Jonathon Riley

Lieutenant General Jonathon Riley is a Visiting Professor in War Studies at King’s College London, specializing in military history and strategy. He holds degrees from University College London (BA Geomorphology), Leeds (MA History), and Cranfield University (PhD Modern History). His career spans extensive military leadership roles, including command in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sierra Leone, alongside academic roles at Sandhurst and the Staff College Camberley.

Research interests focus on military history from the 17th century to modern times, emphasizing post-Restoration armies, the Napoleonic Wars, World Wars I and II, and post-1945 conflicts. He teaches at KCL, NATO, US Army Europe, and Africa institutions, contributing to strategy curricula. His publications include over 20 books on military history and policy, including Ghosts of Old Companions (2019) and Napoleon as a General (2007).

Riley has advised the Welsh Government on Great War commemoration and chairs the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum Trust. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and authored policy papers on Brexit’s impact on UK Defence. His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary security challenges, emphasizing strategic leadership and military technology.