Dr Matthew Powell
Biography
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.
Research interests
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 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 Military Procurement and the utilisation of air power as an instrument of strategy
Media availability
I am available for TV, radio newspaper interviews and historical consultancy. My expertise lie in:
- Air power history - 19th and 20th century land and aerial warfare - A wide range of military history, especially anything that involves air power/ bombingResearch outputs
2024
Israel-Iran and the nine stages of how conflicts can escalate and get out of control
Powell, M. L.
16 Oct 2024, In: The Conversation
Russia's space weapon: anti-satellite systems are indiscriminate, posing a risk to everyone's spacecraft
Powell, M. L., Townley, D. L.
19 Feb 2024, In: The Conversation
Ukraine war: why Kyiv is cock-a-hoop about shooting down two Russian aircraft
Powell, M. L.
17 Jan 2024, In: The Conversation
2023
After months of negotiations Ukraine will be getting the F-16 warplanes it has been begging for - here’s why that’s important
Powell, M. L.
24 Aug 2023, In: The Conversation
Ukraine war: US issues Nato weapons playing cards to help Ukraine avoid friendly fire
Powell, M. L.
30 Mar 2023, In: The Conversation
Defence procurement in perspective: what the history of the aircraft industry can tell us about UK defence procurement
Powell, M. L.
27 Mar 2023, In: Defense & Security Analysis . 39, 1, p. 15-33, 18p.
Ukraine war: high cost of replacing military hardware will change the nature of the conflict
Powell, M. L.
2 Mar 2023, In: The Conversation
Ukraine war: history shows why Zelensky’s mission to secure modern jet fighters is so crucial
Powell, M. L.
21 Feb 2023, In: The Conversation
Big defence projects are usually late and over budget – here’s what we can learn from the build-up to WW2
Powell, M. L.
7 Feb 2023, In: The Conversation