Andrew Roberts

Andrew Roberts is the Bonnie and Tom McCloskey Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution and a visiting professor of the War Studies Department at King's College London. Elevated to the House of Lords as Lord Roberts of Belgravia in November 2022, he is a prominent historian specializing in military and political history, particularly of the 20th century.

His educational background includes:

• First class degree in modern history from Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge
• PhD from Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge
• Honorary Senior Scholar at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge

Roberts' research interests span military history, political biography, and the application of historical lessons to contemporary statecraft. He is particularly known for his biographies of Winston Churchill and Napoleon, exploring leadership in times of crisis. His work often examines how historical understanding informs decision-making in politics and international relations, with a focus on British and European history of the 19th and 20th centuries. Roberts is a proponent of the "great man" theory of history, emphasizing the impact of individual leaders on historical events.

His publications reveal a consistent focus on military strategy, political leadership, and historical turning points. Roberts frequently analyzes how leaders navigate crises, with particular attention to Winston Churchill's leadership during World War II. His recent work has expanded to examine modern conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, and the evolution of warfare in the 21st century, often collaborating with military experts like General David Petraeus.

Among his notable recognitions:

• Wolfson Prize
• James Stern Silver Pen Award
• US Intercollegiate Studies Institute Book Award
• Bradley Prize (2016)
• Los Angeles Times Biography Prize
• Grand Prix of the Fondation Napoléon

Roberts actively contributes to public discourse through his podcast "Secrets of Statecraft," where he interviews prominent figures about the influence of history on decision-making. He serves in various academic and institutional roles, including as a Trustee of the Margaret Thatcher Archive Trust and the National Portrait Gallery, and as chairman of the Guggenheim-Lehrman Military Book Prize. His work bridges academic history and practical statecraft, aiming to demonstrate how historical understanding can inform contemporary leadership and policy decisions.