International Panel Reveals 2026 Lionel Gelber Prize Shortlist for Best International Affairs Book
On February 24, 2026, the esteemed Lionel Gelber Prize announced its shortlist for the year's top book on international affairs, as delved into by an international panel of experts, including practitioners, journalists, and academics. This prestigious award, which has been celebrating exceptional contributions to the understanding of global issues since 1989, honors the best English-language work in the field.
The 2026 shortlist features five remarkable titles that examine critical aspects of the human experience, each providing unique insights into the dynamics of progress, innovation, and historical context:
1. Capitalism: A Global History by Sven Beckert (Penguin Press)
Professor Beckert, who holds the Laird Bell chair at Harvard University and earned his Ph.D. from Columbia, has been a leading voice in discussions about economic history. His previous work, Empire of Cotton, garnered significant acclaim, winning the Bancroft Prize and being a Pulitzer finalist. This latest book promises to shine a light on the evolution of capitalism worldwide.
2. Huawei: The Secret History of the Most Powerful Chinese Company by Eva Dou (Portfolio)
As a technology policy reporter for The Washington Post, Dou brings a wealth of experience covering China's rapid technological advancements. Her background includes a decade of reporting from major Asian cities, providing her with a unique perspective on Huawei’s complex narrative.
3. The End of Progress: Technology, Innovation and the Fate of Nations by Carl Benedikt Frey (Princeton University Press)
Frey, an associate professor at the University of Oxford, explores the intersection of technology and societal development, focusing on how advancements shape national futures. His notable works include The Technology Trap, further blending historical analysis with current technological trends.
4. The King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution - A Story of Hubris, Delusion, and Catastrophic Miscalculation by Scott Anderson (Signal/McClelland Stewart)
Anderson, a seasoned war correspondent whose reports span decades and multiple global conflicts, crafts a gripping narrative that pairs historical events with the lessons they convey. His detailed storytelling invites readers to consider the ramifications of past power struggles.
5. Thinking Historically: A Guide to Statecraft and Strategy by Francis J. Gavin (Yale University Press)
Gavin, a distinguished professor at Johns Hopkins University, examines the importance of history in shaping contemporary diplomatic strategies. His comprehensive exploration of historical context provides a foundational understanding for modern governmental practices.
Judith Gelber, the board chair of the Lionel Gelber Prize, emphasized the selections' diversity, stating, "The jury’s choices reflect the vast array of forces shaping human progress. These books underscore the significance of examining the past to illuminate future possibilities."
The announcement of the winner will occur on March 30, 2026, following which the author will participate in a hybrid event hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy on April 15, 2026. The Gelber Prize not only brings recognition to authors but also includes a CAD 50,000 monetary award, reinforcing its position within the literary community.
For more details regarding the prize, please visit Lionel Gelber Prize Official Site or follow @gelberprize on social media. The recognition of these authors highlights the evolving landscape of thoughts and narratives that shape our global discourse today.
The 2026 shortlist features five remarkable titles that examine critical aspects of the human experience, each providing unique insights into the dynamics of progress, innovation, and historical context:
1. Capitalism: A Global History by Sven Beckert (Penguin Press)
Professor Beckert, who holds the Laird Bell chair at Harvard University and earned his Ph.D. from Columbia, has been a leading voice in discussions about economic history. His previous work, Empire of Cotton, garnered significant acclaim, winning the Bancroft Prize and being a Pulitzer finalist. This latest book promises to shine a light on the evolution of capitalism worldwide.
2. Huawei: The Secret History of the Most Powerful Chinese Company by Eva Dou (Portfolio)
As a technology policy reporter for The Washington Post, Dou brings a wealth of experience covering China's rapid technological advancements. Her background includes a decade of reporting from major Asian cities, providing her with a unique perspective on Huawei’s complex narrative.
3. The End of Progress: Technology, Innovation and the Fate of Nations by Carl Benedikt Frey (Princeton University Press)
Frey, an associate professor at the University of Oxford, explores the intersection of technology and societal development, focusing on how advancements shape national futures. His notable works include The Technology Trap, further blending historical analysis with current technological trends.
4. The King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution - A Story of Hubris, Delusion, and Catastrophic Miscalculation by Scott Anderson (Signal/McClelland Stewart)
Anderson, a seasoned war correspondent whose reports span decades and multiple global conflicts, crafts a gripping narrative that pairs historical events with the lessons they convey. His detailed storytelling invites readers to consider the ramifications of past power struggles.
5. Thinking Historically: A Guide to Statecraft and Strategy by Francis J. Gavin (Yale University Press)
Gavin, a distinguished professor at Johns Hopkins University, examines the importance of history in shaping contemporary diplomatic strategies. His comprehensive exploration of historical context provides a foundational understanding for modern governmental practices.
Judith Gelber, the board chair of the Lionel Gelber Prize, emphasized the selections' diversity, stating, "The jury’s choices reflect the vast array of forces shaping human progress. These books underscore the significance of examining the past to illuminate future possibilities."
The announcement of the winner will occur on March 30, 2026, following which the author will participate in a hybrid event hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy on April 15, 2026. The Gelber Prize not only brings recognition to authors but also includes a CAD 50,000 monetary award, reinforcing its position within the literary community.
For more details regarding the prize, please visit Lionel Gelber Prize Official Site or follow @gelberprize on social media. The recognition of these authors highlights the evolving landscape of thoughts and narratives that shape our global discourse today.
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