Sergey Radchenko Wins 2025 Lionel Gelber Prize for Insightful Cold War Analysis
On March 19, 2025, the prestigious Lionel Gelber Prize was awarded to Sergey Radchenko for his groundbreaking book, 'To Run the World: The Kremlin's Cold War Bid for Global Power'. This accolade recognizes the best English-language non-fiction book focused on international affairs, as determined by a jury of esteemed journalists, practitioners, and scholars from around the globe. The award, presented by the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, comes with a generous cash prize of $50,000 CAD.
Judith Gelber, the Chair of the Lionel Gelber Prize Board, hailed Radchenko’s work as highly impactful, pointing out how the book prompts a reevaluation of both the Cold War's historical events and contemporary Russian policies. "Sergey Radchenko has written a masterpiece. His insights into Kremlin decision-making during the Cold War era opened new avenues for understanding Russia's current geopolitical maneuvers," she stated.
Educated at the University of Cambridge, Radchenko currently holds the position of Wilson E. Schmidt Distinguished Professor at SAIS Europe. He has built a substantial reputation in the field of Cold War history, contributing extensively to discussions surrounding Soviet strategies and foreign policy. His analyses frequently feature in major publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.
In his award-winning book, Radchenko presents an intricate account that dives deeply into the psychology behind the Kremlin's strategies throughout various tumultuous times. From Stalin's territorial ambitions to Gorbachev's attempts to pivot Russia's international standing, the book vividly narrates how the Soviet Union's internal conflicts and aspirations challenged its quest for global hegemony.
The jury for the 2025 Lionel Gelber Prize was chaired by Janice Gross Stein, alongside members such as Francis J. Gavin and John Bew. Their evaluation noted the depth of research and compelling storytelling found within Radchenko’s publication, setting it apart from a highly competitive shortlist.
The shortlisted works included notable titles like 'Dollars and Dominion: US Bankers and the Making of a Superpower' by Mary Bridges and 'The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A., and the Origins of America's Invasion of Iraq' by Steve Coll. These selections further illustrate the diverse perspectives that enrich our understanding of international relations.
To celebrate Radchenko's achievement, a ceremony will be held on April 9, 2025, at the University of Toronto, offered in a hybrid format to allow for wider participation. Those interested in attending can register through the official Lionel Gelber Prize website, joining an audience eager to delve into the complexities of global politics.
This year marks the ongoing tradition of the Lionel Gelber Prize, established in 1989 by Canadian diplomat Lionel Gelber. It continues to honor works that foster understanding of complex international matters, inspiring readers and scholars alike to engage more deeply with the global political landscape.