#Canada #Toronto #International Affairs #Lionel Gelber Prize #Literature Award

The Lionel Gelber Prize: Celebrating International Affairs Literature

The Lionel Gelber Prize is a prestigious accolade awarded annually to the best English-language book regarding international relations and political affairs. In 2025, the Prize Board has announced an esteemed jury that will evaluate submissions for this honored recognition.

Jury Composition

The jury for the 36th Lionel Gelber Prize comprises notable figures in the field of international affairs. Leading this diverse group is Janice Gross Stein, a highly respected scholar and the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. She will be joined by returning jurors Francis J. Gavin, who holds a distinguished professorship at Johns Hopkins University, and Iain Martin, a renowned journalist and director of the London Defence Conference. Two new jurors, John Bew, a former chief foreign policy adviser in Downing Street, and Nina Srinivasan Rathbun, an expert in international security, will add fresh perspectives to the jury.

The Importance of the Prize

Established in 1989 in tribute to Canadian diplomat and author Lionel Gelber, the Prize aims to acknowledge outstanding contributions to the field of international literature. The winner, whose work showcases exceptional insight into global issues, will receive a reward of CAD 50,000. This honor is a testament to the critical role literature plays in shaping public understanding of international affairs.

Dr. Judith Gelber, chair of the Prize, expressed pride in the jury composition, emphasizing the diversity of expertise and experience among its members. She noted that their varied backgrounds would undoubtedly enrich the selection process, highlighting the significance of diverse voices in discussions surrounding international relations.

Nomination and Award Process

The jury will publicly announce a shortlist of five nominated works on February 11, 2025, providing coverage of significant literary contributions in the field. Following this, the winner will be revealed during a celebratory ceremony set for April 24, 2025, coinciding with the Lionel Gelber Prize Lecture. This event represents a culmination of the diligent evaluation process undertaken by the jury, showcasing the selected works to a broader audience.

Jury Member Highlights

• - Janice Gross Stein has made significant contributions to the study of conflicts and public policy and is known for her focus on the interplay between technology and policymaking in the realm of global power competition.
• - John Bew has previously held influential advisory roles under several UK Prime Ministers and brings considerable governmental insights, especially concerning contemporary foreign policy challenges.
• - Francis J. Gavin is celebrated for his expertise in nuclear security policy and has played a pivotal role in shaping national and international security discussions.
• - Iain Martin enriches the jury with his journalistic background and critiques along with geopolitical discourse in globally relevant forums.
• - Nina Srinivasan Rathbun specializes in international security issues and has an extensive academic portfolio focused on treaties and agreements related to non-proliferation, contributing to discussions of peace and security.

Conclusion

The Lionel Gelber Prize continues to shine a spotlight on literature that tackles complex international topics, making the insights accessible to wider audiences. The 2025 jury's commitment to excellence and their diverse scholarly backgrounds reflect the evolving nature of international affairs, affirming literature's enduring power to inform and engage society's understanding of global issues.

As the jury approaches the final selection process, the anticipation for discovering which literary work will earn the prestigious recognition remains high, promising an exciting year for literature in international relations.