my thesis focusing on the development of tactical air power in Britain during the Second World War through the study of the RAF’s Army Co-operation Command. I also hold an MA in Intelligence and Security Studies and a BA (Hons) degree both from the University of Salford. My first book, entitled The Development of British Tactical Air Power, 1940-1943: A History of Army Co-operation Command was published in 2016 by Palgrave Macmillan. I am the lead editor of the Routledge Handbook of Professional Military Education and have published widely on historic and contemporary warfare. I am also in demand as a media expert providing commentary on global conflict for outlets such as the BBC TV, BBC radio, TVP World, The Conversation and the British Forces Broadcasting Service.

I am currently researching and writing a book that investigates the relationship between the RAF and the aviation industry between 1919 and 1939, looking at not only the decisions made by the Air Ministry and technological developments but the political, economic, diplomatic and foreign policy aspects of the period into account. Other research interests include the use of air power as a strategic and political instrument and the development of tactical air power between 1914 and 1945.

I also have an interest in contemporary defence procurement, particularly the role that risk plays in the the relationship between government and industry and how risk can be better shared to improve procurement outcomes.

I am also interested in the pedagogy and delivery of professional military education in the UK and worldwide.

I am happy to receive informal enquiries relating to doctoral degree (Ph.D) supervision on any air power topic but particularly in the areas of Air/Land Integration, historic and contemporary military procurement and the utilisation of air power as an instrument of strategy, professional military education.

I am available for TV, radio newspaper interviews and historical consultancy. My expertise lie in: